17 Weeks

Baby is now 5 ounces and 5 inches long. For someone who's that little it's sure spreading out in my body. He/she is sure making themselves at home. Still don't think I've felt movement, but as a first-time mom, I don't know what to look for. Definitely have some round ligament stretching throughout the day.

Sleep is now my enemy. I shuffle back and forth between my bed and the couch, but I mostly stick to the couch. I thought my new body pillow would help now that I can't sleep on my stomach, but no luck. I think I'm experiencing some restless leg (and arm) syndrome. It pisses me off because I'm only 17 weeks; still have 23 more weeks to go! I always suspected that because my first trimester was so easy I'd get payback with something else. Other than the sleep I really have no other complaints. The food cravings and ravenous appetite are no longer around, thankfully, because I'm trying not to gain 100 lbs by November.




Last weekend I went yard sale-ing for baby items and clothes. While I tried to pick up as much gender neutral as I could, I couldn't resist some of the decidedly boy and girl clothes. At practically free prices, I won't feel bad about not using something. Seeing the pile of baby clothes in the house makes me smile. Seems so surreal that in 5 months we'll have a little body here wearing these things.

Time seems to be ticking away pretty fast sometimes, and it's hitting me how much we have to do before November. This summer will be full of prepping the nursery, researching baby gear, scheduling maternity photos, and attending childbirth classes. It's a little daunting, but super exciting too. :)

No, I'm Not Having Twins

Contrary to what my mom and aunt-in-law (and a few random others) have said to me, no, just a singleton in there. Apparently my belly has popped sufficiently for people to guess. Even though it's not rounded out and still squishy it's there. Either my baby will be a giant or I will be. :-/

And let the unsolicited comments and questions roll in. I'm not sure what it is about a pregnant woman that makes strangers feel they can ask me pretty personal questions like if I plan on breastfeeding and other parenting choices. It's like some women are just waiting for the chance to attack to give me their expert judgmental opinion. I'm well aware of the mommy wars and the battles between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, co-sleeping and crib sleeping, babywearing, cloth diapers vs. disposables, SAHMs vs. working moms, etc.

I'm sure people mean well and just want to share in the joy of my impending motherhood, but it's hard to not feel scrutinized. Am I being judged for taking a sip of my husband's Diet Coke? Probs. "Should she really be eating that?" "You're not really eating for two, ya know..."  ::sigh:: Yes, I know.

16 Weeks

16 weeks! Just four more to halfway. Symptom-wise things are smooth. My food fixations are completely gone and I feel like I can make normal choices again ... ones of my own volition.

Sleeping is becoming a little rough, and I'm still crashing pretty early most of the week. Sadly I think it's the end of my tummy sleeping, which I'm devastated about; tummy sleeping was the easiest way for me to fall asleep. And I still somehow end up on my back, which is also against the rules.

My biggest complaint body-wise is that I feel like my back and other joints are rigid. Bending over is a chore already.

I had my 16 week midwife appointment Wednesday. I got to hear the little peanut's heartbeat again -- now in the 130s/140s (see video). The only negative? I'm already at a 10 lb. weight gain. I can't say I'm shocked -- after all, my appetite since week 5 has been incredible and let's just say I wasn't indulging in salads and steamed  veggies the past few months. I'm trying to focus on making better decisions now that I'm more in control of my cravings.

Our anatomy scan is scheduled for June 20 -- coincidentally our three year anniversary! <3

15 Weeks

While the food fixations have gone away, the one first tri symptom that hasn't is the fatigue. I operate pretty well during the day, but after dinner I'm fighting heavy eyelids. My husband makes fun of me for my geriatric bedtimes, but hey, I'm growing a human here.

Appearance-wise, people keep telling me I look pregnant now. I know it's still bump mixed with bloat and fat, but I'll take it. And to confirm strangers' "Is she? Isn't she?" looks, I tend to make a show of rubbing my belly.

I am already feeling like a slacker in getting ready for baby's arrival. I haven't purchased one thing or made any moves to clean out the guest room to become the nursery. We have a lot of attic and basement purging to do first, and then have to figure out what to do with husband's clothes.

We also have to figure out daycare once I go back to work in January. I don't even know the questions to ask a potential caregiver.

Unofficial Mother's Day

I feel a little bit like a fraud being celebrated with the rest of the moms with outside children, but I'm still grateful. My husband especially wanted to make this year special. Not only did he bring me home my favorite breakfast (Sausage and egg biscuit for the win!), but he presented me with flowers and a card and promises of a pedi.

This weekend also marks my first unsolicited belly rubs -- THREE of them. I'm guessing I must be showing a bit, or else I'm really overdoing it on the pizza these days.

Happy Mother's Day!

14 Weeks

SECOND TRIMESTER!! Even though it often felt like time was moving like molasses, I now can't believe I've hit second tri. From what I hear, second is the best -- your bump is evident, but not uncomfortable; you find out the sex; you start preparing and purchasing; your energy returns; you feel the first flutters and kicks. Ahh, can't wait!

Symptom-wise, no new developments. I can feel some stretching in my uterus, and I don't feel as agile as a couple of weeks ago, which doesn't bode well for third tri. I'm 40% in maternity clothes now. The bump still isn't as nicely rounded as I'd wish, but in most of my clothes I, IMO, look pregnant.

I'm still able to sleep on my belly; in fact it's the only way I can fall asleep these days. I may end up trying a body pillow to help get me on my side more, but I can't imagine there being enough room in our bed for that. :-/

I still wonder all the time about our baby. There are so many unknowns, and for someone as Type A as me -- not a good mix. Right now I'd be happy to just know the sex, but I have to wait another 6 weeks. The suspense is unbearable.

Baby is now the size of a lemon!

13 Weeks

Only 3 more days until second tri! I never thought I'd get to this point. The past 9 weeks seemed to last FOREVER. Almost one-third there! 

Symptom-wise, no big developments. Food fixations are coming back. You can say the name of a food item to me at 5:40 am and I can't get it out of my head until I eat it. I'm a food marketer's dream right now. I'm still craving a lot of tomato sauce things. Sometimes I get a candy craving. My sweet husband indulges me. Last Friday he brought me home a huge bag of peach rings and gummy worms. 

I'm 30% in maternity clothes now. I realize that's pretty early, but comfort is key, and I feel pretty uncomfortable in a lot of m pre-pregnancy clothes. At least with me buying/wearing maternity clothes this early, I'm bound to get my money's worth. 

The highlight of the week was making our Facebook announcement. I'm not a secret-keeper (my secrets anyway), so it's wonderful to be "out there." 

Baby is now the size of a peach and has fingerprints!