Dear Pooh Bear,

Holy Moly little one! I can’t believe we have hit 18 weeks! In just one more week we will find out if you are going to be a boy or a girl. I just can’t wait! I wish I could say that I  have a feeling either way but I don’t. All signs have pointed to you being a girl, but because of that I am fully trying to prepare myself for you being a boy. So far a psychic, (yes your mommy asked a psychic when you would be entering my life), and the intellegender said girl. But to be honest, I feel I look like I am having a boy. But really, all wives tales are only that…a guess! Only time can tell us which one you will be, and I can’t wait to find out. Then the fun can begin. I can start to register for your first room, and start to imagine what life will be like with a little boy or girl running around!

Last Wednesday I had a doctors appointment and heard your little heartbeat! What an amazing sound! Your mommy has gained 6 pounds over the last month so far! I guess we’ll see how big I really get!

I have been feeling you a lot more this week. I am sure it’s you moving in there now. Last weekend you came with me to your Aunt Kelly’s bachelorette party and I think the loud music scared you a little bit because you were fluttering around like crazy in there. Or maybe it was because you liked it!? Either way it was fun to feel you moving around. As a matter of fact I feel you moving around as I write this. Maybe your little new ears were ringing because you knew your mommy was talking/writing about you!

I can’t believe we are almost have way to your arrival dear Pooh Bear. That is if you decide to come on your due date. One of my best friends just had a little boy named Lucas this weekend (don’t worry you will get to know him and her VERY well), and you will only be 5 months apart! Hopefully, you will become best friends.

I am truly enjoying this pregnancy now. I was so nervous in the beginning, but now time seems to be moving much faster. I will even feel less nervous after next weeks Level 2 anatomy scan. But I know you are A ok in there little one. It will just be nice to have the doctor agree.

It’s crazy that the main thing I have been waiting for throughout this pregnancy is happening next week. I really haven’t thought much beyond finding out your sex, but I guess after that my brain can go into overdrive planning for you. I will warn you now little one…your mommy is a big planner. Next on the agenda will be registering and filtering through all the information that is out there. Trust me..there is a lot to think about and plan for when it comes to having a baby. At least in my mind!

Poor Bear: 18 Weeks

How your baby’s growing:

Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He’s busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you’ll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they’re still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he’s born. If you’re having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you’re having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound. 

Hungry? An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow.

Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure will probably be lower than usual. Don’t spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.

From now on, when you do lie down, it’s best to lie on your side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort.

If you haven’t already had a second-trimester ultrasound, you’ll probably have one soon. This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby’s growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you’re working with is accurate, and see how many babies you’re carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking his thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby’s first photo album!

The sleeping on my side thing has been a problem. It actually hurts my shoulders for some reason, but don’t worry…I am trying. So one more week to go! The countdown till next Monday morning begins! Let’s just hope this week doesn’t drag. I need to know!

Love,

Mommy