:)

My view nowadays <3

(I have shorts on, but this ginormous belly makes it hard to see that). 

Baby Hiccups :)

I felt some baby hiccups just now! 

I can't sleep (stressed about work). So I was laying in the bed trying to sleep and felt what kind of felt like a heartbeat, but it was a weird pulsing sensation. No pain, but pretty regular. I kind of freaked out and immediately thought it was Braxton Hicks or real contractions starting WAY too early. And then I realized; that feels almost like a hiccup.

I went online and was relieved to read other ladies' experiences with the same thing. I love experiencing new baby stuff, even if it freaks me out a little bit sometimes! 

I can't wait until Nathan can really feel our little Bub from the outside. He felt a little kick the other day, but nothing like I am experiencing. And I guess he won't experience the same feelings, but this little guy is slam dancing or karate chopping in there! I love to feel him move around. 

The other day he must have been sleepy because he didn't move much and I got a little worried/sad. But since my doctor told me not to really start counting yet, I just let it go, and sure enough he picked up with a mighty force the next day!

I love this baby more than I can express already, and he's not even here yet! 

I'm praying for alternatives for jobs, which is why I guess I can't sleep. Nights are really getting old, and they are getting harder to handle with this pregnancy. Also we have a new charting system at work which seems to be putting everyone off (myself included), and that's really pushing me out the door as well. I am praying hard for more weddings! If we could get a few more we would be okay through my maternity leave. I am just praying for guidance and for God to open a door for us that will work with our new and growing family. 

Anyway, just venting. I was so excited to experience "The Hiccup" that I had to write it down just in case I forgot about it later (which is also becoming a problem... Memory!) 

I have also put on what seems to be about 4 pounds since my last appointment, which was about 4 weeks ago, so I guess I am on schedule. It's still bizarre that you're being told TO gain weight when in the back of my woman's mind I want to LOSE the weight already. Pregnancy is a weird, weird thing. 

But after the 19-20 weeks of not so great feelings (nausea, exhaustion, insomnia, etc.), I am actually starting to like it!

I guess I will go and lay back down with my husband now that I got that written down! ;) 

21 weeks!

How far along? 21 weeks and 1 day! Mother's Day! 

How big is baby? The length of a carrot :) 

Total weight gain/loss: I've gained about 5 pounds! 

Maternity clothes? Yep. Almost exclusively. 

Sleep: I slept like a rock last night! 

Best moment this week: Nathan getting to feel a wee little kick! 

Movement: I'm feeling this little boy pretty regularly :)

Food cravings: French onion soup. 

Food Aversions: I don't really have any!

Gender: A sweet little boy!

Labor Signs: Not yet! I feel some tensing every once in awhile which all my apps and books say are Braxton Hicks contractions, but no real signs thank goodness! 

Pregnancy Symptoms? I have some really sore hips and a super sore back! 

Belly Button in or out? In.

What I miss: Being able to sleep on my belly/back!

What I am looking forward to: Baby showers!

Upcoming appointments: Midwife next week! 

Weekly Wisdom: Maternity dresses are ultra flattering. 

Milestones: Over halfway! 

Bump Picture: Here is our another's Day photo! 

20 weeks!

How far along? 20 weeks and 3 days! Halfway there! 

How big is baby? The length of a banana :)

Total weight gain/loss: I've gained about 4 pounds total. 

Maternity clothes? Yep. Almost exclusively. 

Sleep: It's getting hard to get used to side sleeping! I'm a back sleeper, so that's throwing a wrench in my sleep schedule.

Best moment this week: Feeling LOTS of movement! 

Movement: I'm feeling this little boy pretty regularly now :) 

Food cravings: Fresh, light things. Salad, seafood, etc. 

Food Aversions: I don't really have any!

Gender: A sweet little boy!

Labor Signs: Not yet! I feel some tensing every once in awhile which all my apps and books say are Braxton Hicks contractions, but no real signs thank goodness! 

Pregnancy Symptoms? I really don't remember what it felt like to NOT have sore boobies. 

Belly Button in or out? In.

What I miss: Being able to sleep on my belly/back!

What I am looking forward to: Baby showers!

Upcoming appointments: Midwife in a few weeks, but everything looks PERFECT on the ultrasound of our sweet boy :) 

Weekly Wisdom: Nothing is as cool as feeling that baby doing acrobatics in your belly. 

Milestones: We are halfway! So much closer to meeting our baby! 

Bump Picture: Here is a really unflattering "tanning my belly" photo.