22 weeks

22 weeks. Wow. Does anyone else feel like this pregnancy is flying by? Maybe because I just have so much going on I feel like the weeks are passing so quickly. This week was another busy one because I had class Monday and Tuesday, taught a coupon class Thursday night, spoke at the Southern Ideal Home Show Friday and Sunday and Saturday taught another coupon class! Throw in triples starting at Harris Teeter and homework that had to be done and preparation and practice for our presentation at the Home Show and my week was NUTS!! Oh, and I got in a teensy little accident on Saturday too. As if I don't have enough to worry about... but, I'm ok and my car is basically ok (just a little damage... might be more extensive than we think but we will have to take it to the shop to be sure). Anyone know a trustworthy mechanic around here?



So at the Southern Ideal Home Show, Brittney and I spoke on stage Friday afternoon and the rest of the afternoon until 9pm we worked the booth for the newspaper we are vendors for. We got to sell subscriptions and promote our website and coupon business and it was very fun and verrry tiring. We were both really nervous when we got up to speak and we actually had technical difficulties right up until the minute we were supposed to go on stage but everything worked out and we actually both did really well and had a lot of fun. We had a slide at the beginning of our presentation that said "What could you do with $2992.20?" and then we went on to explain that this was our savings from January 1st until this weekend. People's faces were priceless! They were in shock that we actually saved that much money and we made sure to show them an actual receipt later in the presentation so they would believe us! =) We also gave away a MASSIVE giveaway basket full of name brand items that we have gotten for free. We seem like the most unlikely girls to use coupons but people start paying attention when we talk about how much we save and how much free stuff we accumulate! On Sunday we actually had a couple come to our presentation and at the end they came up to me and told me that they had come to the Home Show yesterday to hear our presentation and were so upset that we weren't speaking yesterday that they went to the director of the Home Show and were given complimentary tickets to come back just to hear us! PLUS they were so excited about what we were talking about that they want to host several classes and learn everything we know! I must say, I felt rather pleased that they were so eager to learn from us! (Lord, help my head not to swell up and keep us humble, Amen).



Since we're talking coupons I've actually only been to Harris Teeter one day this week since triples started! ::gasps from the crowd:: yes, yes, I know. Only one time? But, I did do 3 separate trips and made out with over $150 worth in groceries for -$2. Negative 2 dollars you ask? Yes, there was a mishap with some chicken and some pasta and somehow Harris Teeter gave me $2 so I was pretty pleased with that. I guess since I haven't gotten to go as much as I'd like this week, making money on all those groceries helps ease my agony some =) go ahead, groan and roll your eyes, I deserve it.



On a MUCH more important note... Brandon has gotten to feel the baby kick!!! I've felt so badly these past few weeks because he has been wanting to feel him kick so badly and the kicks just weren't strong enough. But the other night, we were sitting there and I grabbed his hand and put it on my belly and sure enough, Brandon was able to feel our son kick!! His face was precious! He was so excited to finally feel him kick and he was amazed and in awe! I think it makes it that much more real to him and also makes him feel included a little more. Not that he wasn't before but its hard to explain how it feels when the baby kicks when he couldn't feel it yet. He can also feel the difference in my tummy when baby boy decides he wants to turn around or flip in my tummy. My stomach will actually poke out and you can see his head (what I'm assuming is his head anyways) go from one side of my tummy to the other and my tummy will feel so hard for a few seconds and then it goes back to normal after he situates himself =) I love it. I think I'll miss feeling these little nudges when baby boy is here but I know I'll love being able to hold him in my arms even more.



Brandon has been so sweet to me lately. He has been so understanding and supportive of me and my crazy schedule and has really made me feel so loved. He will say things like "I hope you know how beautiful you are" and "Even though you were beautiful before, you are stunning pregnant" and Saturday after I had my "teensy little accident" (that's just how I'm going to refer to it) he said that he didn't care what happened to the car or how much money it would cost, as long as the baby and I were ok. THEN, Sunday morning after he had already left for church, I saw his facebook status from the night before and it said "holding my wife a little tighter tonight and thanking God for His protection over her and my son." Yeah, I cried. Plus, he always takes his computer with him to church on Sunday mornings but he knew I had homework to do online that was due by midnight and that my day was so packed that he left the computer at home for me to work on my homework before church! How sweet! Are all husbands this thoughtful or did I just majorly luck out?! The thing is... Brandon is just as busy and stressed as I am. With all the new volunteers that signed up at church and the move to the new building in a week, Brandon has had so much on his list of things to do and hasn't gotten any time off that I feel so incredibly blessed to have a husband who is willing to put aside his feelings for himself and think about his pregnant wife. I think in the last few months we've grown closer together as a couple than we ever have before. We haven't gotten to see each other expect for a kiss goodbye in the mornings and from about 9:30 until we go to sleep at night but our relationship is much more intimate. And no, for all of you who just went there, I mean we have confided in one another more and had to rely on really communicating and really being with each other when we actually are. I hate that we haven't gotten to see each other that much lately but I do like that I feel closer to my husband than ever before.



How far along? 22 weeks



Weight gain? Haven't weighed myself but I do have a doctor's appointment coming up... yikes!



maternity clothes? Still wearing some maternity pants and some of my regular jeans. I'm gonna hang onto my skinny jeans until I just can't pull them on anymore =)



Sleep? I'd like more of it... Friday night I was so exhausted after working half a day at work and then working the Home Show for most of the day that I slept for 9 hours and then Saturday morning I got up and did some laundry and then FELL BACK ASLEEP! Guess I needed just a little more rest =)



stretch marks? None yet.



Best moment this week? Might have been Sunday at the Home Show before we were about to go on stage for our presentation. Brittney and I were sitting there waiting for the speaker before us to finish up her presentation and baby boy started kicking me in the ribs on my right side. It felt like he was tickling me from the inside and I literally got so "tickled" that I laughed out loud! I was so embarrassed because it was definitely a loud laugh and people turned and looked at me but I couldn't help it! My tiny little son was tickling his mama! I think maybe he was telling me good luck for my presentation =)



movement? Brandon got to feel him kick! And yes! he has been squirming all over the place! (the baby, not Brandon haha) Friday I counted how many times he flipped before lunch and it was 7 times!!! I guess he's doing his exercises! =)



food cravings? Ice dream ice cream from Chick-fil-a, chicken salad sandwiches from Chick-fil-a (which I have now had my fill of for about the next year)



Food aversions? coffee



what I'm looking forward to... decorating the baby's room! (if we ever have time!!)



milestones... Babycenter says he is now 11 inches long! Holy cow! This baby is growing with a quickness!



I'm too tired to load the 22 week picture so I'll try to do that later...

21 weeks

I'm officially over the halfway mark in my pregnancy! Wow! Let's just say that this past week was so busy, I feel like I just wrote last week's post! I often wonder if I will be more rested after the baby comes because I won't have school and work! I know, I know... all you mommies just laughed at me. But really, my schedule is crazy right now. Last week I worked every day, had class Monday and Tuesday night, taught a coupon class Friday night and again Saturday morning, and then my mom and brother came to visit Saturday and stayed until Sunday. Whew! Not to mention I had homework to do and then Lifegroup Sunday night meets at our house and then I had a group meeting for class at school Sunday night!

...Speaking of lifegroup and my group meeting at school... ok, all you lifegroupers, go ahead and laugh because I still get embarrassed thinking about this story! =) But I've laughed every time I thought about it too =) When lifegroup was wrapping up, I asked if anyone was parked behind my side of the garage since I had to go ahead and leave to get to my group meeting. Lance was getting ready to go move his car since he was parked behind me when Rusty suggested that I just take Brandon's car. Great idea! I told Brandon i would just take his car and went out to the garage, unlocked my car and got my school bag out, came back inside and told everyone goodbye. Then I proceeded to the front door and had almost shut the door when I heard "Bethany!" Slightly irritated, since everyone knew I had somewhere to be and I was going to be late if I didn't leave right then, I stepped back into the house and said "yes?" Rusty had a bewildered look on his face as he said "You know Brandon's car is in the garage, right?" OH-MY-GOSH! I was stunned. Not that Brandon's car was in the garage, but that I had JUST BEEN IN THE GARAGE!!! I even made sure my door didn't hit Brandon's car when I opened it to get my school bag out! HOW DUMB CAN I BE? I was mortified but also very tickled at the thought that I had done something that stupid. I was laughing so hysterically that tears and makeup were streaming down my face and I could hardly breathe! All I have to say is that this better be one brilliant baby for all the brain cells he keeps stealing from me!!! =)

Ok, now that we've all had a good laugh, let me go back and tell about my weekend with Mom and Josh. They came down because it was Josh's birthday (Happy Birthday!!) and we went shopping at the mall. I ended up meeting them there because I was coming straight from my coupon class and when I got there, they were already there shopping. The store they were in was glassed in and they saw me before I saw them and by the time I got to the store's entrance Mom was standing there with a strange look on her face. Keep in mind that this was the first time I had seen my mom since Christmas. She has been reading my blog and has seen the pictures of me each week but I think it was somewhat of a shock to see me in person. During the time it took for me to look at her face and take a few steps toward her to hug her, her face just dissolved into tears! They were happy tears (and probably tears of shock too haha!) but we stood there crying and laughing together at the entrance to this store in the middle of the mall and the poor sales guys inside didn't know what to make of us!! I'm sure we made a scene but neither one of one really noticed and Josh was trying to distract himself with a pair of shoes I think =) weird emotional women! =) I guess as a mother it is probably very surreal to see your own daughter pregnant. I only hope that I can be half the mother that she is to me. She is the epitome of "mom" meaning she really does give Josh and I the best of everything even if it means taking none at all for herself. I'll always remember times when I would think "she really likes the burnt part of the pie?" and "I guess she really wasn't hungry" and "I wonder why she didn't want the rest of that." And only later as I figured it out, I realized that she was giving up the best for her to give it to me and Josh. No, she didn't really like burnt pie, and yes she was hungry, and yes she wanted the rest of that, but she is Mom and Mom is selfless. I hope these mom-qualities come with birthing a child because my nature now is the exact opposite of that! I love you Mom and thanks for all you do for me!

On another note about my weekend with Mom and Josh, remember I said they came down to celebrate Josh's birthday right? Well, I forgot apparently because I DIDN'T GIVE HIM HIS BIRTHDAY PRESENT!!! I'm a horrible sister!!! Who does that?!? Celebrate a birthday all weekend and FORGET THE PRESENT?! Wow... all I have to say is I've gotten stupider as each week of my pregnancy goes by. Lord only knows what I'll be like come August... pray for me will ya?


Survey for this week...


How far along? 21 weeks! wow, less than that to go!


Weight gain? Didn't weigh myself


maternity clothes? Yes and no. I'm wearing some maternity pants and some of my regular jeans still and all my regular shirts. I also got a bellyband this weekend!! The question is... WHY did I not get one of these bad boys before now?!? Now I can wear my regular jeans without worrying if they will fall down or there will be an "undies sighting."


Sleep? To tell you the truth, I've been so busy and so exhausted lately that some nights I sleep the whole night through. No joke. The other nights I still get up at least once.

stretch marks? Nope.


Best moment this week? Spending time with my mom and bother!! I think these past 3 months may officially be the longest amount of time in my life that I've gone without seeing them. I'm serious. And I'll tell ya, it was wayyyy toooo lonnnngg. They're coming back in 2 weeks =) that's usually how we roll =)

movement? He's an active little munckin! And he's getting stronger! kicks and flips and all sorts of good exercise =)


food cravings? bagels and strawberries. I've eaten a bagel every single day this week. Not kidding.


Food aversions? please don't take me to starbucks anytime soon

what I'm looking forward to... Brandon being able to feel him kick


milestones... babycenter says he now weighs 3/4 of a pound! Wow!!



Mom took my 21 week picture for me! Thanks Mom!

It's a......

BOY!!!!!

Can you believe it?? I'm going to be mommy to a sweet little BOY!! I thought it was a girl... actually Brandon and I thought it was going to be a girl and everyone else I know kept saying girl. I did have that very vivid dream it was a boy though...

I guess you can tell that this week we got to go for our 20 week ultrasound. We went Friday and before we went I told Brandon I just had to have some fruit or some juice so that the baby would be awake so we went and got a biscuit (that craving just hasn't gone away!) and some oj and then headed to the doctor. A close family friend of Brandon's family was our ultrasound technician and we were so thankful because she was so sweet to us! I asked her beforehand what happened if something was wrong with the baby because I know that the techs usually aren't allowed to say anything. She assured me that I would see a provider that same day and wouldn't have to wait if there was bad news... BUT God is good and our baby is HEALTHY!! We are so grateful! Brandon and I have really felt like we didn't care one way or the other about the sex of the baby, so long as he/she was healthy...some people say this is cliche but honestly this is how we felt, especially with Brandon's history and the stories his mom has told us about her pregnancy with him. If you don't know this story, Brandon was born with spina bifida, a fancy term for when some of the spinal nerves grow outside of the body instead of inside where they belong. In most cases of children with spina bifida, they are paralyzed and have many complications. Brandon's mother was told by 9 different doctors to abort him and thank Jesus she didn't!!! Brandon has had a couple of surgeries (this explains the crazy looking scar on the back of his neck) and is completely fine!!! We know that God is a God of miracles and that Brandon was put on this earth exactly the way he was (and with the entrance he had) for a purpose. Knowing that life is so fragile and can start out with complications so early, we both have been pouring our hearts out to God just asking that he bless us with a healthy child and if He chose not to, to at least give us the strength and wisdom to deal with whatever He chose to give us. Before we were even called back for the ultrasound, I started to cry in the waiting room. Why? Because I was so overwhelmed with emotion. I felt like I was about to "meet" our baby for the first time (I know we had our initial u/s and got to see the baby, but we didn't know the sex yet) and I was about to find out if he/she was healthy or not. It was such a pivotal moment because my life was about to change forever, one way or the other. I would know whether to buy pink or blue and whether my baby had ten fingers and ten toes or if his/her heart had a hole or if the stomach was forming correctly, etc etc etc. If the tech had found some sort of defect my life would have been altered forever. You can see why I was emotional wreck. Once we got back to the u/s room, I was composed... but not for long! As soon as she showed us his face, I lost it! I saw MY LIPS and MY CHIN on the screen!! I'm actually crying again as I type this because it amazes me that my little munchkin has some of my features! Brandon and I think that he looks like Brandon from the eyes up and that his face looks like me from the lips down. We are still a little unsure about whose nose he has but we think it looks more like my nose than Brandon's. Actually, I think the baby's nose looks like my brother's nose did when Josh was little, a little button nose! I also think the baby has Brandon's legs because they look so long from the hip to the knee. I think I'm going to end up with a tall son, just like his daddy!

During the ultrasound I was emotional partly because I was in awe of seeing my little one and partly because as the u/s tech was doing the anatomy scan and checking off body parts and organs that she was supposed to look at, I was experiencing some deja vue. Why? Because what I've been praying was almost an exact echo of the u/s checklist! With the exception of the adrenal glands! The u/s tech checked those out and I realized I haven't been praying for baby boys adrenal glands! Whoops! I've been praying for everything else, fingers and toes, arms and legs, stomach and intestines and kidneys and liver and bladder and heart and lungs and brain and eyes, ears, nose, mouth, neck, tongue, etc etc! But dangit! I forgot those adrenal glands! Maybe someone else has been praying for those because they looked great! Thanks to whomever has been lifting up my baby's adrenal glands in prayer! =)

This was BY FAR the highlight of my week and a moment that I'll never forget. Brandon and I held hands while we found out that our little munchkin is going to be a rowdy little boy and I cried and cried and cried some more. We are both thrilled. Brandon has been hoping for a boy and was just ecstatic that he is going to have a son. I am semi in shock still because I realized that instead of dance recitals and gymnastics meets, I'm going to be lugging coolers of juice boxes and cut up oranges to baseball games and soccer fields! BUT, I know I'm going to love every second of it! Afterall I am a cheerleader at heart. I'll probably be the loudest mommy cheering on her son at every game! =) Plus, I can spit sunflower seeds and chew gum with the best of them =)

Some other moments from this week that aren't quite as spectacular as the doctors appointment but worthy of a mention so we don't lose the humor of this pregnancy are:

Last Sunday night we were going with our LifeGroup from church to go bowling and then out to dinner. That day I had gone to church, left and gone straight to school to meet with my group about a group project, gotten home and went for a run (because it was a gorgeous day!) and then showered as soon as I got back because I knew we had to leave at 4:30 to ride with Kate and Rusty (who live down the street) . I got ready and Brandon said he was going to get dressed and then we could leave so I decided to start cutting up the fresh pineapple I had gotten the day before. I was mid-pineapple (and mid-bite) when I heard Brandon behind me stop. I turned around and he said "what made you decide to start cutting a pineapple RIGHT NOW?" I replied "well, I wanted some and we had a pineapple" and his face was priceless. I think the correct word here is "incredulous." He just shook his head and reminded me that we were supposed to have left for Kate and Rusty's 2 minutes ago. Whoops. I honestly have no idea what part of me thought it was ok to start cutting up a pineapple. I knew we had to walk out the door. My oh my this pregnancy brain thing is always creeping up on me!

Tuesday night, Brittney and I had to teach a coupon class and we had decided to meet at a parking lot next to Sheetz so we could ride together. I had called her on my way and found out I was ahead of her by about 5 minutes so I thought that was just enough time for me to stop in Sheetz and use the ladies room. And get a donut. I promise I went in with every intention of just going to the bathroom but they put the donut case right in the middle on your way to the back! How was I supposed to resist?!

I went to the gym and ran Thursday night. I only put this in here because it makes me feel better after the donut story.

Friday night, Brittney and I taught a coupon class at Kate's house (remember she's the one that lives down the street) and we bring the refreshments to each class as part of what we do. Brittney had baked a ton of cookies and when she got to my house we put them on one of my plates because she forgot the platter. After the class we loaded up the car and I carried out the plate of cookies, set them on the hood of the car and said "Brittney, don't let me forget to grab these before we leave" and proceeded to put my purse and other bag in the car, climb into the passenger seat, buckle up and wait for us to pull off. After Brittney dropped me off at my house and was getting ready to leave she said "I'm just going to leave the rest of those cookies here, ok?" COOKIES?? My eyes got real wide and I asked her if the plate of cookies was still on top of her car. Definitely not. I started to get mad at myself and Brittney said "Come on, get in the car, we gotta go find em, this is gonna be so funny!" So I grabbed my phone and got in the car and we drove verrryy slowly back to Kate's house. Sure enough, right at the base of her driveway was this:

Yep, the cookies had fallen off the car as we backed out of the driveway and we ran over the plate as we drove off. There was no salvaging the plate or the cookies. We laughed until we cried. I'll try to post the video later on so you can get a better idea of just how funny it was. =)

Here is my HALF WAY survey! WooHoo!

How far along? 20 weeks! Half way to meeting my SON!

Weight gain? Don't know because I didn't weigh myself this week.

maternity clothes? I'm still tryin to rock my regular clothes. Cept the shirts where the buttons are popping open. And you can't tell that none of my pants are zipped can ya? =)

Sleep? I think we're to the point where baby boy thinks its time to get up and play (and by play I mean kick) when I lay down to go to sleep. So far I'm amused and not irritated.

stretch marks? Nope.

Best moment this week? Finding out that my little one is a BOY!!!!!!

movement? I've felt him turn around several times! How fun!!

food cravings? fruit (obviously pineapple) and egg and cheese biscuits (dangit, this craving will NOT leave me!!)

Food aversions? coffee still makes me gag in case you were wondering.

what I'm looking forward to... Picking out nursery furniture and bedding now that we know he's a boy!

milestones... The u/s tech said he is about 5-7 inches long so he's as long as my hand!

I haven't taken a picture yet this week so I'll have to post that when I take one...

19 weeks

I feel like this week has flown by! I think its probably going to feel like that until mid-May when my classes end. This week on Wednesday I got to work and realized that my throat was hurting. Then after I ate breakfast I realized that I felt really bad. Body aches, sore throat, I even wondered if I was getting a fever. I felt so bad so quickly that I got very scared. I have tried so hard this whole pregnancy to be diligent about washing my hands and staying away from people who are sick and making sure I disinfect my office at work. I am a pretty tough cookie but I left work early Wednesday and went right home and got in the bed. You know I didn't feel well because the only other times I've left work early because of not feeling well I had pancreatitis and pneumonia. So I really didn't feel well. I slept for a couple of hours that afternoon, ate some chicken noodle soup and drank orange juice and I actually felt better! I prayed so hard that I wouldn't get sick because a) I don't have time to get sick and b) I need drugs when I'm sick and I know that my options are limited when I'm pregnant. Like I said in a previous post, I've been keeping the pace of a crazy woman and I think my body was getting worn out. God was good to me and helped me overcome whatever my body was fighting off! Thank you Lord!

Here are some random moments from this week...

I went to go to a meeting on Thursday at work that I've had every other week since last July. Same place, same people, same time. I got on the elevator and stared at the numbers and could not, for the life of me, remember what floor my meeting was on. The girl on the elevator with me looked at me with that "are you ok?" look and I finally pushed the "3" button... then the "4" button. She looked at me again but I ignored her. She got off on 2. Then I decided that 3 must not be it and even if it was, I could just walk back down one flight of stairs if need be. I got off on 4 and luckily ran into someone who attends this meeting with me. She reassured me that I was on the right floor and that pregnancy brain is normal. This baby better be smart since he/she is taking all my brain cells!!

Friday night Brandon and I were driving down the road and all of a sudden I saw the Krispy Kreme hot sign on. I yelled out that the hot sign was on but unfortunately for us, we were in the far right lane and KK was on the left and it was 5:00 traffic. Fortunately for us on our return trip, the hot sign was on again and my wonderful hubby pulled right in. We got in line and ordered 4 hot glazed donuts and the couple behind us pointed out that it was basically highway robbery to get less than a dozen because of the price per single donut. We took their advice and walked out with a dozen. And yes, they were glorious. And worth every penny and every calorie.

Saturday I went for a walk and ended up walk/jogging a mile. I realized that running is a lot harder when a) I haven't run in 4 months b) I weigh 10 pounds more than I did when I was running c) my bladder screams at me every step of the way (even though I went to the bathroom right before I left!!). However, I realized that running is a lot easier after going to the doctor the day before and being humiliated by the number on the scale. And before you jump to conclusions, yes I know I'm supposed to gain weight when I'm pregnant and yes I'm planning on gaining every pound of that healthy amount. BUT, if I continue to gain at the rate I'm gaining, I will be an ELEPHANT in JULY!!!! I am NOT exaggerating!! In fact I'm considering not telling how much I gained in the last month but because this a journal of my first pregnancy I will tell all, and suffer the embarrassment of knowing that you all know how much of a heffer I am. In case you don't know, "heffer" means a woman of substantial weight, a person who weighs more than a healthy BMI allows, a woman who has backfat, a woman whose thighs say "excuse me, pardon me, excuse me, pardon me" every time she takes a step, a woman who eats a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts.

Ok, now that that's over... I went to the doctor Friday and absolutely LOVED the provider I saw this week! He was FABULOUS! He made jokes, he was serious, he was confident but not cocky. When he was done examining me, he sat in his chair, leaned back against the wall and told me to ask questions. And he didn't flinch when I pulled a list of questions out of my purse. And he listened to every one and answered every one and assured me that I am normal, I have valid concerns, and I was smart to write down my questions. He can deliver my baby.

Ok, here's this week's survey (and I know you all are just going to scroll down to "weight gained" sections but that's ok, I'm gonna get that under control... I think...)

How far along? 19 weeks

Weight gain? ok ok, 6 pounds in 4 weeks. And yes, this is more than I should have gained.

maternity clothes? I just wear my regular jeans and don't button or zip them.

Sleep? I need more of it.

stretch marks? Nope.

Best moment this week? Having the doctor tell us that next week we get to go for our ultrasound to find out the sex of the baby!!

movement? Yes, love when the little booger starts kickin around =)

food cravings? fruit and Krispy Kreme

Food aversions? coffee still. I'm concerned that this won't go away but I guess I don't need to worry about this until August since I can't have caffeine right now anyways.

what I'm looking forward to... Finding out if this little angel is a boy or a girl!! Any guesses?? =)

milestones... Running again =) woot woot!

Here's the 19 week picture...

18 weeks

I'm just gonna put it out here early on: I don't feel good but I really want to document each week so excuse me if my humor is absent in this post. The past couple of weeks I've felt both more energized and more exhausted all at once. More energized because I've moved into the second trimester and the sheer exhaustion is fading but more exhausted because I've been keeping the schedule of a crazy woman (or 3 women!). I get tired just thinking about my week ahead and you would too because I leave to go to work at 6:45am and don't get home until 9:30 or 10:30pm. Almost...every...night. I guess some people might think I really am crazy... I mean who else works full time (and commutes 2 hours each day), gets their MBA (which involves being in class 3 hours 2 nights a week), and teaches coupon classes in their "spare" time all while being pregnant for the first time. Oh yeah, me. Mom loves to tell the story about the time I came home and told her I was trying out for soccer. She puts it this way "Bethany had 5 minutes after school so she tried out for the soccer team." Typical for me I guess. I used to wish for 25 hours in each day instead of 24.

On another note, the baby is getting stronger because the kicks are getting harder! I don't feel the baby kick every day, but I'm not worried at this point because everything I've read said that I won't feel regular movement until about 20 weeks or so. I read something else this week that is absolutely adorable to me. What to Expect When You're Expecting says that the baby is rocked to sleep by Mommy's movements, like walking and moving around, during the day and then wakes up when Mommy gets still at night. How cute is that? I'm practicing rocking my baby to sleep and he/she is still in my tummy! =) Oh I love this baby more and more as the weeks go by.

I had a thought this week... I hope the baby isn't having growing pains because he/she is growing so quickly...

Here is this week's survey:

How far along? 18 weeks

Weight gain? I weighed myself at work and it was not good. Doctor's appointment this week will reveal the true number but let's just say I've got to get my weight gaining under control.

maternity clothes? I still wear my regular jeans but I've also worn a pair of maternity jeans and black maternity pants. No maternity shirts yet because the bump just isn't big enough.

Sleep? One night I actually made it all the way through the night without having to get up to go to the bathroom!!

stretch marks? None yet...

Best moment this week? Feeling the baby's stronger kicks!

movement? Yes =)

food cravings? fruit and Japanese food =)

Food aversions? coffee... you don't realize how strongly the smell carries until it makes you gag =(

what I'm looking forward to... my doctor's appointment this week

milestones... This week BabyCenter.com says the baby is as big as a green bell pepper! How cute!

I need to run... as evidenced by this picture...