17 & 18 Weeks

A busy 2 weeks! The first shot is of my mom, sister and me in my parent's backyard over Mother's Day weekend (17 weeks) and the others are from 18 weeks before taking my mother-in-law out to dinner. I am wearing my brand new pair of maternity shorts that I would probably live in if someone let me. Why don't all article of clothing have stretchy bands?? Sure, we'd probably get huge and fat without realizing it but dammit we'd be comfortable!! Oh and the second picture is me with Mr. Max, one of my furry babies. He thinks he is a human child. Man, he is going to be in for a rude awakening!

I'll start off with the doctor's appointment last Monday. Everything was nice and healthy. Heard the heartbeat loud and clear. The doctor put the little microphone thingy (not a technical term I'm sure) on my belly and got the heartbeat on the first shot! I didn't get the official # and although it sounded much quicker than mine it didn't sound like it was racing. Not sure if that helps anyone in the boy vs. girl debate. I actually weighed in at only 4 more pounds so go me! I was telling my mom my appetite is not really all that different (or should I say not that much increased) and I had read in one of my books that you are usually hungrier with a boy. She said her appetite stayed the same with both my sister and me. Could it just be me? Could it be a sign? I was at 100% boy but now I am wavering a little, I won't lie. I digress.

The rest of the appointment went well. I met with a new doctor who patiently answered all of my questions and reassured me that taking Claritin everyday really is fine, my sleeping issues are normal and tylenol pm is perfectly fine and all of my previous blood work came back normal. He then gave me one of the things I was hoping for the most - the order for the ultrasound!! He asked that I wait a couple weeks and I obediently said yes and of course scheduled it almost 2 weeks to the day from when he gave it to me haha. Our appointment is next Tuesday (the 17th). I'll be polling everyone I know before then!

I flew up north on Thursday to visit my family. I would like to say that I had a very uneventful flight but that would be a lie. We had a terrible and turbulent descent & landing and I got horribly sick (without being graphic, no I didn't just FEEL sick; I WAS sick). The wonderful woman across the aisle from me handed me tissues and gum and was very sweet thank God. Of course I threw my pregnancy card on the table because you can't (well morally speaking) be mean to a pregnant lady. Other than that rough start, I had a fabulous weekend and it was SO great to finally see my mom and dad and give them great big hugs and have them rub my belly and give love to the baby. I got to spend so much time with my sister and nephew too. My nephew would pat my belly and say "hi baby" over and over again. It was one of the most adorable things I've ever witnessed. He is a freaking riot and I miss him already. It's so exciting to think of our baby and him playing together and in the future going to "Cousin Camp" (my mom's hilarious idea). Katie thinks if we have a girl that she'll be the boss but I don't know; Charlie bear has a pretty strong personality so we'll see! My mom, Katie and I went up to NYC to see my sister-in-law dance and Sunday, Friday was maternity shopping and Sunday went to Babies R Us and my sister gave me a ton of info on everything which was awesome. I wish I could have gotten to see some more friends but I did get a lot accomplished on my trip and came back happy but exhausted! It was just so great to spend so much time together. It always goes too fast.

Chris picked me up from the airport on Monday and we had our own little mother's day celebration. We went out to lunch and he gave me a really funny card and a beautiful necklace he picked out. We ran some errands and then went home and relaxed. All in all I had an absolutely perfect first mother's day! I can't wait until next year when I actually get to have the baby too haha.

The rest of the week is now flying by and here we are at 18 weeks, crazy! I can't believe in a couple weeks I'll be halfway through my pregnancy. Unbelievable. At the same time it seems like it is flying, it still seems so far away that we'll get to meet this little peanut. My pregnancy now is starting to be more and more enjoyable (physically speaking). I am still not sleeping 100% but it's much better than it was. I feel more energy. My belly is rounding out and looking actually pregnant. My hair looks so nice and healthy. I feel a bit more like myself! I am really enjoying being pregnant. That brings me to my letter...

Dear Baby,
I got to hear your heartbeat again. That always makes your mama so happy. I think from time to time I might feel you moving but I'm not sure if it's just wishful thinking. I have your daddy lay his head on my belly and I ask him if he can hear anybody haha so far not so much! I wonder when you like to move the most. I wonder if you're sucking your thumb like some of the books say. I cannot wait to see you again on your ultrasound so I can see those adorable arms and legs and that precious noggin. Of course we're hoping to see (or not see) something else too so please don't get too modest on us! We really cannot wait to call you our son or daughter instead of just "the baby." I was talking to your Aunt Katie the other day about how emotional it made me to think of you as my son or my daughter. It made you so very real. It made me proud of you already! I imagine I'll probably be that embarrassing mom in the bleachers yelling for you the loudest. You won't mind, right? Well, maybe when you're a teenager. Geez, a teenager?? I don't want to jump that far ahead. I am content to just think of you as a wee little thing snuggling in my arms. I like to just think of the time when you, your daddy and I will all be together. Our own little family. Your daddy said he really missed us when we were gone. I like that there is an "us." I love having you with me as my companion. Well my little one, I'm sure the next letter to you will be about how excited we are to find out if you are a little girl or boy. Until then I'll savor the anticipation of it all!

All my Love,
Mama