Week 19

We found out this week that the baby is a little girl! Yay for finally being able to narrow down a bit what we will buy for the baby. Andrea came for a visit and really helped me  start the process of looking at furniture, plus different fabrics for curtains.  I am really grateful to have such great friends.

For our 19 week visit, we were told the gender, but they also checked on the baby overall (length, weight, spinal cord, head circumference, etc). Initially, we were seen by a nurse and she took tons of pictures of the baby from all kinds of different angles. It seemed like she didn't even have to move the thingy around that much, since the baby was basically doing front/back flips the whole time. The nurse was doing a lot of typing and not saying a whole lot, which initially made me worried. I finally asked her to explain, and she reassured us that the doctor would go over everything in more detail but that it all looked great. Then, after about what seemed like forever, she finally magnified the screen to make out the genitalia. She immediately said "girl" and then drew a large arrow with the words "It's a girl!" written across.  See below (bottom picture):

FYI: Doing a lot better with sleeping, however, I need to purchase one of those big body pillows to help me start sleeping on my side. My whole life I've been more of a side sleeper, but I guess the added pressure on my back has made me want to revert to my back now. Which is not good, since it's not recommended to sleep on your back after 19-20 weeks, since the pressure of the baby will weight on arteries and slow the blood flow to you and the baby's heart.

Also, can I say, I really miss being able to have wine or beer. It's gotten easier, but I am really looking forward to a nice big glass of red wine.

How far along: 19 weeks

Weight gain: not sure, I would guess 3 pounds

Maternity clothes: No new purchases this week. Think I'm good for now.

Stretch marks: none

Bellybutton- in or out? it's still laying flat and normal

Engagement ring- on or off? still wearing it!

Sleep:  better

Best moment this week? finding out the gender

Movement: I 've been feeling little air bubbles, which I think is the movement.

Food craving: fruit, cereal, and yogurt

Gender? GIRL!

Labor signs? thankfully, no

What I miss?  beer and wine this week

What I'm looking forward to? Finding out the gender soon

Emotions:  Pretty stable and happy

Week 18

Officially into week 18 and that much closer to figuring out the gender of that baby. Along with that benchmark, have come a lot of changes. For one, I can say I am officially showing a "bump." I'm still  within that range though were I think people who don't know are afraid to ask me about it. Upon finding out, one of the ladies at work told me that she actually thought I was finally putting on some "much needed pounds" and someone said, "oh, I thought I just happened to keep seeing you immediately after you'd eaten a nice-sized lunch." But, yes, it felt so gooood to finally announce the news at work.  I work with all women and I couldn't imagine a more warm and supportive environment. With that being said, one of the ladies recommended I rent one of those heart monitor things. At first I thought it would be a little weird and excessive, but we've actually had a really good time using it. I've attached one our recordings of the heart beat below if you choose to listen. If so, fast forward to second 42 to actually hear the heartbeat.

Baby Heartbeat-4.m4a

I finally purchased some pregnancy pants and it has made the world of difference. I was surprised to see that Goodwill actually had a nice little section, in which I found one pair, and then I bought the other three from Old Navy, Gap, and Target. I was surprised by how many chain stores actually offered a maternity clothes online. On the downside, I have started struggling with sleep. In my whole life, I've never had any issues with sleeping through the night and even have trouble watching a movie after 8 because I usually fall asleep. But recently, I've been unable to get to bed any earlier than 2am and once I do, its a very slight sleep in which I wake up at least every hour or so. I've read online and in my books that its pretty typical at this stage and its usually due to hormones and stress. I would agree with the stress for sure. Hence, I made my way to first prenatal yoga class last Tuesday and found it to be AMAZING. The instructor was great and it the class was super relaxing and just awesome. I thought it would be similar to regular yoga just with come accommodations, but instead the instructor set the room up like a spa retreat with blankets, candles and a elevated pillow/backrest on each mat that I can only best describe as a yoga recliner. I cannot wait to go back!

How far along: 18 weeks

Weight gain: not sure, I would guess 3 pounds

Maternity clothes: Yes! Three pairs of pants and man, does it feel good.

Stretch marks: none

Bellybutton- in or out? it's still laying flat and normal

Engagement ring- on or off? still wearing it!

Sleep:  poor
Best moment this week? yoga class

Movement: I felt what I think was a kick

Food craving: my fruit obsession continues, nothing new.

Gender? Not yet

Labor signs? thankfully, no

What I miss? being able to get a good night's sleep

What I'm looking forward to? Finding out the gender soon

Emotions:  Pretty stable and happy

Week 16

Hello all,

I am finding myself really enjoying writing this blog. It's been a great place for me to process some of my thoughts/feelings, but it has also helped to make me feel connected to you guys although most of you are so far away:(  FYI I am chowing down on pickles, as I write this. I guess its true what they say......

Gallagher and I went for our 16 week appointment with one of the other doctors. Ours wasn't available, plus I think they want you to meet all of the doctors there since there is no guarantee you'll actually have your primary one for the delivery. We didn't get to find out the gender, but will at our next appointment on the 22nd with a third doctor. The whole appointment was kind of a disappointment since they won't do anymore ultrasounds because insurance won't pay for it. So once they determine the gender on the 22nd, we won't be able to see the baby until birth (unless we decide to pay out of pocket or there is a medical need). Bummer for us....it was so cool to see it developing. We did get to hear the heartbeat, though. 

I cannot wait to find out!  I feel like it'll make things so much easier as far as finally being able to  pick stuff out and deciding on a name. As for girls names, we've narrowed it down to about 5-6. I figure that if it's a girl, I might just wait until its born and then see which name seems to fit the best. As for boys names, we've decided on one....

All in all, not much else to report.....

How far along: 16 weeks and 3 days

Weight gain: 1-2 pounds

Maternity clothes: none so far, but I did invest in some more tights since that's practically all I want to wear anyways.

Stretch marks: none

Bellybutton- in or out? it's still laying flat and normal

Engagement ring- on or off? still wearing it!

Sleep: Noticed that I woke up a few times feeling hot, even though it was freezing outside.

Best moment this week? finding out that Congress has passes a law that will allow for breast pumps and other related things to be tax-deductible. From what I read, they can cost on average $1000/year.

Movement: None yet.

Food craving: fruit, fruit, and more fruit (especially pineapple). Pickles and frozen yogurt, too.

Gender? Not yet

Labor signs? thankfully, no

What I miss?

What I'm looking forward to? Feeling that first kick.

Emotions:  Tough week. Not sure if its going back to work and missing friends a lot, but I was  mess. Poor Gallagher,  bless his soul.