18 weeks

Well I have this tend of being late but as long as I get it done that's all that matters, right? This week excuse: vacation!  Worked out to be a babymoon I guess, or as close as we'll probably get to one. It was visiting the mother in law in the Caribbean and the sister in law was there too. Def a good time but I don't know if a babymoon is technically supposed to be alone time. The only other time off we really have (semi) planned is Thanksgiving to go visit my family and friends. We'll see if a 7 hour road trip at 36 weeks pregnant is a good idea when it comes closer.

Anyway, this vacation was probably well timed. I definitely had to refrain from a few activities I may I have done otherwise (example: jet skiing), but I was still able to carefully do most of the things I wanted. The family recognized that I am showing so I was glad about that. As did strangers- on a boat... In a bathing suit... With the family rubbing my belly and referencing baby.. But it counts!

I've decided that what I thought was fetal movement was in fact baby!  It is often and regular enough that it can't be just digestion. Its so fun and I can't wait till they get stronger and more noticeable. Also for when they can be felt from the outside. Right now I would describe them as feeling like when your abdomen twitches or has a spasm.

In just 1 week from today I will finally have the anatomy scan!!! So exciting! And even more special, my mom will be here. Like I think I've mentioned before, I'm not sure if they allow family in the room which sucks, but we'll have to see how it works.
I think it will make it all that much more real. And we can finally talk seriously about names. I think its going to be tough so we need get started asap.  I think they'll also go over the results of the 1st/2nd trimester screening. They said they would only call if there was a reason for concern and I haven't received a call. I also checked the lab results online and the description of all the analysis sounded great so that's very reassuring.  Now we just have to wait! Maybe I'll conveniently be another day late for next week's update so I can reveal the BIG news!!

17 weeks

Ha! I didn't forget! You did not get a mid week update because my appointment was uneventful. I was so disappointed that I didn't get the ultrasound I was expecting. The wait was long it built my anxiety, then the disappointment, then I had to go to the lab where they were so backed up it took 2 hours. I literally cried it was so frustrating.  The doctor used a Doppler and listened to the heartbeat, she said it was good. She doesn't know I have a Doppler which is why that was as exciting as it might otherwise be. Luckily the anatomy scan isn't too far away. Just about 2 weeks now.  It will be fun because my Mom will be in town and will get to come too. She seemed pretty excited about that as well. I guess I can survive the wait. I'm just grateful that the baby continues to be healthy. The reason for the lab visit was to do the second part of the genetic screening. With these two tests they will call me only if there's anything of concern. So I hope I don't hear anything!

I went back down half of the pound I gained since losing 8. The doctor was concerned cause she thought I lost 11 pounds.  I think I should expect to start going up again soon. The baby should be about 5-5.5 inches by now. That's like the size of your hand! They grow up so fast... Haha. Movements are continuing but nothing that has assured me that its definitely baby and not just gas. Still waiting for that one distinctive kick.  And instill havent popped into a round pregnant belly, but I think I look huge and purchased some Bella Bands cause none of pants my pants really close well. We are going on vacation in the morning so I'm really excited to get away for a week. We will be staying with the mother in law and my sister in law will be there too. It will be a lot of fun. They are the first ones to see me that don't see me everyday like hubby and my coworkers. So I hope it looks obvious to them that I'm bigger because if they can't remember that I wasn't always this fat that will suck haha.
Anyway, I intend to write next week, but cut me some slack if I forget or am late... I'm on vacation!

16 weeks

Well I felt like I had an excuse for last week... it was the 4th of July, we were both home from work,   But yesterday, nope, no excuse. Biggest news this week has been that I announced to my boss at work.  From there, my teammates and now the whole department knows.  I have received such a positive, supportive response, its really great.  I'm so happy to share this joy with those around me.  I admit its still nerve wracking to be telling people.  I have had the best pregnancy, but I can't help but shake off that last bit of nerves about the possibility of something going wrong.  I know that normal and I am making the biggest effort to enjoy every minute of my pregnancy.  Beyond the office I have also told other friends that I am not as in touch with as the first round of people, but still people I wanted to tell personally.  I made a point of telling pretty much everyone I wanted to tell myself because I plan on announcing on Facebook on Monday.  We finally have another appointment on Monday and I'm really hoping that that we will find out the gender!  the last ultrasound/appointment was at 10 weeks if you can remember that far back.  So almost 2 months later we'll find get to see baby again!  The most important part is that we see a healthy baby, but at this point, it is very plausible that the anatomy should be distinguishable.  If not though, I already have the official anatomy scan scheduled for August 2nd. So that's the latest we should have to wait to know.  This will allow us to seriously talk about names.  We've mentioned a few and talked a little, but nothing decisive. So exciting!!

As far as symptoms go, well, I'd say my appetite has improved, however still not perfect.  Peeing more than ever. Sleeping was becoming difficult because I was not that comfortable to lie on my stomach and you can't lie flat on your back, so I had to stay on my side.  I have slept on my side in the past, but not for an entire night without switching it up.  It was really painful for my shoulders.  I have since purchased a Snoogle pillow.  Its only been a few days but I think its really helped.  It would really help for sleeping on my side, but my heartburn has prevented me from using it that way.  Its also been really nice for sleeping on my back with an incline.  Its safe, comfortable, and helps with the heartburn.  I haven't lost weight the last couple weeks, but my gain has been very reasonable, approximately a pound. So we're at 8lbs down, 1lb up.  I've continued to stay active so I'm hoping I keep my overall gain very healthy.  While I haven't gained much, I can definitely tell I'm bigger.  For the most part, my coworkers have said they can't tell, which I'm not surprised.  I'm in that awkward stage where I just look fatter I think.  I haven't "popped" yet.  Regardless, my pants don't fit well, and my stomach is just plain bigger.  Since I wasn't skinny before, I'm not surprised that people that see me everyday didn't notice as the subtle changes took place.  When you look at the comparison from the beginning though, I think its clear that I'm already bigger.

Sorry for the poor quality, I just took a picture of the camera screen to show a friend and I haven't uploaded the pictures onto the computer yet.

Anyway, that's all for now.  Maybe this week you'll be lucky and get a double post.  I owe you an awesome update on Monday that at least consists of a healthy update, some new pictures, and a gender reveal if we're lucky!  I've said it before, but I'm sticking with my BOY guess for now.  The chances are 50/50 so I like my odds.  We'll see. I AM BECOMING MAMI!!! :-)