sniderkin

Today we had another check up with the doctor.  Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the baby on an ultrasound, but we did hear the heart rate and hear the baby moving around a little.  The heart rate is a nice and solid 150 bpm, and it was neat to hear the baby moving - though I still can’t feel it.

I’m still having appetite issues, but I’m getting the right nutrition so I’m not too worried.  I’ve actually lost .2 lbs since my first prenatal visit and my doctor says that it’s just fine.  I was advised to gain as little weight as possible, so far so good!

Our next appointment won’t be until late August, and then two weeks after that we find out if we’re having a little boy or a little girl!  We’ve already chosen names, though nothing is set in stone until it gets on paper.  And no - we’re not going to tell until we know if the baby is a boy or girl. (maybe not even then *snicker*)

This coming week the baby will start to practice breathing, baby is already moving his/her arms around and has sensation in his/her hands and is exploring their surroundings, the baby is also going potty (fantastic), and even though baby is only a couple inches long he/she has fingers and toes, fingernails, ears and eyes (though they’re mainly open all the time at this stage) and is developing reflexes and practicing moving for when his/her bones have finished hardening.  At this point, baby is already a boy or girl but is a bit too shy to show us just yet.

I’m not feeling as sick as I previously had been, but my appetite is now officially zero. Shannon keeps asking me “are you hungry for lunch?” and I respond with “I don’t know.” This is not because I’m being difficult, it’s just that I honestly can’t tell if I’m hungry because I always have this full feeling in my stomach.

Yesterday was Shannon’s 36th birthday, so make sure to harass him about that! Sheesh, what an old man I married!

Walking or standing for long periods of time really hurts my lower back and after awhile I get nauseous and have to sit down or I feel like I’m going to pass out. So, I seem to have traded morning sickness for back pain. Seems fair… I guess.

Today Shannon told me that he thinks I am starting to show. I was chubby to start with so it’s not like my perfectly flat tummy has started to bulge or anything like that. It’s more like my chubby tummy that I could hide under my shirts is now starting to press against my shirts. I don’t think people can tell I’m pregnant yet, they probably just figure I have a pot belly. I suppose I could post a picture and let you all decide. I’ve been wondering if my belly would go typically round, or if it would be an all over midsection gain like both of my sisters have had. I guess only time will tell!

Our next doctor appointment isn’t until July 31, so in the meantime here’s the news:

The sickness is still here, though it is either not as bad as it was before or I’m getting better at managing it.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m still feeling plenty miserable - but it’s not as terrible as it was a few weeks ago.

I purchased some maternity jeans.  I’ve gained 3 pounds, and my waistband was beginning to cut into my belly.  The jeans I bought look normal as long as I keep the tops covered, but they are so much more comfortable and I no longer have to walk around with my button undone.

According to the pregnancy calendar I look at online, by the end of next week the baby will have doubled in size.  It’s still going to be a long time before we know whether we’re having a little boy or girl, that test is in mid-September.  We’re both really anxious to find out!

We got to see our baby today and hear his/her heartbeat (strong little bugger!). We’ll have the ultrasound pictures up shortly - though I warn you, there’s not much to see this early on!