HOW FAR ALONG?  18 weeks…. only 21-ish left.

SIZE OF OUR SWEET BABY? The size of a Sweet Potato! (5.5 inches; 5 oz.)

MATERNITY CLOTHES? Mom & a friend’s sister loaded me up on cute maternity dresses and tops. SO grateful! I’ve gotta find some maternity work out pants/tops though… it’s getting very uncomfortable.

GENDER: TBD… we find out in 2 weeks!

SLEEP?  Less bathroom trips at night, thankfully. No naps. Vivid dreams & night sweats (I know… sounds like menopause).

FOOD CRAVINGS? (Still) pickles- but specifically the “sweet and hot” pickle mix at Central Market, salty foods, grits, Potbelly sandwiches (love the hot peppers), snow cones, salads, peaches.

WHAT I MISS? Running & bike riding. Brisk walks with George will have to do for now.

SYMPTOMS? Headaches for a couple days at a time (week 17), healthy fingernails, I think my hair is growing faster, and swollen ankles (Yep, the “Cankles” have made their appearance already).

BELLY BUTTON?  It’s still an “inny” but it’s stretching and getting bigger.

BEST MOMENT(S) OF THE PAST 2 WEEKS?  Feeling baby kick for the first time (week 17). I was lying in bed watching a show on my iPad and “thump!” so, I immediately put my hand on my belly and it happened 2 more times. It was so magical. All I could do was gasp and smile.  Movements are still a little far and few between, but are increasing as I get further into week 18. Sometimes I think I feel baby moving, but I’m not 100% sure if it was baby or my organs moving, etc… One time it felt like a big gold fish flopped inside me while sitting at my desk at work.  I could just lay there all day and feel baby move… I’m excited for when I can feel baby constantly moving!

Also, it’s been fun talking about ways we’d like to reveal to our parents the gender of baby once we find out.