Week 18

(I'm a little behind; I'm actually 19 weeks now!)

Fruit/Veggie

Bell pepper

Size

5 1/2 inches, 7 oz.

Baby Changes (Source: BabyCenter.com.)

He's busy flexing his arms & legs. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, & his ears are now in their final position. A protective cover of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born.

Best Moment this Week

Finding out who is in my belly! (See Gender below.) We also got to go hang out with some old friends this weekend at a lake house, which was fun & relaxing.

Gender

BOY - Jack Wesley. Jack is the name of one of my dad's grandfathers who helped raise him. We wanted to pass on a name from my dad's side since he doesn't have any sons or brothers to carry on his last name. Jack was quick to show us his gender during the ultrasound! Thankfully, the little guy is measuring a little smaller than his brother was at that point (though his head is measuring big & round, no surprise there!). But everything looks perfectly healthy so we are thankful!

Movement

I'm still not feeling Jack near as much or as strongly as I felt Elliot at this point. But Elliot came out a really strong little guy, so Jack may just be a little smaller, or less active. I usually feel him when he is feeling a bit cramped by how I am sitting or laying, or when he has the hiccups.

Food Craving

The cravings are getting a little out of hand. Seriously, I never craved sweets with Elliot. This time is a different story. I am praying for self-control because I shouldn't eat whatever I want! However, here are some of the past week's cravings: root beer, Ben & Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar Crunch ice cream, mint chocolate chip ice cream, coconut cream pie.

Sleep

I'm sleeping okay still. I am still sleeping without the pregnancy pillow & want to keep it that way as long as possible!

What I am looking forward to

Josh & I get to go on our anniversary trip soon! I'm so excited to get away with him. Life has been busy lately, & we both need a break from just STUFF, to just spend time with each other, relaxing. Can't WAIT.

Symptoms

I'm really feeling pretty decent at this point. I had some nauseous days last week, which I'm sure was a growth spurt. It's starting to get harder to get my rings on, which makes sense as it gets warmer out.

Week 17

Fruit/Veggie

Turnip

Size

5 inches, 5 oz.

Baby Changes (Source: BabyCenter.com.)

Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, & the umbilical cord is growing thicker & stronger. He can move his joints, & his sweat glands are starting to develop.

Best Moment this Week

Umm, as far as I can remember, this week was pretty mundane. Elliot either had some allergy issues on Sunday, or lots of snots as a result of teething, but we thought he was sick so he & Josh stayed home from church on Easter while I went to work with the babies. Then teething has made this week a little difficult. He has taken two nearly 3-hr naps this week, so that's been nice! :)

Gender

Next week, wahoo!

Movement

I feel B2 a few times every day now, which is nice. Overall, he or she doesn't seem to be a super active baby at this point, just a kick here or there.

Food Craving

I got Mexican food this week, yum. I had a mega Chick-Fil-A craving this week for a spicy chicken sandwich with pickles & honey roasted BBQ sauce & it was SO GOOD. I now want a nice greasy cheeseburger. I've also been wanting soda, which I stopped drinking before I got pregnant, so that's weird. I have had such bad cravings this time!

Sleep

Eh, it's been okay. Once I'm asleep, I'm usually out (except potty breaks or to turn over), & still dragging in the morning. I haven't NEEDED a full nap every day lately which has been nice, but I usually get at least 30 minutes of shut eye during naptime.

What I am looking forward to

Next Thursday!! I just can't wait to see this baby, & hopefully see that everything is healthy & looking good, & finding out who is in there!

Symptoms

Occasional nausea, a little fatigue, but overall I am feeling pretty decent now, which is nice. I'm definitely trying to enjoy it before I start feeling yucky again!

Week 16

Fruit/Veggie

Avocado

Size

4 1/2 inches long, 3 1/2 ounces

Baby Changes

In the next few weeks, baby will double his weight & add inches to his length. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. His heart is now pumping 25 quarts of blood a day!

Best Moment this Week

Yesterday was our annual Good Friday family day. We went to breakfast at the Guenther House & loaded up on very good food (I even drank some decaf coffee - that is a big step when it made me want to vomit up until now!) then we went on a walk around the King William District. There are really old, huge homes down there along the river. The weather was perfect & it was a lot of fun!

Gender

2 weeks!

Movement

I am pretty sure I am feeling B2 as of yesterday. I mean, I'd still like a little more confirmation over the next couple of days to be completely sure!

Food Craving

This week I was really liking a turkey sandwich with cheese, avocado, salt & pepper. Yum. Still want Mexican food.

Sleep

I'm not able to sleep on my back at all anymore, which stinks. So I wake up when I need to switch sides but am able to fall back to sleep pretty quickly. I had a couple insomnia nights this week, but it's not a complete trend yet. I also got hit pretty hard by allergies a couple of days ago, so sleep has been rough the past couple of nights.

What I am looking forward to

At this point, I'm definitely focused on finding out the gender. Soon enough, I know!

Symptoms

Nausea sometimes after I eat, fatigue (still napping every day), but for the most part, I'm feeling decent at this point. Yay!