Knock, Knock Mommy and Daddy ~

It’s been maybe 2 weeks since I’ve gotten around to a post. Am I shocked or disappointed? Unfortunately, no. These past two weeks have completely flown by, BUT not without a heap of activity!

I mentioned our road trip to Atlanta during the end of my 19th week. It went really, really well! With only one stop, which is not unusual for us, the drive over was fine. The schedule of events for Saturday included being outside from around noon until 11 pm. I was concerned about being in the heat for so long, so I made sure to stay hydrated with water and it worked out. After a late-night pit-stop at Waffle House for hash browns and breakfast bowls on our way in, we showered, got comfortable in bed, and then I FELT MOVEMENT! I’d been told the initial kicks would feel like gas, maybe butterfly flutters .. to save everyone who may not know me well my preferred description, I’ll conform that the feeling more closely resembled flutters of a plump butterfly. With every random movement I feel now, our pregnancy is made more and more real – there’s a life inside of me that I’m completely responsible for nurturing and protecting .. simply.mind.blowing.

The 20th week was quiet for us as we anticipated our 21st week. On Monday (June 16) we found out that we’ll be welcoming a little baby GIRL to the world!! 🙂 I admit, a lot of people, including us, had a feeling that our baby was a boy, but she was eager and ready to show us that she is allll female!

A little insight into sonograms for our readers who may be expecting or anticipating expecting – some (maybe most?)) OB clinics provide a payment plan for OB patients. This not only ensures that they’re receiving their pay, of course, but it also provides for only the necessary number of tests, screenings, sonograms, etc. during your pregnancy. The plan is an estimation of expenses, based on how your pregnancy goes. My clinic estimates two sonograms during pregnancies. After our sonogram Monday, the next time we will likely see our little beauty is when she arrives. This is kind of bittersweet, but we’ll see her daily for a long, long time once she gets here, so we can deal.

I’ve continued to do well with growth – so well, I’ve gained 7 pounds in one month. I’ve had a couple instances of indigestion and one quick bout with fainting, but nothing that has caused for great alarm. My OB gave us good insight on how vascular systems change during pregnancy and what to be mindful of from this point forward.

Next week, Clifton and I are heading to Destin, FL for three days – can.not.wait. Although I’ll be doing some work, we’ll have a nice chunk of time to play. This may be our last mini-escape before the babe arrives so that makes it that much more exciting!

Over the Past 19 Weeks ….

The past 19 weeks have been quite the adventure. I wouldn’t use the term ‘action-packed’, though … mesmerizing and full of anticipation seem more fitting (especially as we prepare to find the gender out and to feel the baby move!!).

To back up a wee bit, thankfully morning sickness did not visit me during the first trimester. I did have ‘growing pains’ (as I’ve cheerfully labeled them) at the beginning of almost every week during the first trimester, but nothing too intolerable. The most consistent discomfort I’ve experienced has been having to wake up, multiple times, during the night to potty. I’m a lover of sleep, so the breaks from it have surely been a lesson. I can’t recall the last time I saw 2 am and 4:20 am so consistently. :S Fortunately, over the past three weeks, getting in just the right position and falling back asleep has been easier. I plan to basque in these weeks – as I see/hear, bladders get even smaller as the baby gets even bigger.

As for belly growth, it seems like once we announced to our parents, siblings, nieces and nephews the weekend before and of Easter, the little one started to grow like a weed! No kidding – within two weeks I went from appearing bloated, still able to wear regular clothes, to a baby bulge that no longer fits in my pants comfortably. It’s amazing how the Lord set that timing up … We’ve taken a couple of pictures over the last 8 weeks and are due for one within the next week to mark week 20. Belly bump pictures are gonna be posted soon so all our far-away friends and family can see!

Cravings are another hot topic when people greet me. I describe a craving as a need or desire for something so badly that nothing will satisfy you until you can get what your mind is set on. I can’t say I’ve had one of those moments; but, I do have a short list of foods that make this pregnant lady muy contento: Sonic slushes make my day any.day.period (especially when the staff makes them right); eggs and turkey bacon have become my go-to breakfast; and few things feel more awesome than drinking cold-cold water (ahhh, SmartWater). Ironically enough, I have cut back on my coffee consumption and don’t miss it all. For those who know, I could easily sip on two+ cups of coffee a day, any time of day. During the pregnancy, I surprise myself if I drink more than two cups a week …

This weekend we’ll welcome our first long road trip during the pregnancy. We’re driving to Atlanta for Clifton’s family reunion, which is at least a 6-hour trek. I’m excited to see how different travel will be, as we have a couple trips planned throughout the summer. I’ll have to keep y’all posted on how it goes!