18 Week Belly Shot

Well, ladies and gentlemen, there you have it. An 18 week belly picture. I will try to add these weekly, or bi-weekly, now that it's a little more evident that I am pregnant, and not just in serious need of a diet!

18 Weeks Today

I finally had dinner with my good friend Candace last night. Some of you may remember her from the wedding - she and her boyfriend, Corky, are the ones who salsa danced at the reception. Anyway, we've been trying to get together for forever, and finally had a chance last night. I got to spill the beans in person, which I just love doing.

I tried to take an 18 week belly shot this morning, but the camera was out of batteries. I'll try again tonight and see if I can't manage something. It's amazing to me how much change there is in 18 weeks, even though I didn't start this as a skinny beanpole. My clothes are getting tighter and I may need to face reality a little sooner than I expected.

Here's what my book says about this week:

You might start to feel your baby moving around anytime now, which is a great way to take your mind off your bothersome back. Oh, my aching back! If you've uttered those words more than once this week, here's why: Your uterus, now about the size of a cantaloupe, is causing your body's center of gravity to shift, pulling the lower back forward and pushing the abdomen out. On top of all that, joint-loosening pregnancy hormones are wreaking havoc on your muscles and ligaments, adding up to one big ouch! But while your pregnancy back pain has got you tied up in knots, your baby's getting ready to bust a move. At five and a half inches long and five ounces in weight, he or she now may be large enough for you to feel him or her twisting, rolling, kicking, and punching his or her way around the womb. Plus, he or she is developing yawning and hiccupping skills (you may feel those soon, too!) and his or her very own unique set of toe and fingerprints.

It's hard to believe that in 2 more weeks, we'll be half way though this part of the experience. It's just crazy. I remember that initial shock of a positive pregnancy test like it was yesterday. Where does the time go?!?!

Update From the OB

I had my 3rd visit with the OB on Friday. My weight is fine, although I am still down a total of 4 pounds from when I started the process, so I did get a little lecture, but since I gained 1 pound from my last appointment 4 weeks ago, she wasn't too harsh. My blood pressure, which is either quite "text book" at 120 over 80, or totally ridiculous, was at 130 over 88. The nurse waited a few minutes, and even tried the other arm, but got the same number. So, I need to keep an eye on things. I am sure it's at least partially related to working 10 hour days 4 days a week.

The doc answered a few questions, and we talked about how I've been feeling, and then we heard the baby's heartbeat. It was a strong 150 beats per minute. She measured my tummy, and said everything looked and sounded great.

My next appointment is May 8th, and Chris will be coming with me, cause it's our big ultrasound one when we find out if we're having a girl, or a boy. We will ask the tech to seal the answer in an envelope and then we'll go to dinner and open it together. I figured it was a little more special and romantic that way. Guess it's the Pisces in me or something.

Anyway, baby and mamma are doing great. I am heading to Kohl's today with a gift card from Donna, and money from my dad, and a 20% off coupon to get some maternity clothes. Even my loose jeans are starting to get a little tight. I think by the end of the April, I won't be able to wear them anymore.

Family Photo

I've had 2 ultra sounds so far, and this is really the only picture where you might believe I am growing a baby, and not a peanut or a blob. Sorry it's not the best quality, but it's the best I can do. If you squint, and cross your eyes, you can see the baby's rib cage and spine and even both sides of the brain. I think you'd have to uncross your eyes to see the baby's mouth, but it's there, complete with eye (it was face down, so we got a side profile) and nose.

My 3rd OB appointment is this afternoon. I am not expecting any more ultra sounds til May, but that's the big one when we find out if it's a girl, or a boy.

P.S. If you double click on the photo, it opens it in another page, and makes it bigger!!

4 Months Today

I can't believe I am 4 months today - what the heck?!? How did that happen?!?!

Chris and I were out last week, and I looked and looked and looked at the maternity clothes at Target. I even tried a few things on. Most were too big. One looked horrible and I'd never leave the house in it. On one hand, I am thankful that I haven't gained any weight and that my regular clothes still fit. On the other hand, I want to actually feel pregnant, and I want to wear cute maternity clothes. Having had little to no morning sickness, having not yet felt the baby move, and having started this process over weight, it's hard, emotionally. I want to look pregnant. I want to feel pregnant. Lord knows in a month or so I'll be totally regretting that statement, but it's true. I suppose I have 5 more months to get as big as a house and have my ankles swell to the size of footballs.

I pre-registered for the hospital today, and I've been looking around at pediatricians, and day cares. Hey, they don't call me OCD for nothin!!