18 weeks

cravings & such:  still…salads, sour things, and chocolate.  and i am loving carbs.  carbs, carbs, carbs.  it seems like that is all i want these days.  i felt a bit better about it after reading my pregnancy journal and learning that preggos need more carbs.  okay, then.  right on track.  although, i am trying to stick to the healthier side of the carb world.  things like fruit and oatmeal and whole grains…instead of downing bowl after bowl of mac and cheese [which i would love to do].

the bump:  growing.  i am slathering on the l’occitane shea butter.  stretch marks, be darned!

cool & cute things:  baby’s blood vessels are visible through thin skin and his/her ears are now in the final position.  a protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his/her nerves and s/he is busy flexing arms and legs.  the baby is about 5.5 inches long and weighs in at 7 ounces.  okay, i just want to point out that peanut has gained 2 whole ounces since last week.  hence, the shea butter. 

new things:  baby’s reproductive organs are now in place and visible.  perfect timing for our ultrasound next week.  peanut pep talklittle one, this is your mama speaking.  on behalf of the entire family, i am officially giving you the green light to be brazen.  now is not the time to be shy and keep certain things private.  no leg crossing.  no dodging.  no awkward poses.  no sleeping in a curled up pose.  no strategically placed umbilical cord.  we are going to need you to give us a good clear shot at the goods.  thank you.

meaningful moments:  feeling a tiny tug on my tummy skin…that means you are in there and you are growing!  AND…perusing adorable baby merchandise.  so cute.  we are going to have so much fun with you!

the countdown:  154 days to go!

current size: a bell pepper

17 weeks

i know.  not the most attractive of veggies…don’t worry, i am pretty sure our little one is actually way cuter.

cravings & such:  still…salads.  the bigger and crisper, the better.  i am also really liking sour things and chocolate.  i am trying to keep from diving head first into bowls of candy because unfortunately, the salad consumption doesn’t really cancel out the sugar consumption.  darn.

the bump:  here it is!  peanut decided to pop out even more right around the time of my big work event last week…the one where i had to wear dress pants that cut right across my tummy.  yup, i am feeling it now.

cool & cute things:  the baby’s skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone and the umbilical cord is growing thicker and stronger…seems to me that peanut is preparing for some serious food absorption and growing in the coming months. the baby is about 5 inches long and weighs in at 5 ounces.  did anyone else notice that peanut has gained about 1.5 ounces since the last post? hmmm…that is a big percentage jump!  it is getting serious, folks.

new things:  baby can move his/her joints and sweat glands are developing [get ready baby, it gets hot here in the desert...]  as far as new things for mama…i am feeling some serious stretching.  that ligament growth is no joke!  but, no complaints, it just means that baby is growing as s/he should be.

meaningful moments:  feeling the baby bubbles more and more.  and planning our “reveal party”.  this is just too much fun!

the countdown:  161 days to go!

current size: a turnip

16 weeks

cravings & such:  last week was pretty great because i was able to consume lots of salad and berries, which are currently my favorites.  yum.  and i continue to love all things spicy. plus, i got to eat a burger and fries yesterday so i am a happy girl.  no complaints here!

the bump:  it has made an appearance.  i think last week’s apple size really put things over the top.  i have been trying to show it off to ben and he agrees that there is something happening there.  so exciting!  pictures to come…

cool & cute things:  baby is growing.  big time.  in the next few weeks, s/he will double in weight and add inches in length.  looks like maternity wear is in the near future for this mama-to-be.  the baby is about 4.5 inches long and weighs in at 3.5 ounces.  baby’s legs are much more developed and the head is much more erect.  baby’s ears and eyes are close to their final position and the patterning of the scalp has begun.

new things:  a can feel little flutters of movement!  it is very cool.  baby has started growing toenails.  and the heart is pumping 25 quarts of blood each day!

meaningful moments:  doing some fun baby store browsing with my hubby.  we wandered and joked and laughed and ooh-ed and aah-ed.  it was so much fun to think about all the cute things in store for our little one.  baby stuff is just so tiny!  i love it.

the countdown:  168 days to go!

current size: an avocado