Clearing things up, weeks 17 & 18

So I realized upon coming back to my blog that once I clarified how far along I was, I never corrected the title :) Yes, folks, I embarrassingly enough had to verify with my doctor my exact progress along, though I confess I'm still confused. He verified that yes, the full-term due date is 40 weeks; however, if I am as far along as he says, then my due date is at week 41. Perhaps that just means 40 weeks has completely come to an end? Who knows…I remain confused for yet another pregnancy :)

I have to be honest, I had planned to post weekly, but it's been a stressful couple of weeks. In the last two weeks, we have both bought a car and driven two rentals, on top of me locking my keys in the rental (don't ask how - I could never in a million years do it twice) and driving my own car with a tire that needs pumped weekly (or more). I lost my third client in the last month (my second client lost to long-term suspension), which affects me probably more than it should. I had an exciting endeavor show on the horizon. I have experienced the hormone rise and fall (yikes! All I have to say is, Ray is a HERO). I had evening meetings, assessments, and trainings. We lost Isla's only pair of shoes (never fear - they have been blissfully recovered. Needless to say, I am purchasing her another pair of shoes THIS WEEKEND) We received another snowstorm or two with intermittent 65-70 degree days. School days are now 30 minutes longer due to our excessive cancellations…and that's only what I remember! Like I said, crazy!

How Far Along: 18 weeks March 21!

Size Of Baby: Head to rump, baby is about 5 1/2" long and weighs almost 7 oz - about the size of a bell pepper

Maternity Clothes:  Still trying to be creative…and ever so thankful for friends who pass along their old. Not to mention a pair of Motherhood Maternity dress pants for $10 and Old Navy seersucker shorts for $4 at the recent Weecycled Wardrobe. Score!

Weight Gain: I've gained about 5 pounds total in the last month - so I'm up about 8 lbs

Sleep: Still not the best area in my life. Weekend naps have become crucial - and some bedtimes around 8:30 :)

Best Moment of the Week: Scheduling my ultrasound. And getting an iron prescription to help with the major fatigue

Movement: Starting to feel movement a little more often, though still not consistent. I have a feeling this baby and my bladder are going to wrestle - the movement is quite low

Cravings: Still nothing, though over the last week I really wanted to put hot sauce in my egg salad…for those of you who know me well, this is NOT me

Gender: We find out this month!

Belly Button In or Out: I'm an innie, but getting flatter

Wedding Ring on or Off: Still on

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Nope, I'm doing good.  

What I Miss: E. N. E. R. G. Y.

What I am Looking Forward to: Still excited for the gender…and to get this nursery started!

Labor Signs: Nope

Symptoms: Heartburn is daily. Uber fatigue (hoping these iron supplements help. And very ITCHY. I have a couple others, but I'll spare you the details ;)

Nursery: Still stressing here...

Emotions: overwhelmed, tired, excited

Catching up at 17 weeks

Here we are, on this journey for  a second time!  It's amazing - when I was pregnant with Isla, I was reading daily email newsletters and updates, and reading my weekly "What to Expect" book. I was looking at nursery ideas and researching names, building a registry and thinking about All. Things. Baby. Also around this time (give or take a couple of weeks, I don't remember), I was getting laid off from my full-time job. The second time around is SO MUCH DIFFERENT. 

Most weeks, I forget how many weeks I am along and have to look back at my calendar. And thank goodness for phone alerts for doctor appointments! Having a very active toddler for sure complicates the "pregnancy experience" a bit, but not in a way that I would trade…and thankfully, it makes it go much faster! :) I'm less focused on the little aspects of pregnancy, for sure, but so much more delighted when I am quickly reminded by a small movement or tight pants. And I LOVE having Isla put her hand on my tummy (or boobs…she's still learning) and saying "baby". Forget about the pregnancy fatigue or aches - Isla doesn't know the difference and still wants to be active and on the go, regardless of how exhausted mommy is! I like to tell myself she's keeping me active and healthy when I forget to do it for myself.

We are very busy preparing for this little one's arrival - there is so much to do! One would think the second time around, the preparations would be less. Yeah. No. My second best moment of the week was the realization that I did not have to repaint/redo TWO rooms - my literally elated discovery came one evening when I realized that we could still transform the very small office into a nursery WiTH a twin bed and still make it functional. And I was SO EXCITED! I'm not quite ready for Isla to have a "big girl room" :)  - and thankfully, she is still enjoying her crib quite nicely.

How Far Along: 16 weeks as of March 7, 2014 (and yes, I embarrassingly went on baby center.com and typed in my due date. I keep getting myself a week off)

Size Of Baby: Baby is about the size of an avocado - approximately 3 1/2 oz and approximately 4 1/2" long! Incidentally, I am loving avocados lately. Yum!

Maternity Clothes:  Yes, unfortunately this little one made itself known at around 9 weeks, so I am already sporting maternity pants and dress pants with a slight "fix" to the clasp. I've already started hunting maxi dresses and skirts - I'm going to get sick of these pants, quick!

Weight Gain: At my last appointment (about 15 weeks), I was only up a whole 3 lbs

Sleep: Yep, I'm already waking up every time I roll over. It's going to be a loooooong 9 months...

Best Moment of the Week: I can't be certain, because I haven't seen it again, but I'm pretty sure I saw this little one move BEFORE I felt it, after a nice cup of chai and a hot shower. If not, then definitely starting to feel movements this week.

Movement: See Best Moment :)

Cravings: Nope, nada, though if I get one, it'll either be gone if I don't get it right away, or it'll stick until fulfilled - a constant guessing game!  I definitely want strong flavored foods, but I blame that on my dulled taste buds

Gender: Still not sure. The doctor is pretty set on waiting until the 20-21 week mark.

Belly Button In or Out: I'm an innie

Wedding Ring on or Off: Still on

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Occasionally seafood, but really, nada again, other than the two stomach flus I've been blessed to endure over the last two months. 

What I Miss: Energy. But I slowly feel it coming back

What I am Looking Forward to: Finding out the gender. And my next prenatal massage (thanks to my very considerate hubby who wants to keep me stress free)!

Labor Signs: No…praise the Lord

Symptoms: HEARTBURN. HEARTBURN. HEARTBURN. I was very fortunate, and was only nauseous from about weeks 8-10, and SUPER tired until just lately, but that seems to be slowly fading

Nursery: A huge source of stress. But it'll get there.

Emotions: overwhelmed, anxious, hormonal, excited