Stubborn Baby!

Well, I was hoping to have some exciting news to share everyone, but baby decided to be stubborn. We went in for our 18 week ultrasound this afternoon and the baby was happy resting in it's little nook in my uterus and would not move from that spot! Baby wiggled, sucked its thumb, waved, smiled, and then happily went back to sleep... So unfortunately we were not able to determine the baby's gender because baby kept his/her legs crossed the whole time! Guess that's why they call it the fetal position!

The ultrasound technician did say that based on what she was able to see, she thinks we're having a girl, but we shouldn't go out shopping just yet! My midwife also said that based on what organs they were able to see, baby looks healthy, proportionate, and is growing perfectly so that's a good thing.

We're going back in about 2 weeks on May 15 when baby is bigger, so hopefully baby will cooperate then...

17 weeks...

Last week was spring break in Guilford County and I thoroughly enjoyed resting, cleaning, relaxing, and getting things done. My mom and I went on a girls trip to Charleston, SC at the end of the week. We went to the new Charleston Aquarium, Folley Beach and surf shops, Tanger Outlets, Citadel Mall, and visited downtown. Below is a picture of me with the penguin that didn't want his picture taken!

The weather in Charleston was absolutely amazing, but very windy. The aquarium is located right on the river in downtown Charleston and had amazing views. Here is a picture of my mom with her new froggy friend!


Now the moment you have been waiting for... Remember that tank top I had on in my 8 week picture? Here is a picture of me in that tank top now! Needless to say, I will not be wearing that shirt out in public for fear of exposing myself.

Of course I had to do the "hands on my belly" shot. I'm amazed at how my body is changing and growing, and the best part is I have an excuse to go shopping every month for new clothes! What woman doesn't love to shop!

Today I am 17 weeks, 3 days and feeling wonderful! I'm having trouble sleeping, but my pillow fort is helping out a little bit. I may have to give in a purchase a snoozer body pillow to help me sleep, but that can wait a little longer. I believe I feel the baby move at times, but what I feel is the same fluttering sensation I felt at 13 weeks and my doctor said that it probably wasn't the baby. I have an appointment next week for my 18 week ultrasound and I'll ask my midwife then because doctors don't know what they're talking about anyway!

Also, at at school I have passed the pregnant bug around because 2 other women are pregnant as well! We're all about 4-5 weeks apart and my baby will arrive first. It's nice having other women to talk to about pregger issues and to be pampered by my wonderful colleagues!

FAQ

For those of you that don't see me on a regualar basis, here is a list of commonly asked questions and answers!

Q: Are you having any cravings?
A: Not really. I crave salty foods and instead of adding extra salt on to my food, I've chosen to buy saltier food items. My favorites so far has been pretzals, Lays potato chips, and butter popcorn. That may not sound to salty to some of you, but Ray and I have cut salt out of our diet, so pretzals are extremely salty to me! I do crave the occasional sweet item (banana pudding ice cream) but since sweet items are "empty calories" I try to avoid those and eat some fruit instead...

Q: Have you noticed any weight gain?
A: I've gained some weight yes, but I've noticed myself getting wider in general. Parts of me are getting bigger, but so far I don't have any complaints about the changes and Ray loves it as well! I've always been muscular and on the smaller side so it's been an adjustment getting bigger, but knowing that I am doing this all for my child is an amazing feeling and I welcome the changes!

Q: What are you having?
A: I will find out on April 29th.

Q: Are you sure there's just one in there?
A: Yes there's just one, I just began showing early. Around 11 weeks or so...

Q: Any morning sickess?
A: No morning sickness, just extreme exhaustion during the day and some sleep disturbance at night. My exhaustion has gone away a little, but I am finding it increasingly difficult to get to sleep, find a comfortable position, and stay asleep. I try not to worry about it thought. If I wake up in the middle of the night, I just watch tv until I fall asleep again...

I think that's all I have to say about that! If you have any questions just let me know!

Update

It's been a while since I have updated my blog... sorry about that! I've been extremely busy watching Carolina basketball. GO HEELS!

At my 14 week appointment, I went in for my check up and all of my tests came back normal. The doctor said that I'm gaining weight to fast, so I have cut back on my banana pudding ice cream craving. I still swear their scale is wrong, but either way the ice cream is gone, sherbet is in, and I'm taking a calcium pill instead. The calcium pill is definately not as tasty, but it seems to be doing it's job.

My next appointment is on April 29th and they will finally tell me the sex of the baby!

14 weeks...

I'm 14 weeks and finally in the 2nd trimester! I'm feeling wonderful and beginning to show, but I'm still waiting on that burst of energy I keep reading about that comes with the 2nd trimester.

Last week I believe I felt the first fetal movements! I wasn't expecting it at 1st because it's really early to be feeling movement, but I've felt the same "butterfly" sensation several times over the last week. I'm going to ask my doctor about it when I go see her on Wednesday to make sure that's what I felt!

Here are my latest belly shots taken at 14 weeks, 3 days and in my amazingly comfortable maternity clothes!

And of course... Congrats the the Tar Heels for making the Final Four!

13 weeks...

*Profile picture of baby waving at us!*


I went to the doctor for my 1st trimester screening and I came back with lots of pictures. Ray and I were able to watch the baby on the ultrasound monitor for 45 minutes because the baby wouldn't roll over in the correct position. The baby is very active and was kicking, waving, and even sucking "it's" thumb! "It's even fell asleep during the screening! After 45 minutes of me rolling over in various positions and poking my stomach, baby finally cooperated and the technician was able to get her measurements.


We were hoping to find out the sex as well, but the umbilical cord was in the way... or so she said. I think the technician knew what the baby was but she didn't say because of protocol! At least I got to see the little guy/gal moving around in my stomach and it made the pregnancy even more real! We'll just have to wait another 5 weeks for my next ultrasound to find out the sex. In the mean time, enjoy the new pictures!



*Picture of baby looking directly at us with both hands up in the air*






*Picture of baby sucking his/her thumb*

12 weeks...

Here are my latest belly shots! My stomach has finally begun to grow! Last week (at 11 weeks) I had to give in and buy maternity pants... They are the most comfortable pants I have ever owned and I am now a fan of elastic.

Here is a picture of my mom! She wanted her picture taken too!