Eighteen

**Warning: if you are easily offended or if the thought of pregnancy scares you, do not read this…just scroll on down to the fun little questionnaire below.  Thank you.**

I have been thinking of how much I have learned since we found out we were pregnant.  It’s funny how much women don’t tell you what happens when they are pregnant.  Typically, the only stories you hear are those that follow pregnancy-spit ups, sleep training, poopy diapers, etc.  Which don’t get me wrong; I am extremely grateful for any bits of advice that comes my way, but leading up to the baby coming, what do you do?  Women will tell you things that they have gone through, but do they really tell you everything?  No.  I feel that a lot of women withhold some of that very useful information that can prepare you for what’s to come.  For instance, did you know that almost immediately after you find out you are pregnant, you may suddenly experience exhaustion, you may notice that your once acne filled face has cleared up but your chest and back has blown up to what looks like ant bites all over-isn’t it supposed to be the other way around? And this happens literally right after you get the lovely + sign!! Did you know, and you may or may not be ready for this one, but did you know that you will experience a heavier discharge than ever?!  How about spotting?  That could have saved my insanity (and ER bill) had I known that is normal for 20% of women who are pregnant.   These are just little things that caught me off guard since learning I was pregnant.  I had no clue.  Absolutely. No. Clue.  And I haven’t even mentioned some of the Dr exams that you get the pleasure of going through.  I thought that the Gluclose Test was the worst part….and I was clearly wrong!  You hear about the gas, or that your boobs grow, but do other women ever share the dirty details of those things?  NO.  Why not?  If I was warned I think I would have felt a little bit more prepared! 

Needless to say, I am almost over the halfway bump and I now feel that I have more knowledge about this subject than I did 18 weeks ago.  Also, it is important to point out that every woman and every pregnancy is different.  What I have experienced, other woman may have not-this may be a reason why I wasn’t told all these little nasty things that thankfully, go away once the baby comes (but then are replaced with other not-so-fun things).  But in the end, it’s very worth it and the joy that comes is 100 times better than this.  So with that said, check out my latest update J

How far along? 18 Weeks 5 Days

Total weight gain: 10 lbs…Holy Crap!

Maternity clothes? Still in my regular clothes but I finally found a pair of skinny prego jeans and love them!  I bought a maternity dress that I ended up wearing last night just because it was so much more comfy than all my other dresses (and fit better too) see below.

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: So sleepy!!! But getting plenty of sleep at night—just doesn’t seem to be enough!

Best moment this week: I look more pregnant now! In just a week, I swear the baby has had a growth spurt.  Very cute J  Also, we find out the gender this weekend….so excited!!  Our ultrasound is tomorrow, but we will wait until Saturday to find out what we are having with the family. J Pics will be up next week!

Miss Anything? The usual—wine, raw sushi, lots of coffee… but it’s not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.

Movement: It feels like it’s been a little inactive inside there…but I am told that is normal for a first time mom.  Hoping I will feel the baby soon!

Food cravings: I don’t think I have really had any true pregnant cravings honestly.  I still eat the same kind of food I did when I wasn’t pregnant, I just eat more of it.  But if anything, I have wanted fruits and veggies more lately…I just want to eat a whole tomato every day! Celery is on the top of the list as well.  I think of that more as what my body is telling me I need rather than what it’s craving though.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope…still got the same ole appetite!

Gender: This week!!!

Labor Signs: Nope…still got a while for those!

Symptoms: I haven’t had too many symptoms other than the usual—always hungry, achy, having to use the restroom every 5 minutes instead of my usual 20 minutes.

Belly Button in or out? IN

Wedding rings on or off? ON J

Workouts? Running has still been good.  I have toned it down a lot but I still get out there at least every other day.  I have started prenatal yoga, which I have to stay disciplined in doing because I have never been one to enjoy yoga; however, I do understand the benefits of it so I guess I will keep on truckin’. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy most of the time but I do have my moments ;)

Looking forward to: My belly growing, feeling the baby move, finding out the sex, and decorating the nursery!