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! 

The Reveal

Well, Baby Brink is finally Facebook official! I was so nervous to post our photo announcement -- for two reasons. What if something awful happens? That's a ton of people to untell. And also, what if no one comments or is happy for us?! (Why yes, I am a Paranoid Polly.)

Thankfully we received a ton of likes and comments in just an hour. Whew!
And here are some pics from our reveal session: