My Heirloom

We are in our 18th week now and getting bigger every day. Our sweet little thing is 6 inches long and weighs 6.7 ounces, about the size of a large heirloom tomato. This week the baby is working on hearing. Many of the bones are starting to harden and one of the important ones is in the inner ear. This is why the baby may react to the sound of my belly growling, or my heart beat. I notice when I do feel a flutter, I am always asleep and wake up just as it is passing. I look forward to when it will be constant...I am sure I will eat my words later.

I leave for Italy in less than 48 hours for a 16 day adventure with this little bundle joining me the whole time. I am very excited and a little nervous at the same time, however my OB assures me it is ok. I am really looking forward to getting out and walking and enjoying some good food and fresh air. I think it will help pass some time.....Can't believe we will have our 20 week appointment the day after I get back....I wanna see this little thing so bad!

Belly flutters.....

Well after waiting and waiting, I finally felt it! The flutters!!!! I was asleep on the couch Tuesday night

 (March 8th ) and I woke up out of my sleep with the feeling of a butterfly in my belly. It was just below my belly button to the left and it was a feeling I have never had before...it was so strange and amazing at the same time. So I went upstairs and laid down hoping I would feel it again....to my disappointment, nothing. From what I have read and been told, it comes and goes...they will become more frequent in the next few weeks.

Our Little Sweet Potata

Today marks the beginning of the 17th week. I had a OB appointment last Friday, March 4th, for my 16 week or 4 month check up. Everything is great! The baby continues to have a strong heart beat. I haven't really gained any weight...I seem to lose then gain, lose then gain etc....The Dr. says that is just fine, since my belly is already getting big :o)

The baby is about 5.3 inches long and weighs about 5.9 ounces....about the size of a sweet potato...I like the pick of food this week :o) This week the baby is working of simple reflexes like swallowing, sucking and blinking. The baby may even have hiccups at this point...seems so strange to me....

The baby is starting to develop fat, which will help prepare the baby for the temperature change when he/she is born.

My left hip is still giving me problems, the Dr. said it is normal and there isn't much we can do about it...boo!

Jeff's Mom and I are leaving for Italy in 9 days! The Dr. suggested that I take a baby aspirin before each flight, drink plenty of water and get up and walk around the plane as much as I can. This should help me avoid any chances of blood clots during such a long flight.

We have our 20 week or half way point, appointment the day after we get back from Italy, April 1st. Jeff is still holding out on finding out what we are having....not sure if he will change his mind at the Dr.'s office or not....we shall see.