20 Weeks

Well, somehow here we are at week 20 of this pregnancy. It's mind-boggling that we're halfway through this process of bringing little one into the world. It's also strange to transport myself back to July when we were meeting with a fertility specialist who confirmed that getting pregnant would take a little more work than normal. As it turns out, I was already pregnant and didn't know it. CP and I are both aware that there are many couples that are confronted with infertility and that a family can look different from couple to couple - what matters most, though, is that a little one is welcomed into loving arms.

Even though I have nothing to compare it to, I'd say that this pregnancy has been pretty 'easy' so far. I didn't experience any morning sickness and besides the occasional cramping as things adjust, I haven't had much discomfort. Sloan LOVES to walk all over me, so we're trying to train her to avoid that...but my heart melts when she lays her little head down on top my belly and I can't help but think that she knows there's a little girl in there.

Other pregnancy observations/notes.....

-Gap has by far been my favorite spot for maternity clothing with Old Navy being a close second. Between the sales that they both run, I've been able to find some steals. It's hard spending money on clothes that I know I'll only be in for a few months, but I'm at that point where my normal clothes are no longer cutting it and comfort is a priority. Now that we know that we're having a girl I'm going to have to really restrain myself from buying too many clothes for her, too!

-Pregnant Chicken has become a favorite blog to read during pregnancy. It's mainly lighthearted with helpful tips and information thrown in there. The article I linked to had me laughing out loud.

-Hot chocolate is the best thing ever now that cold weather is here.

-My doctor wants me to take a few weeks off of all exercise (one of my measurements wasn't in the red flag zone, but was pretty low so she wants to see if not exercising helps). This is both challenging and welcome - it's been hard to find the motivation to work out after long school days, but it's always been something that I've loved. That being said, I know that now isn't a time to make that a priority, especially if the doc is telling me to lay off for a bit.

-I can't wait to get started on the nursery. CP and I had a good chuckle when the nursery chair that I suggested is actually one that he previously owned and I insisted he toss when we moved in together. Somehow I don't think the beer stained Bro House chair would have worked anyhow. :)

-My skin has been SO itchy. It's typically dry this time of year, but with all of the growing and expanding going on, I often claw myself. This lotion has been a life-saver!

-I can tell that this is the time when belly and baby growth really start to take off. After months of wondering when I was going to be bumping, the bump is here and seems to be growing overnight. Baby Pike is CRAZY active and I know once I start feeling her in there, it's going to be non-stop movement!!

(6 weeks, 12 weeks, 20 weeks)

We can't wait to meet you, little one!!!