How are you feeling?

That seems to be the No. 1 question I get after announcing I’m pregnant. And guess what, growing a human is hard! I never really thought about ALL the different effects growing a baby would have on my body. I just assumed it would be mostly physical changes (like the growing belly) and maybe some morning sickness.

I’ve considered myself pretty lucky in terms of morning sickness (though really it should be called all day sickness). I’m pretty functional and most of the time any queasiness can be cured with some constant snacking. Let me tell you, I went through a lot of Honey Nut Cheerios in the first trimester.

Luckily, I don’t have any aversions to food either. I am trying to eat and snack healthier so I can give Spot as much nutrition as he or she needs. Also, with the constant urge to eat, it’s probably good if I am not constantly picking up the donuts, cookies or cupcakes. Contrary to what they say, eating for two is not as exciting as it sounds. Technically I am supposed to eat just an extra 300 calories a day.

As far as negative symptoms, probably the roughest have been the constant fatigue and some heartburn and indigestion. No more can I stay up until 10 or 10:30 on a week night or take that third slice of pizza (although with the pizza, I can’t ever seem to stop and am always kicking myself after the fact.)

Luckily I am well into my second trimester, and all the books say most of these symptoms tend to go away around this time. I still get tired and need to go to bed a lot earlier than I use to, but now I get bursts of energy throughout the day. (Before, I pretty much felt like a zombie all day.) And, most importantly that all day queasiness I had been feeling is pretty much gone.

18 weeks (Four months)

The bump is still pretty undetectable to the average eye. We went to the doctor last week and Spot's heartbeat is strong. (In the 140s -- apparently anywhere between 120-160 is good). 

We also heard him moving around in there, though I haven't been able to feel anything yet.

On September 6 we go in for our ultrasound that will tell us if Spot is a he or a she!