17 weeks

News:  Baby attended his/her first concert this week – Elton John.  Beforehand, Baby D’s daddy researched the effect of concerts on fetuses; he’s already over-protective.  I’m worried that this poor child won’t ever be allowed to leave the house!

Baby D also got a new cousin this week.  This is 9-week-old Ike who already weighs 31 pounds; also, here is Ike’s sister Susie Q who is 6 years old.

Uncle Shane, Auntie M, and Ike

Susie Q

My cousin is expecting her 2^nd child on 9/20 – just a month and a day after Baby D is due!  She and I were good buddies growing up, and I hope that our children can have that same kind of relationship.  Congrats, LE! 

Best moment of the week:  We went to our 16-week appointment on Monday and got to hear Baby D’s healthy heartbeat.

Baby bump status:  Same as last picture.

Baby weighs as much as: A turnip.

Total weight gain:  5.4 pounds.  I think I’ve finally evened out after the weight gain on the cruise.

Maternity clothes:  Most of my shirts are more snug around the middle than I like, so I got several maternity shirts today.  Many are too big right now, but some can work.  I didn’t realize how few options moms-to-be had in clothes shopping.  Near me, there’s one maternity store plus the small maternity sections in Target and JC Penney – not a ton of options.  I have ordered a few things online, but I’m the kind of person who needs to try on 10 things to find 1-2 that fit, so online isn’t the best for me. 

Days until due date:  161

New or unusual this week:  During the night, my fingers have started falling asleep quite frequently.  I don’t know if that’s due to the pregnancy or something else, but it’s strange.

Symptoms:  I started sleeping with a body pillow which seemed to be helping my backache until I did yard work yesterday and spent several hours shopping today.  My lower back is now killing me, and it extends to my tailbone, buttocks, and thighs.  I’ve also noticed that it takes more effort to get up from the ground lately; I’m not sure if that’s because I’m out of shape or because of the baby.

Cravings:  I'm still drinking juice daily, but I don’t think I’m experiencing any particular cravings.

Gender prediction:  After months of thinking “he,” this week, I thought of Baby D as “she.”  My friend told me she thinks it’s a girl.  Himal still refers to it as “he,” and the bloodmobile lady assumed it’s a boy.  Just 3 more weeks till we know for sure!

Baby’s movement:  I really want to feel this baby moving around, but I haven’t yet.  I hope it happens soon because I need reassurance that it’s alive and well.

Looking forward to:  Finding out the gender!!!  Seems like the first week of April is never going to get here.  And hopefully feeling Baby D move really soon.