Today marks the beginning of week 18. According to my pregnancy calendars, Harper is the size of a sweet potato now...that's crazy! She almost weighs one full pound!
This week I ordered a fetal doppler to use at home. I'd been debating getting one for several weeks now and finally I caved. The doppler lets me listen to her heartbeat whenever I want to. I am still feeling her move, but since she's so tiny and the uterus is so much bigger than her at this point, I don't feel *every* movement or feel her very consistently (that's another month or two away). So, the doppler lets me check up on her if I'm having a day where I'm feeling anxious. It's really quite fun to have!
Justin and I also went and registered for baby things! I had planned on registering at two or three different places but we ended up putting everything we need at our registry at BabiesRUs. If you click on BabiesRUs in the previous sentence you can see how much cute stuff we found. I went a little crazy on shoes and bows...but I just can't help it.
My morning sickness came back a couple times this week. It's still been awhile since I've gotten actually physically ill, but I have had a couple nights and mornings where I've come close. I think I am learning how to manage it better and overall it has lessened quite a bit.
I'm also *starving* which is good because at 16 weeks I had only lost about 8 pounds without having gained anything. I should gain 15-25 pounds throughout my pregnancy and while I am of course grateful to have less to lose after the baby comes, having a better appetite makes me feel better knowing she's getting all the nutrients she needs.
Also this week I bought maternity clothes. I went to Deseret Industries, which is a thrift store owned and operated by the Church. I found 3 brand name maternity jeans, all pretty much new (one even had original tags!) for all under $4 a piece. What a steal! I'm so much more comfortable now. My pants before were hurting my stomach and at times making me nauseous. As soon as I put on the maternity pants in the dressing room, I saw why. I definitely do have a baby bump...and the hard seam and button of my jeans was pressing right on the top of where the baby was growing and putting more pressure on my muscles (especially the ones in my back).
The maternity clothes really make me feel pregnant. At times I still just feel fat and I wonder if I look that way to other people, haha, but I know she's there. I'm able to start telling what side she's on, too, by her movements.
Earlier I felt her move and wanted to test my knowledge of her position so I used the doppler. I found her within 10 seconds! It was pretty awesome!
Overview This Week
The Bump: Finally there! I love it!
Symptoms: Some morning sickness.
Cravings: ChocoTacos. I have no idea why. It was the strangest thing. Fruit smoothies.
Aversions: Still eggs...
Looking Forward To: Birthing classes starting next week! Feeling more defined kicks/punches.
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