18 Weeks Pregnant!!!

Baby has become amazingly mobile (at least compared to you), passing the hours yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking and swallowing. And, baby's finally big enough that you'll be able to feel those movements.

Baby is now the size of a sweet potato!!!













Total weight gain/loss: 1 lb this week for a total of 8 lbs. Right on track. :)
Sleep: Pretty good sleep this week. Getting more difficult to turn and change positions. I notice myself panting after I turn over in the bed like it was really hard work to do so.
Other symptoms: Headaches. A couple times a week I get a bad headache that is caused (I'm told by my doctor) from the extra estrogen. It dilates all the blood vessels in my body so baby gets lots of nutrients. However, the blood vessels in my brain get dilated as well which causes the headaches. Tylenol and an occasional cup of coffee or diet coke seem to work well on the pain.
Best moment last week: The best moment for last week was my birthday. It was the best birthday I have had in years. My mom and sister surprised me at 8am with coffee, donuts and flowers. It was such a wonderful surprise! We went shopping, to lunch and to a movie. I'm so thankful for them. What would I do without my mom and sister???
Movement: Movements are becoming stronger and stronger everyday. I am able to sometimes feel his kicks and punches on the outside of my tummy now. It is such a great feeling to know that baby is growing and getting stronger without having to have an ultrasound to prove it.
Food cravings/aversions: My hunger is not as intense as it was before. When I get hungry, I feel the same way that I used to feel before getting pregnant instead of feeling sick and needing to eat immediately if not sooner like I did a month ago.
What I miss: Nothing this week. Still a content and happy pregnant lady.
Other thoughts: I'm just so thankful every day to be experiencing being pregnant with my very own biological child. So many women out there will never be able to experience this. I really am blessed and when I get down and frustrated to see other women being able to get pregnant so easily, I need to remember how good I have it.
What I am looking forward to: I should get the results of my quad screen this week. It is a test that checks for chromosomal abnormalities. I know that God has created my precious little baby and He never makes mistakes. I am trusting and hoping that His plan for me is to have a healthy baby boy.
Milestones: Turned 32 and so happy to know that I'm going to be a mom and not the hold the Guinness record for the world's oldest pregnant woman even though I feel like it sometimes. :)
18 Week Belly Picture: