18 Weeks Pregnant!

We are....

18 WEEKS PREGNANT!!!!

Yes. In 14 whole days we will be half way through this pregnancy already, folks! Astonishing. It's flying. (I know, I know.. I say this every week, but it honestly is.) 

It's been kind of a 'trying' week. I don't know if trying is the exact word I'm looking for, but, I started having contractions Monday. They were sporadic.. one every 5 hours or so. Nothing I was concerned about because I read about where you can have braxton hicks even at 18 weeks pregnant... and especially with your 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. baby. Well, then  Tuesday comes along and they become a little more frequent in the evening. I tried not to think about it, but they were hard to ignore. So, I scheduled a doctor's appointment early Wednesday morning so we could check and see what was going on :) I just have to say that I have the best OB ever. As soon as I went back for my examination, he asked me what was going on, how I was feeling, etc. A nurse practitioner did my examination on my cervix, uterus, and we heard the baby's heartbeat (because my doctor was already busy with scheduled appointments.) The NP said my uterus was measuring PERFECTLY for May 8th, 2013. And Sawyer's heartbeat was strong and healthy. Such a good feeling! She also said my cervix was thick and closed.... thank God! She said she thinks what's happening is I'm working all evening doing photo sessions (4PM-7:30/8PM sometimes) and not drinking any water-- which I'm not as guilty as I feel about that :( I just get side tracked and don't think about it when I'm doing back to back sessions. So, she thinks I'm doing too much with not enough water.. and then when I settle in at night time, the contractions start. So her and my doctor told me to PUMP that water in! I feel bad I was so negligent about it, but sometimes when you're busy, you just don't think about it. But I did much better yesterday and I am already almost done with 1 bottle of water this morning. After I came out from my exam, my doctor was standing there asking me what we figured out, etc. I love that I have a doctor that cares about his patients. He sees so many women on a day to day basis, but that he took the time to ask me how I was feeling, how the baby was, etc. just reminds me why I LOVED having him for my daughter. He's so caring! Makes a momma's heart jump when she knows her baby is already loved and she isn't even here yet! :)

So, all is well with Sawyer girl and it was so refreshing to hear her heartbeat. Although she's more active.. it's still not something constant that you can rely on. I just love hearing that washing-machine sound, hehe! A relieving sound.

So what else is going on in week 18?

Huge craving for tomatoes. It was insane. Covered in black pepper. They were delicious but gave me some serious heartburn every night, haha! It's a two-edged sword with cravings, let me tell you LOL 

Starting to really round out in the belly area. I.. well, instead of explaining it, I'll just share a picture!

I know my shirt is lifted up in the back, darn it, haha! I didn't realize it until everything was done and I wasn't about to reattempt taking the picture again LOL!! :) But that's my 18 week belly. Really starting to look pregnant and REALLY getting questions about it now from people that don't know I'm pregnant! :) I was at Walmart the other day and was going to the bathroom and two girls walked past me and said, 'AWWWW Look at that baby bump!!!' Makes me feel good that I don't get looks like 'Quit eating all of the doughnuts' anymore, haha!

Okay, and now for the questions that we all know and love ;)

How far along? 18 weeks

Total Weight Gain?  As of my last check up (last Tuesday), it was 6.2 pounds!

Maternity Clothes? I am wearing some now. The shirts are a bit comfier ;) And still the lovely belly band with my prepreggo jeans.

Stretch Marks? I think I might have saw a new one, but I guess that goes with the territory sometimes!

Sleep? Wonderful this week! I dream a crazy ton of dreams every night, but still sleeping wonderfully!

Best Moment of This Week:  Feeling Sawyer a lot stronger and getting to hear her heartbeat. Sucky reason to be able to do that, but it was still refreshing!

Miss Anything?  Hmmm! Maybe just wearing a few of the shirts I love. My belly hangs out now in them lol!

Movement? Yes, yes!! I can just be sitting up working at the computer now and feel them :) It's such an amazing feeling!

Food Cravings? Tomatoes.

Anything Make You Queasy/Sick? Dirty dishes. Poopy diapers. The smell of pee-pee.

Gender: GIRL!! :) Our Sawyer Kellylynn.

Labor Signs? Thought so, but thank the Lord---no!

Symptoms: Nausea. Peeing a lot. 

Belly Button In or Out? She's an innie!

Weddings Rings On Or Off? On for now! :)

Happy or Moody this week? Very happy! :)

Looking Forward To:  Our next ultrasound next Thursday morning to make sure she's still a girl!!! 

Happy 18 weeks... (and for Sawyer being the size of a mango: 6 in., half a pound estimated) ....... on to 19 weeks!!

Almost half way there!!