Swimming and Kicking

It's official! What I've suspected for about two weeks as possible baby movement is now DEFINITELY baby movement. I've also been feeling what could be minor Braxton Hicks contractions...or maybe bladder spasms? I don't know.

I'll be 18 weeks on Monday so I guess I started suspecting tiny movements in my 16th week. Now it feels like tiny taps inside, only really noticable when I'm sitting quietly. I'm sure if someone walked by my office just a minute ago, they'd wonder why I'm staring off into space in a trance. Just concentrating and smiling!! It's such an awesome feeling. This is what makes me sad for anyone, man or woman, who can't carry a child. There's just nothing to describe it and it makes my enjoyment a little bittersweet.

My nausea has been so much better lately, although I still have icky evenings and times when I get a big wave. I'd say that week 16 was a big turning point. My bladder has been pretty okay, too, but I would not say that I'm in remission by any means. I still notice a difference when I eat something I shouldn't and I'm still religious about taking my Elmiron. My hope is beginning to run out that I'll have a true remission, but I guess you never know.

We've been working on redoing Ella's room in pink and brown, celebrating the transition to her queen sized bed. It's starting to look good and she's doing so well! I can't believe how grown up she's becoming.

The nursery is coming along great as well. Wes is working on finishing painting today and I've been slowly bringing in things like hampers, bookshelves and throw pillows. I really do love this part of planning. But I think it's getting too expensive!

We have our "big" ultrasound next Thursday and I really can't wait to go. Our blood test and NT scan revealed very low risk factors for things like Down Syndrome, and that has given me some confidence, but I know I'll be a bit nervous while they do the ultrasound.

Hunger pains are kicking in...I'm gaining so much weight! The scale had me up almost 10 pounds this morning which I'm refusing to believe. I was 3 pounds less at the beginning of the week so I'm going to hold onto that. In the meantime, I had my breakfast sandwich without cheese and I might be skipping the tortellini in cream sauce I had my eye on for lunch. Ha!