How am I feeling? I still feeling really good. I really am. I’m starting to wonder why people have such a problem with being pregnant. While there are moments when I think, “my body is doing WHAT?” It’s still pretty great that I’m here. I was actually thinking about this a lot lately. My body is growing a human. A little being that will be all mine and it’s because of my husband and I that this is possible. It’s just a little strange. I mean, I wanted to be here, we worked very hard to get here, but being here and thinking about what’s actually happening is really amazing. Can you believe it? What a miracle.
I have been battling another head cold that has now been around for a week, but before that it was here before Christmas. I'm over being sick and being pregnant. Basically the only thing that I'm able to take is Tylenol Cold and Tylenol. Tylenol Cold is a joke. It's like drinking juice and does NOTHING for a head cold. It stinks. I actually had to take a sick day this week just to rest and feel better about everything. I'm still not 100% but it's getting a little better.
I am about 18 weeks and 6 days now and I’m still waiting to feel the little Sprout move around. I know that it doesn’t always happen at the same time for everyone, but seriously, I’m getting anxious. Part of the problem is that I’m not really sure what to expect. I’m sure that when it’s here, I’ll be like, “OHHHHHHH, I’ve been feeling that for weeks,” but who knows. I’ve been told the whole “butterfly flutter” bs and the “gas bubble” idea too; however, the one that sounds most reasonable is the “hollow flick” idea. I think this one sounds like the best description, or at least I hope.
When we went to the doctor last week, the baby was moving around like a champ and it made me think that I surely should feel something moving around. I mean, for heaven’s sakes, it’s IN MY BODY and MOVING AROUND and I CANNOT FEEL ANYTHING yet? I don’t get it. I will happen, I know that it will. And from what I’ve been told, I may regret being so anxious for the movement. Someone told me that their baby will wake them up at night based on movement and keeps them awake. I’m not sure I’m ready for all of that, but still… ready for something!
Below you will read about how to lay and all of that mumbo-jumbo... I've asked my doctor about this and she just said to let your body tell when it doesn't feel right. Tuesday night (the night of the Sugar Bowl) was really bad for my back. Remember how I said my sciatic nerve is bothering me and I'm thinking about going to a chiropractor for it, well last night convinced me.
Weight: I believe that this is the first week that I’ll admit gain. When I went to the doctor I was 3 lbs up and I’ve stayed 2 pounds up from my start weight since that appointment. So we’ll call that my first 2 lb gain for this pregnancy. Some women think that I’m crazy for being almost ½ way through and only 2 lbs up, but you have to remember that pre-pregnancies I had gained all of my Weight Watchers weight back. So, I like to tell people that my body already had some extra weight to work with and it didn’t need to add on because of that, just yet.
I know that my time for gaining is around the corner and will be something that I’m going to regret talking about now, but it’s what’s going on… So I’m just putting it down so I don’t forget.
Food: Food still has its ups and downs but it's not nearly as bad as it once was. I still don't like the sounds of certain items, but they don't hinder me from eating.
Doctor’s appointments: Last week we went to try to find out the gender during our anatomy scan, but it didn't work out. So, we're going again on Saturday to do another scan and hopefully find out what's floating around in there! I'm very much looking forward to it! It's fun talking to my husband about what we think it is or what we would want to have first (aside from a very healthy baby). We're both excited to know what we're having. It'll just be fun to know what we're having, plus we can give it a name too!
Names are something that we've worked on for years. As most of you probably remember, my husband is a teacher and figuring out names with him is nearly impossible. We have spent many years sending emails back and forth about names that he finds and names that I find until we find the names that work. We've had out boy name for about 4 or 5 years now and we haven't budged on it at all. We love it and we can't wait to use it. Our girl name is a family name that we've amended to be a little more modern and allow for it to have its own nickname. We're very excited to use both and we're pretty confident that no one in my mess of friends who are pregnant will use one of our names either.
So, just to clarify. We plan on sharing the gender status, but we plan to keep our names to ourselves until the little Sprout is here. And yes, I plan to share this information with the blog.
This week’s events: First, we find out the gender! That's huge! Second, I started another quarter in school and I'm excited to get this class under my belt. I'm sure it's going to be an easy A, just have to get it going.
Aside from that, we're starting to get back into eating better and making more meals at home. When I was doing weight watchers, we were cooking all of the time and we're hoping to do some more of that so we continue to be healthy.
As you read a few days ago, I'm also starting to go back to the gym. I don't do anything crazy, but still going is key. I usually spend about 30 to 45 minutes doing cardio and that's about it. I've done some weights here and there, but nothing major.
This weekend, I'm helping host my friends baby shower and I'm excited to see this one come together! It's been a work in progress and will be fun to finally see all the planning play out.
Oh I forgot to mention that between the Dec 29 & 30th I had 3 friends have their babies. We had a Charlotte, Spencer and a Henry born just before the New Year! Haven't met any of them yet, but plan to once this cold passes! Very exciting! The next round will be in March. I should have about 3 friends due around the same time... Crazy but so exciting!
Update from “The Bump” & “Baby Center”:
Baby Center: How your baby's growing: Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.
Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing: Hungry? An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow.
Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure will probably be lower than usual. Don't spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.
From now on, when you do lie down, it's best to lie on your side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort.
If you haven't already had a second-trimester ultrasound, you'll probably have one soon. This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking his thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album!
Afternoon energy booster "If you're finding it hard to get through the afternoon at work without a little nap, find a place you can escape for 15 to 20 minutes (close your office door, use a conference room, even sit in your car). Bring a small travel alarm clock and set it for 15 minutes." — Laura
This Week's Activity: Look into childbirth classes. The best and most popular ones fill up fast so start your search now. Classes vary quite a bit in their approach. Some are spread out over several weeks, while others are as short as a day. Your hospital probably offers classes, but you may want to take a specialized class elsewhere.
The Bump: Baby's now the size of a sweet potato! Baby's become amazingly mobile (compared to you, at least), passing the hours yawning, hiccupping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking, and swallowing. And baby is finally big enough that you'll soon be able to feel her movements.
[ tip ] Now that baby can hear what's going on outside the womb, it's time to get out the tunes. Her faves? Classical, lullabies, new age...and anything else that resembles your own thumping heart (about 60 beats per minute).
