16 Weeks

I went to bed Thursday with a tiny little bump. When I woke up on Friday, WHOA! I couldn't believe what had happened! The baby is about 4 1/2 inches big right now. A lot of development has already taken place. Fingernails are growing. I haven't felt the baby move yet, but it should happen between weeks 16 and 20. Everything has been busy around here as usual.

Stroller Assembly

Paul and I found a stroller that we both liked, so we decided to buy it. Paul decided to put it together, so here are some pictures of the fruits of his labor.



Hmm...Lisa says I SHOULD read the instructions...Nah, I'll figure it out!



Where is this supposed to go?!



Ta-da! The finished product!

Week 15

The baby is about the size of a softball right now and approximately 4-4 1/2 inches in length. Hair is growing over the baby's body. It's eyes are moving more toward the front of the head and the ears are developing. The baby may be sucking his or her thumb right now, too!

I've always been a stomach sleeper. This is starting to become a little more uncomfortable since my belly is growing larger, but it's the best way for me to sleep. I keep rubbing my stomach because I've never been this big before and it just amazes me to know that there is a little life inside!

14 Weeks

Everything seems like it is going quite well with this pregnancy thus far. At 14 weeks, the baby is about 3 1/2 inches long and weighs about 1 1/2 ounces. I'm growing out. This week has been the first that people look at me, then look again and realize that I'm starting to get a tiny bump up front as I "thicken". I'm completely in maternity pants. I wore one pair of normal pants on Tuesday and it was a LONG day in them. I tried a pair of normal pants Thursday and it was a no go. Because I'm carrying this baby low, most of my shirts aren't covering up the maternity pants. If I raise my arms, it's easy to spot the pregnancy panel in the pants. The kids at school are really excited and keep asking a lot of questions.

The Baby's Development at 13 Weeks

The baby is about 3-4 inches big, about the size of a jumbo shrimp. Much of the critical development of organs and bodily functions are complete. (Yes, the baby can urinate now!) The baby also has fingerprints developed and there is hair growing! It's too soon to feel the baby move, but the baby moves around if s/he so chooses. Just thought you'd like an update on development up until now.

13 Week Doctor's Appointment

I had a good doctor's appointment today. Paul and I were able to hear the heartbeat! It seemed fast but not as fast as I had expected. Dr. Faruque said it was good and strong.

I've gained 2.5 pounds since my first appointment in December, which was a relief because my scale showed me as gaining no weight. I have no restrictions except the normal no horseback riding, 4 wheeling, snowmobiling, water skiing, etc. My next appointment will be March 5. I will have blood drawn for normal tests, as well as additional blood taken to test for Downs Syndrom and neurotube disorders (like spina bifida). During my April appointment (about 21 weeks), Dr. Faruque will schedule my sonogram and we should be able to see the sex of the baby (which we do want to know and will share with you all). We had thought we'd find out in March, so Paul and I were both a little disappointed to find out we have another 8 weeks to wait. However, we are pleased that we are progressing normally and in a healthy manner!

In a magazine I receive, there were four old-wive's tales to determine the sex of the baby. One was leg hair. Mine isn't growing very fast, and this is a sign that it's a girl. Another was to put a needle on a string. If it went back and forth, girl. If it went in circles, a boy. It went in a circle first, then back and forth. I guess we'll just have to wait until April!

13 Weeks

I've been feeling pretty good. Suzanne and I went shopping for maternity clothes Friday after school. I got quite a few capri and top outfits for the summer at good prices, a dress, a pair of jeans, and some khacki and black casual pants. I also found a few cute tops, but the tops are entirely too large to wear just yet. Suzanne went through her closet this morning and found several things she's not able to wear, so she's passing a few things on to me.

My insatiable appetite has calmed and I'm only eating normal meals and snacks rather than eating something every couple hours. I'm not gaining weight, and that worries me, but I've had a lot of people at school tell me not to worry, especially since my belly is growing.

Once I get the okay from my doctor on Monday, please feel free to shout the news that we're pregnant to whomever you wish. I'll post something up here on Monday or Tuesday (I have class Monday after my appointment). Paul and I are both doing quite well.

Baby Gifts

The baby received this gift from my Aunt Nancy and Uncle Frank in Texas. Isn't it adorable?



This cute little outfit was a gift from my best friend, Suzanne. She bought a matching one for her unborn little one. Any guesses what we both would like to have (besides healthy babies)?