Heartbeat and 16 Weeks

I went to the doctor this week - finally! It always seems to take forever between appointments in the beginning. By the end, though, you feel like you might as well get a sleeping bag and pillow because you live at the OB/GYN's. It is difficult in the beginning when you aren't feeling little feet kick or little elbows jab, though. The only reassurance is hearing a heartbeat through a little instrument in a sterile, white room at a doctor's office. When it's over, you count down the days until it happens again.


The baby's heartbeat was between 148 and 150. With Deviney, it was 142 at week 16. Since we aren't finding out the gender of the baby, you'll have to start guessing. Old wives will tell you a hear rate like that means girl. Old wives are sometimes wrong, though.


This week the doctor did say my weight gain needed to slow down a bit (9 lbs in 15 weeks). Whoops! Truthfully, it's not much different that the pattern with my first pregnancy. I came out strong gaining a lot of weight early on then slowed by the end. She seemed fairly confident I would have a similar experience this time but did warn that she'd have to keep an eye on me. Hey! I can't help that I have an avocado-sized human demanding food all day! I suppose I can help, however, going for a second serving of oreo pie or skipping a daily walk.

I read that this week the baby is starting to grow toenails. Every once in a while, reading something like that really causes me pause. I painted Deviney's toenails this last week. Pink, in fact. It's hard to think that this growing, forming baby is making the same toenails that I could one day be painting on the bathroom floor (unless we have a boy... in which case I will try to refrain).

15 Weeks!

I never really think I look very big until we take the weekly timeline picture. I might have been better off to do these with my shirt pulled down.

So this marks the 15th week of pregnancy and I will be going to the doctor this week (finally!). I get so excited for doctor's appointments until about the night before when I remember they are going to weigh me. I could live without that part. It should be a law that pregnant women are not allowed to look at the scale - all weighing is done facing the opposite direction. I laugh at myself because I always take off my shoes before getting on the scale, even when I am wearing flip-flops. I thought it was (maybe a little) absurd until I saw someone else do it the last time I had an appointment. Phew - I'm not the only crazy one.

There's not much new to report this week, except that this belly keeps growing! It might have something to do with the fact that the only things I want to eat include: ice cream, chocolate, cereal, chocolate, candy, pop tarts, chocolate, and sometimes fruit (covered in chocolate). Oh, and I want to eat those things ALL the time. I seriously had hunger pains 2 hours after eating a bowl of cereal today. I blame the baby, which is one of the perks of being pregnant.

After much discussion, Drew and I have decided not to find out the sex of the baby. I know, I know - you are disappointed. You can be angry with me because to be honest, I did most of the discussing... Drew eventually just caved. Poor guy - he knew he never stood a chance. I love surprises and I really do feel like not finding out with our first was the best surprise I have ever had in my life. I am certain I will feel the same way about this one.

Oh, and to add to that - we won't be sharing our name choices, either. Just imagine all the surprises you have to look forward to in December.... right?

14 Weeks = Trimester 2!

I keep reading that by about now, pregnancy fatigue typically subsides. I say that's a lie. Either that or I continue to use pregnancy as an excuse for falling asleep on the couch, yawning during the day, and begging to sleep in (when my daughter is clearly calling for "MOOOOMMMMY!" in the morning).

It's beyond me why I forget so much about being pregnant from the first time. The timing of things, the stages, the "rules" (but don't worry, I am not drinking)... In a lot of ways, I am glad I had a blog for Deviney, though I could live without the reminder of how much bigger my belly is week-by-week this time around.

One thing I don't forget, though, is the wait. Waiting to see the doctor again, waiting to hear the heartbeat, waiting to know everything was going well, waiting to feel relief. My next doctor's appointment isn't until the 24th and it feels like a lifetime away. I used to think they had it all backwards - weekly appointments should happen in the early stages of pregnancy and then by the end you could go every 4 weeks or so. Evidently, doctors know a little more on the subject than I do.

13 Weeks: If the Shoe Fits....

...Then it won't fit by the end of the week. In my case, however, it was a dress. Packing for a 4-day trip for an out-of-town wedding was not easy, especially when "in-between" regular clothes and maternity. I thought I had planned appropriately when I tried on the dress less than a week before the event. I actually thought it was big! Joke was on me, though, when the day came and the zipper screamed at me. I guess there's no denying it now - it's time for maternity clothes.

I pretend like it bothers me but in all honesty, I love being pregnant. I am one of those women that make other women mad. I usually feel great, I don't experience the awful symptoms others do, and - truth be told - I LOVE the belly. Don't be surprised if you see me in a bikini this summer at the pool or on the boat. I have no shame. I also don't mind people touching my belly or talking to my baby. In fact, I love it (unless you are a creepy stranger at the grocery store or a baseball game).

People frequently ask if Deviney understands she is going to be a big sister. If she is asked what is in mommy's belly, she will gladly tell you it's a baby. Although, she did point at her daddy's belly the other day and exclaimed, "BABY!" as she does to me (I think it's a bit early for the "birds and the bees" talk). She seems to be very excited when she sees other babies and she does not get upset or worked up when I hold another. I am fairly confident she has no idea she is going to be a big sister or that her world will get flipped upside down in December, but I cross my fingers the surprise will be a good one for her.