20 weeks... halfway there!

I've been able to feel the baby move now for over a month. It started with a barely noticeable fluttering that I only felt while laying down, but has increased to a more noticeable thumping that I can feel throughout the day. Last night the baby was feeling especially rowdy and was moving around more then I'd ever felt before. Joe asked if I could feel him from the outside, and I told him that I sometimes thought I could, but that I might just be imagining it. He put his hand on my belly, and could feel the baby move! It was really exciting to have Joe be a part of those first interactions with the baby!

The websites say that the baby is about 10.5 inches right now from head to toe... the size of a banana! I'm amazed by how fast he's growing. Luckily, I haven't gained any weight yet... but my belly is definitely getting bigger. I know my time will come, and probably sooner rather than later, but I'm trying to keep the weight gain to a minimum given the extra pounds that I'm already carrying!

I'm feeling much better in my second trimester. I only have occasional morning sickness and usually have more energy... although the move into our new house has been draining. I am noticing that I'm not sleeping as well. I wake up hot, or thirsty, or because I have to pee. I realize that this is probably the beginning of a very long period of time without a solid night's sleep. Given how much I enjoy my sleep, I know I'll be cranky... and Joe would likely tell you that I already am! I had a bit of a breakdown the other night as I tried to unpack the kitchen because the shelf liner wasn't cooperating and there wasn't a drawer large enough for our silverware tray. Oh the joys of pregnancy hormones! At least that's what I'm blaming it on!

The nurse called yesterday to say that the results came back from the ultrasound and that everything looked normal, but that they didn't get a good picture of the baby's face or spine. She scheduled another ultrasound for March 10th. I asked her if I should be concerned and she said no, that the baby was probably just too small since I was only 19 weeks at that time. I can't help but be a bit worried, but I'm guessing they wouldn't make me wait 6 weeks if they were concerned. So, I'm not going to let myself get worked up over it. Besides, it will be another chance to see the baby, which is always welcomed!

It's a boy!

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. We've been super busy! Yesterday was our ultrasound to find out the sex of the baby, and it's a boy! We are both so excited! I wanted a boy because I'm terrified of having a prissy girlie girl. Joe said he didn't mind either way. He was grinning from ear to ear when he found out, and said he was excited about having a golfing/fishing buddy. The radiologist said that everything looks normal, that he's developing as he should be, and that he currently weighs about 13 oz. I've included some pictures below.



Look at that cute little nose!



Perfect little feet!



And some boy parts to make Daddy proud!

The other big news is that we closed on the house on December 28th! We both love the place and are so excited, but I'm absolutely dreading the move. I have definitely grown to hate moving over the years, but Joe keeps reminding me that this is the last time we'll be moving for a long while. The best part is that we've been able to take our time as we don't have to be out of our rental house until the end of the month. I've been packing boxes, and Joe has been making trips in the Jeep. It looks like we'll be moving the big stuff this weekend, so we should be living there shortly. I'll send out an email with our new address and phone number soon!