week 18.

How far along? 18 weeks

Baby Size? size of a sweet potato

 Total Weight Gain/Loss? 7lbs.

Maternity Clothes? not all are labeled "maternity", but I have had to buy a size up. I found it worthwhile at Target to purchase the flowy cotton skirts in several colors/patterns. They are not only super cute and cool during the summer heat, but also light weight and very comfortable.

Stretch Marks? none so far. This week I could really feel my stomach tightening. It's the oddest feeling. Almost like you can feel your skin stretching. Scary!

Sleep? Not too bad this week. I'm still finding it easiest to sleep on my stomach. I have woke up numerous times lying on my back during the middle of the night and almost had a panic attack. They say once you reach the 2nd trimester, the uterus gets so large that it's unhealthy to lay flat on your back without it suppressing on the inferior vena cava and blocking blood flow to the lower portion of your body. So each time I wake and find myself in that position, I turn on my side immediately. Although it says it's fine that you wake up this way a few times a night, I still find it myself paranoid of the fact.

Best Moment this Week? Spending time with family and friends for the 4th!

 {me, Holly, and Jess}

Miss anything? nothing in particular.

Movement? I was lying propped up in bed getting settled in and felt a few flutters in my lower abdomen midway between my hip bones.I'm not certain it was the baby moving just yet. It could've been gas bubbles, muscle spasms, etc. But, it definitely had my heart excitedly pumping for a few minutes regardless!

Food Cravings?  junk food. it didn't help this week contained a holiday which called for family gatherings, good cooking, and lots of sweets involved.

Anything make you sick or queasy? nope.

Have you started to show yet? yes. i'm not sure how I feel about it at this point. The scales frighten me every time I step on them, so I've found myself refraining from doing so in the last two weeks. So far, I'm not the one who looks to have a "basketball" ... mine is appearing more like a watermelon, lying sideways. Mixed emotions about this.

Gender? Won't know for certain until July 18th - follow along as we plan the gender reveal party! We're still both thinking it's a girl!

Labor signs? none, just lots of tugging, pulling, and aching going on again this week.

Belly Button in or out? in as of now. it's definitely changing shape & stretching out wider. you can see the outline of it when I wear a tight fitting shirt.

Wedding Rings on or off? on.


Happy or Moody? happy!

Looking forward to? Next week hitting the 20 weeks halfway mark & finding out if we are having a sweet baby girl or boy!