Week 20 - Half Way to Baby!

This week marks the half-way point and I couldn't be more excited! My, how the time has passed. It really does seem like yesterday that we found out we were going to have another baby.

I intentionally delayed my post this week in anticipation of the ultrasound I had today. What I wouldn't give to have one of those machines at home to play with every day! Everything went very well and the tech as well as the doctor said that so far the baby looks perfect! Heart chambers, liver, kidneys, stomach, fingers, toes all seem to be in their proper positions and functioning as expected. We of course thought the baby looked beautiful and I felt certain there was some resemblance to Deviney. His/Her heartbeat measured at 135 and it appears he/she weighs around 11 oz - right in line with where it should be. My due date remains 12/10/11 (thank Goodness!). The tech was careful not to show us any indication of gender, although she admitted she knew. Unlike with Deviney, now there is at least one person in this world that knows what we are having!

I also went to the doctor last week for my 4-week check-up. My blood pressure was fine and the doctor said nothing this time about my weight (although perhaps she should have). At this appointment, the baby's heartbeat was between 145-146. Just like Deviney, this baby is going to keep us all guessing gender until December!

Alas, we now have 6 pictures and 6 videos to admire. I am not afraid to admit I have looked them all over more than 5 times since 3pm today.

19 Weeks, Albeit late (again)

Once again, I have been delayed in posting for this week. I'd love to say I had a good excuse but honestly, I don't. We traveled over the weekend and for some reason I must need an entire week to recover.

I had an ultrasound last week. It was a quick one - the "real" ultrasound will be next week. Nonetheless, I got to see the baby and get a few pictures! Undeniably one of the most beautiful babies anyone has seen. At quick glance, I saw all arms and legs, a sweet little heartbeat, and very active karate-like moves. When I told the tech I hadn't yet been feeling movement, she laughed and said, "You certainly will soon! This baby is kicking and moving like crazy!".

...And she was right because it was only a day or two later that I started feeling him/her. It doesn't happen very often and I have to be paying very close attention, but there is no mistaking it this time around. The difference with baby number 2, I think, is that I have a lot less "quiet time" and moments I am sitting quietly still. I am not working at a desk all day or making a 30 minute commute back and forth to work 2 times each day. I sometimes have to force myself to sit and pay attention. I have to tell you - when it does happen, it's just as exciting as it was the first time around. It still makes me giggle every time.

Deviney continues to tell people there is a baby in my belly, but every once in a while tries to tell me she has one, too. I suppose it has to be confusing to her, especially because she is happy to tell you, too, that what daddy has in his belly is beer. Unfortunately for her, when this baby comes she will be the big sister of a needy, squirmy, loud, messy little girl/boy in December... as opposed to that bottle of beer she is imagining in her daddy's belly.

18 Weeks!

I made the mistake of getting on the scale a few days ago. I recommend all pregnant women throw away their scale. At least until about 6 months AFTER your baby is born. Yikes.

I get opposing comments - either, "I couldn't tell when you were pregnant at all!" and, "So, when are you due?" I have to be honest, I like it better when people ask my due date. That is, of course, because I am actually pregnant (I've heard horror stories about that question being asked at the wrong time). I really would prefer that people realize there is a 7 oz, 5 1/2 inch baby in that belly.

A common question people ask when you are pregnant is what you are craving. I think it changes daily - scratch that, hourly - for me. Recently it has been Pringles potato chips. I can't tell you the last time I bought them (until last Thursday). So there's those and, well, anything sweet. It doesn't matter the time of day. And let me tell you, an apple will not replace a craving for a jelly-filled donut from Tim Horton's.

17 Weeks. Well, Technically....

... So I am a little late posting this week. Normally, I try to post on day 2 of the week (Sunday) but between the Holiday weekend, a broken air conditioner, and a busy toddler's social calendar, I have become delayed. So to be technical, this is week 17 and 1/2.

This week, someone asked me my due date. This means I am on the verge of just being pregnant instead of "maybe just fat?". Anyone who has ever been pregnant before knows what a fantastic milestone this is!

I also thought I was going to get away with having no symptoms, pains, or real ailments with this pregnancy but I have been mistaken. Though it's not unbearable, lower back pain has begun to settle in, likely influenced by picking up a 23 lb child throughout the day. I am certainly on my feet and more active with this pregnancy (not always by choice!) than I was with the first. Difficulty sleeping has also recently started, which could be due to pregnancy or due to lack of air conditioning in 90 degree temperatures... or a combination thereof. Either way, I have been waking throughout the night and wanting to doze all throughout the day. (Luckily the air conditioner was fixed today so I cross my fingers for a better night tonight)

I have not yet started to feel the baby kick, though I expect that to happen soon. When I was pregnant with Deviney it was not until week 19 that the "flutters" started for me. And, as with Deviney, I am being terribly impatient and wishing it every day. Feeling a baby kick and move - no matter what your pregnancy has been like - has to be one of the most amazing, rewarding, and exciting things to experience. It's really indescribable and surreal. In a lot of ways, it makes me sad to think this will be the last time I will get to experience it.