A New Year and 18 Weeks

Sorry for my lack of blogging over the holidays.  My break from school was busy and of course went way too fast.  This might be a long post to get you up to date.

Sunday put us at 18 weeks pregnant.

Little one is the size of a bell pepper and ears are now in their final position.  I just hope that position is not sticking out!  Boy or girl parts are developed and visible in an ultrasound (more on this later).

Momma is feeling so good and enjoying every minute.  Sometimes I think I feel movement, but usually decide it's in my head.  Every new step of this pregnancy I'm so amazed it's happening for us, and sometimes I just cry I'm so happy.  I went to visit my grandparents after Christmas.  My grandma spoiled me with home cooked meals and made sure I ate from all the food groups.  My grandpa couldn't believe me tummy (when I said I was showing a little he said, "I thought it was showing quite a bit.") and he kept saying to be sure someone lets him know when the baby comes.  Only little thing to complain about are the girls are really itchy.  Out to lunch a few days ago, I told Gav I wanted to scratch them off and I asked him Christmas day if he thought his family would notice if I took my bra off!    

Daddy still says things aren't feeling real yet, but I see how he's looking at us!  At his work Christmas party he told me he missed me.  By that he means partying with me.  Apparently, other years I would have been the life of that party.  I took this as a compliment.

We had our 2nd trimester ultrasound on New Year's Eve.  It was amazing, and I wasn't expecting to see all we got to see.  We were in there for almost an hour and saw the 4 chambers of the heart, the breathing tummy, kidneys, bladder, spine, legs, arms, feet, hands, nose bone, and more.  We didn't get to do the 3D part of his or her face because little one wasn't cooperating and looking the right direction.  I tried laying on my sides and walking around, but little one is low in my pelvis and wasn't going to cooperate.  Of course this means we will get another ultrasound in a few weeks so we're okay with that.  Everything we did see looks perfect and right on track.  I guess I have an anterior placenta which is fine, but I may not feel movement for a little while.  I'm glad she told me this so I don't start to freak out.

We had them put the gender in an envelope for now.  Gavin can't handle that it's right there, and I could carry it around for 5 months and not look.  Part of me wants to look because he wants to know and this is his thing too and it will make it more real for him, but I also want to hold out.  Not sure what to do.  At the new year's party, friends had lots of ideas like having the band announce it at midnight, but I stayed strong for now.

We are looking forward to 2013, but know that it will have it's challenges too like finding a house and moving.  Today, I am starting the year at the book store blogging, drinking my decaf mocha, and looking at baby name books.  I just can't believe I'm thinking about names, I didn't know if I'd ever get to do that.  Thanks for all your support in 2012!

Little one 18 weeks 1 day

All the wonderful presents from our surprise shower.  This baby is spoiled already!  Can you see who he or she will be cheering for?

The bump at 18 weeks 1 day, New Year's Eve.  Holding the gender envelope!