Jelly Belly

Well, we are almost halfway....18 weeks and 2 days to be exact. I can't believe it the halfway point is almost here. A couple weeks ago, I felt like time was going by very slowly, but days seem to fly by lately....I think I can thank very busy work days and trips on the weekends for that!

Anyway, here is the latest belly picture. The picture makes it appear a little bigger than the picture 3 weeks ago, but I feel like it is huge! I know, I know...just wait! I am still wearing my regular clothes, but on the verge of breaking out some maternity things. None of my pants button comfortably anymore (thank goodness for the bella band) and my tops seem to look ridiculous with a "big belly." I am hoping to hit the mall tomorrow and pick up some maternity pants that I can wear to work, as I seem to need those the most.

I have had several friends that have had babies over the past couple of years and I loved talking to them during their pregnancies about changes to their body, both physically and mentally. I always heard what they were saying, but until I actually began to go through a pregnancy, I don't think I really truly understood what happens to your body. Some of the changes I have really noticed, even though I was fully aware they would happen and get worse as your pregnancy goes on are:

• I get out of breath a lot easier than I used to. Just walking up the stairs these days has me huffing and puffing. Again, I know....just wait (I think I can fairly say that for all these points!)
• My toes and especially my fingers swell very badly when I work out. It is like little sausages are attached to my palms. I can't imagine what they will look like when it is 90 degrees and 100% humidity.
• I am definitely not as on top of things as I once used to be. I think this is the classic case of "Pregnancy Brain."
• I am having this weird pain in my back and my hip area that just won't seem to go away. This is definitely something new in the past couple of weeks.
• I have not had a peaceful night sleep since December. If I am not up using the bathroom, I am tossing and turning trying to get comfortable. That whole sleeping on my side thing is just not working....I always seem to wake up on my back.

I think that is really all for right now....I am sure I will start to see many more changes as the months roll on, but for right now, I have no complaints and am loving being pregnant. I still have not felt any movement from the baby, which is disappointing, but I know there will be plenty in a few weeks!!! We have our 20 week ultra sound on April 2nd and I will be sure to post and update after that appointment!