Ova-EZ

You've asked. And asked. And asked again. So I've decided the time is right to unleash my bump upon the blogosphere.

Yes, I am posting my first bump pic.

But first, an explanation as to why I have yet to do so.

It's not that I'm not proud. It's not that I don't understand and appreciate what my bump represents. It's not even because I'm a little embarrassed at how big I've gotten, (well, maybe a tad). But, really, it's not any of these things.

I just haven't gotten around to it.

Plain & simple.

So last week I pulled out my trusty Sony, rummaged around for the cord so I'd be able to download my pics and went to work. I took several pics but the following one was the best representation of my bump so I'm rollin' with it.

Here goes ...


In other news we've decided to get down to business. Hubby and I have started working on a name for our chip. Nothing has stood out for us just yet but we've had fun trying out each option so far. We've cooed and ahhed the names, written the names out in long form to see how they looked, and even yelled the names out loud, just for good measure.

In honor of our name search, I'd be interested in knowing how each of you "auditioned" the name for your bean, peanut, lil one, etc. Let me know in the comments section. Also, if you have any suggestions, I'd be happy to audition them, too!

;)

How far along? 20 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Really?!?
Stretch marks? Nope, not yet
Sleep: I wish!
Movement: A few more bubbles than before but no definitive kicks yet
Food cravings: Still no specific cravings... Am I weird?
Gender: A BOY!!
Labor Signs: None
What I miss: Being able to lean over without my last meal backing up into my mouth, EW!
What I am looking forward to: Starting our registry this weekend

Milestones: I'm halfway through my pregnancy!!

A Cantaloupe
Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed!

Ok, so I haven't really posted in quite some time. I've been posting weekly updates so I can look back on how my pregnancy progressed and to keep my readers in the know, but I haven't posted anything of real value.

I think part of me has been hesitant to post anything more than an update because I'm a worrier by nature, and I had vowed to maintain a more positive outlook on this blog. I can honestly say that by the time each new doctor's appointment comes around, I'm once again in a dither about whether or not things are ok. I don't know why I'm so anxious. It could be that I had a miscarriage or it could be that I'm concerned about my age. I'm sure those things factor into my anxiety. But I like to think my anxiety (for lack of a better word) is what proves I was meant to be a mom - I just really CARE.

That's not to say that others who aren't as highstrung as I am don't care about their babies. It's just that I've always been the person in my family to fix things, to check up and make sure everyone was ok. It's hard to turn that off now, especially now that I'm actually going to have a little one of my own to really watch out for.

I don't know. I can't explain it. I'm not even going to try anymore. I'm just going to embrace that this is who I am and that I'm going to do my best to be a loving, understanding and responsible mother.

Ok, so on to the most important news of the day - IT'S A BOY!!!

Hubby & I found out at our anatomy scan yesterday. The tech was measuring all the baby's parts and when she got to the baby's bottom, we asked if she could tell what we were having. The baby's legs were locked tight together and she said, "the baby's not really cooperating."

It was like the baby heard her and, on cue, spread those legs wide and there it was. The tech just turned to us and said, "I don't have to tell you what that is, do I?" I looked over at Hubby and he had the slyest grin I've ever seen. He didn't say a word, just grinned. I said our first purchase should be a trench coat cuz this kid's gonna be a flasher. LOL!!

I'm so excited that we're having a boy. I would have been happy with either but having a boy means that we'll have someone to carry on the family name. Hubby is the only boy so it would have ended with him if we didn't have a son. Exciting!

Now we just have to agree on a name. UGH!!

How far along? 19 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I've stopped weighing myself
Stretch marks? Nope, not yet
Sleep: I could sleep all day & it wouldn't be enough - I'm exhausted!Movement: A few more bubbles than before but no definitive kicks yet
Food cravings: I actually feel like I'm eating less
Gender: A BOY!!
Labor Signs: None
What I miss: Being able to touch my toes
What I am looking forward to: Shopping for my baby boy!

Milestones: I finally had to start sleeping with a pillow between my legs for support

A Mango

Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might actually get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature.

How far along? 18 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I've stopped weighing myself
Stretch marks? Not yet, thankfully
Sleep: Getting harder - the reflux is in full effect!
Movement: I've been feeling a few things but I'm not sure if they're kicks or not
Food cravings: Nothing in particular
Gender: I find out next week!
Labor Signs: None
What I miss: Laying down to sleep.
What I am looking forward to: The anatomy scan next week.

Milestones: Hubby finally admitted I'm getting big.

Sweet Potato

Baby's now the size of a sweet potato!
Baby's become amazingly mobile (compared to you, at least), passing the hours yawning, hiccupping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking, and swallowing. And baby is finally big enough that you'll soon be able to feel her movements.

How far along? 17 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 19 lbs. +
Stretch marks? Nope (fingers crossed).
Sleep: A commodity
Movement: Still waiting to feel consistent kicks
Food cravings: I've been under the weather so all I want is soup.
Gender: I find out in about 2 weeks!
Labor Signs: None
What I miss: Being able to strap on my own shoes.
What I am looking forward to: Finding out what the lil chocolate chip is.

Milestones: Nothing special this week.

An Onion Baby's now the size of an onion!
Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. His umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes now feature one-of-a-kind prints.