18 weeks down

so much has happened over the past two weeks... i felt the baby's first flutters on feb 21, then on the 26th, i put my hand on my belly and was able to feel the first wee kick in my palm. matthew didn't make it in time that day, but on the 29th i woke up to acrobatics. i pulled matthew's hand to my belly and he opened his eyes with a big smile on his face. we spent the next few moments just reveling in this special bonding time with our little one; we carried smiles on our faces for the rest of the day.
we are just over one week away from finding out what our precious darling is - a snuggly little boy or girl. our instincts are both leaning towards a girl... everyone else thinks boy. we should start taking bets.
i am definitely showing by now... not just a 'belly' but legitimately pregnant. it's a weird feeling to have my body growing out in front of me; i find myself often stroking my belly as if i am comforting baby.
most obvious pregnancy symptoms - still craving fresh fruit; baby kicks; slight abdominal cramping and back pain if i sit in one position too long; slight fatigue.

Flutterings

I just felt the baby move- 3 little rolls. What joy!!

mirror, mirror on the wall

looks like I am even more like my mother than I thought... pregnancy has triggered a glow in my cheeks. a not-so-good glow. acne rosacea made its unwelcome appearance to my face and I thought for a bit that it would never feel normal again. fortunately, my mother and a prescription from my dermatologist saved my face from the burning and itching and my crimson/acne-free complexion is back.

February 14, 2012

I spent a beautiful morning with Matthew. I woke up to a gorgeous display of red roses and one of the most romantically sweet cards ever- Matthew has a way with words...
He took me to breakfast, where we enjoyed pancakes with strawberries and crepes with raspberries and whipped cream. We had a monthly checkup appointment with my OB-GYN, where I weighed in and then we got to hear our little darling's heart beating strong. Dr. Patel said that someone was very active this morning... lots of kicking around :)
It was special to have that connection with Baby today- being a day that love is celebrated.

15 weeks: joys and traumas

I officially have a baby bump that isn't disappearing in the morning. It is still small enough to be obscure and not raise questions, but I'm sporting it proudly. Of course, Matthew is pretty proud of it too and is constantly putting his hand on my belly. It is fun to finally see something there where our baby is growing.
Speaking of baby, he is now approximately 4 in and 4 oz in size. He is completely formed and as his ears continue to develop, he's starting to hear my heartbeat and voice. So mommy is watching what she says and how she says it...
I have only few minor issues now that I'm in my 2nd trimester. I've sported a cold, which I had to endure without Mucinex or Advil Cold & Sinus. That took a little time to get over. I have also developed a nasty little canker sore in the back of my mouth between my upper and lower jaw, limiting my ability to chew and open my mouth any decent eating amount. Unfortunately I can't use anything topical except a viscous wash that my dr prescribed. It helps a little but doesn't mask the pain when chewing. So it's soft foods for me at the moment. Hopefully this shall soon pass.
Still no sign of fatigue letting up. I'm keeping my fingers crossed about this one because I am finding it difficult to survive 6 hr teaching days without collapsing.

Spring weather brings in February

I can't even begin to describe how beautiful today was. 65 degrees, sunny, and just the right amount of time to enjoy it. Makes me wish I could bottle it up and carry it with me for those rough days where I spend my entire day inside and then go out into a cold, dark world.

Second Trimester: Here we come!

This past Friday was the first day of week 14, and subsequently, the first day of my second trimester. The past few months seemed to go so slow but now looking back, they actually flew by. Funny how life does that sometimes...

Changes:
I'm noticing a gradual increase in energy - finally!
Cravings have taken a back seat... no sudden urges for a pickle, berry smoothie, or other random tastes I've 'need(ed) LIKE NOW'. However - I am still hungry all the time and prefer fresh foods to overly prepared and seasoned dishes. So still on the fruit and veggie kick...
I have an overwhelming urge for everything to be perfectly in order in my house (and out). Not that this is anything new for me (and those who know me can testify to that), but frankly, during the first trimester I was just too tired to care. I still have bouts of fatigue, but much less than before. So yay!
My baby bump is slowly growing. It is amazing to see my body change and I find myself looking at my profile sideways in the mirror a lot. Keep growing, little guy (or lady)!