21 weeks

20 weeks

Halfway!

So here I am at 20 weeks, and baby is half-brewed. I feel like I need to say something profound to mark this occasion, but all I can think of is the cliched "time has flown, but I feel like I've been pregnant forever." It's funny how a pre-set length of time does that to a person.

To sum up my pregnancy so far, I'd have to say that I really can't complain. Yes, I have a few aches and pains, and some small things get sacrificed, but I'm glad that I can truly enjoy being pregnant and don't have my head perma-stuck in a toilet or a face full of acne. I know some women look forward to pregnancy so much and then end up disappointed when it's not what they expected. I feel blessed that I am healthy and supported. I love seeing my belly grow and feeling little kicks.

Speaking of support, Justin has been wonderful. He wants the baby to be here now! Some people have asked whether I've had any freak-outs or panic yet about becoming a mother, and I have to honestly say no. But I credit this calmness to Justin, because he has never doubted our ability to do this, or let any of the fears take place of excitement (I know, weird huh?). His calmness is both surprising and comforting, and I hope it continues as we approach April! The only thing he worries about a little is how much pain I'll have to go through in labour. Aw. Well, at least it's a valid concern.

I feel that now I have to get a little more serious about making sure I have everything I'll need for when the baby comes. I want to get everything in order and good to go. Up until now I've just been getting a feel for what's out there and what I need (the trip to register was helpful for that). The things I'm most on the lookout for right now (things I didn't register for) are a good-height dresser (used is fine) to use as a change table, cloth diapers of all kinds (and everything that goes along with cloth diapering), curtains, and a sling carrier (got my eye on a cute one!). Once I get some of these things, I know I'll start feeling more prepared. I also have a wonderful load of stuff, including a crib, coming from my cousin (Hi Steph!). I just have to arrange to get it from Barrie to here.

Justin and I (and many others!) are still convinced that this baby is a girl, but we're not going to find out and we could be 100% wrong. Either way, this baby is going to be mostly comprised of milk, ham/pickle/summer sausage subs, milk, chocolate, milk, bacon, milk, grilled cheese sandwiches and cereal (with milk)! I don't think my cravings have been too strange so far, but I do want what I want when I want it, and it's usually very specific. The strangest craving I had in my head the other day (which I did not act on, by the way) was a simultaneous desire for chili and angel food cake! Do I get points for originality?

Thanks to everyone who checks back for updates and offers encouragement along the way. I love being able to share this crazy experience with you even though most of us are hours apart.

On to the next 20 (hopefully 18-19) weeks!

I like to move it move it...

This is a little late in making it on here, but a couple weeks ago I felt the the first little movements! I think it was between 17 and 18 weeks, and since then I feel them every day, mostly when I'm sitting.

They feel like bumps/mini-punches/thumps, and sometimes they surprise me so much that I laugh out loud! I love it because it's like a little "hello, I'm here" every now and then.

Still waiting for Justin to be able to feel them from the outside. He's pretty jealous ;)

Oh, and one interesting thing is that when the cats drape their purring bodies over my belly, I seem to get more kicks! They're communicating.

19 weeks

18 weeks

Not getting any smaller!