18 Weeks and Other Fall Things

If you happened over here on Friday, you probably read about my high levels of anxiety.  If you didn't, I wouldn't necessarily recommend going and reading that post.  I was having a small meltdown.... okay, a big one.  Hormones and the unknown of the first pregnancy were getting to me and I was a M.E.S.S.  (MES used to be my initials, how funny.) 

Anyway. 

After doing some praying, some talking, some more-in-depth reading about this stage of pregnancy, and about 20 hours of sleeping this weekend, I'm feeling much more sane, rational, and overall good about things.

After reading one article from a obstetrician, I started to skim the comments left by "experienced moms."  This one immediately spoke to me:

"Have faith! Look at all those twinges and discomforts as positive signs that your body is changing and baby is growing. Remember that you will never be as close to your baby as you are during your pregnancy. You know exactly where your child is and your body is nurturing and protecting that child. That goes away once you give birth, so enjoy the time when you have it! Instead of reaching for a doppler (and spending your hard earned money on it), relax and connect with your child during those times when you find yourself most nervous. Find your faith, because you will need it over and over again as a parent!"


Now, I'm not saying I still might not convince myself at some point to rent a doppler (because peace of mind might be worth it), but for now I'm content to have faith, and I'm going to try to enjoy this time.

So. Without further ado, a silly 18 Week Pregnancy Update:

This morning I made sure to take a picture when I didn't look like something the cat dragged in.  I still fit into nearly all my jeans (the perk of low rise jeans), but my belly is definitely expanding.  I'm attempting to monitor that at a healthy level - so far, so good.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 18 Weeks

Size of Baby: The "peanut" or "LBF (little bitty fella)," as we call him/her is now about 5 and 1/2 inches long, roughly the length of a good sized bell pepper.  LBF weighs about 7 ounces and is doing all sorts of developmental growth!

Maternity Clothes: As I mentioned, I fit into all my jeans.  (Most of my work pants are a little too snug.... so I'm a jeans to work kind of teacher now.)  Okay, you caught me in a small fib - on one pair of jeans, I have to do the elastic band through the button hole trick, but that's it.  Fortunately for me, I had bought several shirts that were "larger" and "flow-ier" over the summer since I had gained weight over the last year, so I'm not really buying maternity clothes yet.  I need to go do some initial looking, because the time will be coming soon, I think, and I want to have a style and look good.

Gender: November 9th is our new holiday: Boy or Girl Day!  That's next week, so we're pretty excited.  We have about a fifty-fifty split in our family's thoughts.  Some have stated they think it's a boy, some have dreamt it's a girl (including Husband!), and some have just stated their "wish list."  I think I kind of hope she's a girl, but think he might be a boy, but either way, want a healthy baby.

Movement: Maybe the tiniest of little flutters?  Or maybe just gas?  Who knows?  Hoping to feel something more definitive soon.  Husband is, too.  He wants a turn to feel something.

Sleep: Body Pillow: best invention ever.  That's really helping me be more comfortable and stay off my back, which is how I like to sleep when my back hurts, which is often.  But the last few nights I've gotten really good sleep, despite the plethora of weird and never-ending dreams and the occasional potty break.

Cravings:  I don't really have any cravings that I didn't have before... I mean, I always love salty food.  But I am trying to cut back on the non-healthy things and be more concious of what I eat.

What I miss: Feeling skinny.... although I haven't felt that way in a while. :)  But I'm excited that at least I have an "excuse" and some people think pregnant women are beautiful.  I also miss feeling normal.

Symptoms: Well, I think I was pretty clear about those on Friday.  I have lots of indigestion, some discomfort at times, and I do have to pee frequently.  But as mentioned earlier in this post, I'm working on embracing those things.

Things People Say: No one has really said anything obnoxious.  Being the non-mushy person I am, I find it strange and kind of weird when people comment on how cute my baby belly is or talk about my "showing."  I have had people already touch my belly, and that has got to stop. :)  Other than that, people are mostly trying to be encouraging, and I can't fault them for that or for my over-sensitive hormones.

Best Moment(s) This Week: Well.  Calming the heck down.  And having Husband really start clearing things out of the former-guest room soon-to-be baby room.  The more-empty room really makes me think.


In other news, I have been so self-involved with the baby stuff, I never posted about how much I love fall.   I LOVE FALL.  I do, I do, I do.  It represents so many happy things to me, which you can read about here.

Here's a quick peek at my overly-pumpkin-ed house.  I like it that way, so don't judge.

An overall glance.



My homemade "Give Thanks" pumpkins.



Some of my Autumn things from my MIL.

A close-up, because the saying is worth reading.



More pumpkins... and a DELICIOUS smelling candle.



The mantle.



The buffet with... more pumpkins.



Real acorns from Nebraska (where Husband grew up) -

we got them last year when we visited.

Ginny following me around and wondering why I was taking so many pictures.

Happy Monday, friends.