18 Weeks!

How your baby's growing:

Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and it weighs almost 7 ounces. It's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. Its blood vessels are visible through its thin skin, and its ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from its head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around its nerves, a process that will continue for a year after it's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

How your life's changing:

Hungry? An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow.

Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure will probably be lower than usual. Don't spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.

From now on, when you do lie down, it's best to lie on your side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort.

If you haven't already had a second-trimester ultrasound, you'll probably have one soon. This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking his thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album!

How Far Along: 18w4d

Total Weight Gained: I think I'm almost back to my pre-pregnancy weight, so I should start gaining any day now!

Maternity Clothes: Yes...Because they are comfy and cute!  Although, I can still (barely) fit in my regular clothes for the most part.

Sleep: Bathroom break about once a night, but besides that pretty good (I hope it stays that way!)

Best Moment of the Week: Nothing much yet - Just looking forward to 1 week from today (February 24) for Gender Day! :)

Movement: Daniel and I are both pretty certain we have felt some baby flutters, but we're still waiting for that 'Aha' moment when we both know it's the baby!

Food Craving: Mainly fruit still and sour candy.

Food aversions: It really depends on the moment!  Something I ate yesterday could be nauseating today, and vice versa.

Morning sickness: Never had any (lucky me!)

Gender: 1 week from today until we find out!

Belly Button: In - Although, my belly button is already starting to flatten out!

What I miss: I'm starting to have balance issues already so this should be interesting over the next 5 months... :)

What I look forward to: Finding out the gender, feeling the baby move, and Daniel being able to feel the baby move...

Milestones: For the baby - it is mastering yawning and hiccuping!!! :)