19 Weeks and Counting!

I'm now 19 weeks along, but feeling (and looking) much, much further ahead. I still get blank looks when people hear my due date. Yes, I'm sure that's correct. Of course, come Monday this baby may show us all just how big s/he is! It might have been a mistake changing my due date nine days later in the beginning... Or, much to my surprise, the baby could be right on and I'm just huge. Let's hope it's the former! :) (Or as Matt says, it's not really a baby but all the donuts I've been eating, HA!) Despite my size, I have only gained a total of 8.5 pounds, and have not been eating donuts! :)

I've been feeling pretty good lately. Really tired, but I've also been really busy. Still having trouble with my sciatic nerve and its associated pain. I also don't sleep very well, despite figuring out how to somewhat sleep on my belly. But, it all comes with the territory.

I think Carter's starting to really know what's going on. We do talk quite a bit about the baby, and Mandy even asks him for name suggestions. But he has been showing more interest lately. Lauren also pats my belly (and says belly), but she's too young to really know. It will be very interesting when #3 gets here!


(19 weeks today; 19 weeks with Lauren. It just doesn't seem right...)

Here's what's going on with baby: "Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, taking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you. Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom —about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid."

What's going on with Mommy? "Think you're big now? You'll start growing even more rapidly in the weeks to come." Yeah, great, thanks.

Only three more days! I'm so looking forward to Monday afternoon and the ultrasound. I go back and forth on what I think I'm having. So far, I'm one for two -- Amanda found out today that she is having a boy. :) Congratulations!!