18 Weeks

How far along? 18 weeks!

Due Date: February 3, 2011

Total weight gain/loss: +.5 this week, for a total of +2.

Maternity clothes? I wear my Bella Band all the time,

and have some maternity-esque tops that work well.

Sleep: Still having some super weird/vivid dreams,

but they haven't interfered with my sleep.

Best moment this week: Having Justin home early,

and being able to spend some QT together.

Movement: Lots of flutters, especially at night.

Food cravings: I could die for some Cold Stone!

Food aversions: Nothing really.

Gender: We should be able to find out on Sept. 17th!

Labor Signs: No.

Belly Button in or out? In.

What I miss: Being able to stay up late.

Last night I went to bed early and was asleep by 10.

What I am looking forward to: Our next ultrasound!

Milestones: This week I've felt what I'm pretty sure

is movement, more than ever before.

Thankful Thursday, and Today in Pictures

On this Thankful Thursday,

I am thankful

that Justin and I have jobs

that pay the bills

and allow us to live in our

sweet little house

and that because of those jobs,

we never have to wonder

where our next meal is coming from

or how our child will be provided for.

I don't always feel thankful

when I wake up at 6 o'clock in the morning,

drowsily shower and shovel down some cereal,

and hop in the car for my 45 minute commute.

But you know what?

I really am thankful.

I may not feel it

when I have to say goodbye

to my husband for a week or two at a time,

but I know that sometimes

that's what his job asks of him.

And for that --

for the jobs we have,

and the money in our account

that pays the mortgage, and the bills --

I am so thankful.


And on a different note....

today, I am thankful

for the beauty of nature.

I am thankful that our Earth was created

by a God who knew exactly

what he was doing,

and who crafted this world

in a way that only He could.

For the interesting shapes and colors in our backyard...

...for the curious creatures, whether they be tiny...

...or not-so-tiny...

...or somewhere in the middle...

...for the sweet little blue egg that never hatched...

...and the intricate nest where it rests...

For all these things and more, I am thankful.

17 Weeks

I've been slacking on the whole blogging thing lately,

I know. Sorry, readers!

Work has kept me busy from 8-4:30 every day,

and by the time I get home,

all I want to do is crash on the couch

and spend time with my love

(when he's home, of course!).

Plus, let's face it:

I've got baby on the brain.

It's hard to focus or think about much else right now,

and that has given me a bad case of

blogger's block. ha. :)

So, without further ado... here's my 17 week update!

***

How far along? 17 weeks

Due Date: February 3, 2011

Total weight gain/loss: still +1.5.

Maternity clothes? I just bought a couple items

on eBay, and can't wait to get them!

Sleep: Still sleeping well, but having weird/vivid dreams.

Best moment this week: Starting to look noticeably

pregnant, and having strangers start to notice.

Oh! We also have a breast pump and a bassinet now...

I know it's a little early, but hey - don't judge!

Movement: Still having "flutters."

Food cravings: Tonight it's ice cream.

Food aversions: Nothing really.

Gender: We should be able to find out on Sept. 17th!

Labor Signs: Way too early.

Belly Button in or out? In, of course.

What I miss: Fitting into my "cute jeans."

I love my baby and my belly,

but everything is so uncomfortable right now.

What I am looking forward to: Being able to

feel movement (aside from the little flutters),

and finding out if we're team pink or team blue.

Milestones: Suddenly I have a nice, round bump!

16 Weeks!

How far along? 16 weeks

Due Date: February 3, 2011

Total weight gain/loss: I lost .5 lbs this week,

for a total of +1.5.

Maternity clothes? Still using my Bella Band, but no

"real" maternity clothes just yet.

Sleep: I've been sleeping well and often.

Best moment this week: Hearing baby's heartbeat

at our last appointment. It was 150 and nice & strong!

Movement: Still having "flutters," but they are so light.

Food cravings: I really want some apple butter.

Food aversions: Nothing really.

Gender: We should be able to find out on Sept. 17th!

Labor Signs: Way too early.

Belly Button in or out? In, of course.

What I miss: Coffee.. but I know it's okay in moderation,

and I've already splurged once on a frappuccino. Yum!

What I am looking forward to: Finding out if baby is

a boy or a girl!

Milestones: We made the appt for our next ultrasound.

I can't wait for September 17th!

Stream of consciousness/Thankful Thursday

Lately, my life is a bit like a thrill ride

Where sometimes I want to get off

and just sit down and take a break,

but I can't.

Oh, it's not the pregnancy --

that's going extremely well.

Baby and I are both great as far as I know. :)

I'm 16 weeks today, actually,

and still feeling great!

But, work has been extremely busy

due to the fact that all the students

have just arrived on campus

(if you don't already know, dear readers,

I work at a state university).

Justin has been home a little more,

but his work is still really busy too,

and he has an interview today

for something else... so please pray!

Basically, we just have a lot going on.

Some good, some not as good-

but we are both still overjoyed

about the little blessing growing inside me.

And we are both so very thankful

for the things that have helped us get

to where we are today.

I can't wait to see where we'll be

in a year, 5 years, 10 years

from now.

I can't wait to see what God has in store for us.

And I am thankful for everything we have,

and everything yet to come.

15 Weeks

How far along? 15 weeks

Due Date: February 3, 2011

Total weight gain/loss: -2, for a total of +2.

Maternity clothes? I have been using my Bella Band,

and I love it! No "real" maternity clothes yet, though.

Sleep: The past couple days I haven't been feeling well

(I think it's a cold or a mild case of the flu.. yuck),

so I have been sleeping quite a bit.

Best moment this week: Getting to spend some

quality time with my sweet husband.

Movement: I'm still feeling those little "bubble pops."

I suppose you could call them flutters.

Food cravings: Cold things.. ice cream, etc.

Today I tried a McDonald's smoothie and it was great!

Food aversions: Nothing really.

Gender: We'll know in September!

Labor Signs: Way too early.

Belly Button in or out? In, of course.

What I miss: Being able to take cold/flu medicine. :(

What I am looking forward to: Finding out

if baby is a boy or a girl!

Milestones: I'm starting to look more pregnant,

but it still only looks like a baby bump

if I wear form-fitting clothes.

14 Weeks

How far along? 14 weeks

Due Date: February 3, 2011

Total weight gain/loss: +4, but it's been fluctuating a lot.

Maternity clothes? Not yet, but I can't button
my pants anymore; not even my comfy jeans!

Sleep: I have slept so much this weekend. I guess the
fatigue I thought was going away
is hitting me hard again!

Best moment this week: Celebrating 5 years of marriage
with my amazing husband (who bought me flowers!).

Movement: I've been feeling little "bubble pops"
that might be baby.. but it also might just be gas. ha!

Food cravings: I've been eating tons of
fresh strawberries!

Food aversions: Nothing really.

Gender: We'll know in September.

Labor Signs: Way too early.

Belly Button in or out? In, of course.

What I miss: Big, fat Starbucks lattes!

What I am looking forward to: Being able to feel kicks and punches. :)

Milestones: I think I'm finally starting to show!

(Sorry about the bad photo; it was taken with my cell phone.)