Week 19

BUSY!!!... last week was boring/blah and this week was BUSY.  But both of these weeks led me to "forget" about the pregnancy a little bit.  Not like it's easy to forget with this growing belly in front of me, but I feel like the weeks are starting to fly by since I'm not quite so fixated on the pregnancy.  And here we are almost at the halfway point!  Holy $*@&!#$*@#{&!!!

Busy, bizzy, bizzeee!!

My sister and her family have been staying with us since last week while they do some remodeling on their house.  This is fun - but...a bit stressful too, of course.  I don't think they'll be here more than a couple more weeks but it's definitely taking my mind off the human in my belly.  We were also away this past weekend to celebrate Hubby's birthday, so overall my days are just totally thrown off.  It's not a bad thing to be busy and a little distracted, but I've been trying to find some time to quietly think about the baby - pay attention to whether I'm feeling any movement and just generally try to bond.  I know this is basically how any/all pregnancies after one's first would be (when you're taking care of 1, 2 or more other children and can't concentrate as much on your pregnancy) and those babies are all just fine.  But I'm looking forward to getting back in the moment and being a little more "present" in my pregnancy.  Hopefully after Sissy's remodel is done.  I'm just glad this hit during my 2nd trimester and not my 1st since I'm really feeling very good overall!

How far along: 19 weeks and 1 day
What did baby do this week: Baby is the size of an heirloom tomato or mango and about 6 inches in length.  I read somewhere that for the most part, Baby is done developing and essentially just has to get bigger now.  So the growth/development spurt that was happening over the past weeks will slow down and Baby will just start to get bigger/fatter/cuter.  Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil and dead skin cells now coats Baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid which could "pickle" its skin!  Permanent teeth buds are forming behind the already formed milk teeth buds.
Total weight gain: 15.8 pounds
Symptoms: Nothing really noticeable.  I occasionally still notice some very faint cramping in my uterus - I think from the continued growth and stretching, but it's quite faint and maybe just once a week (if that).  It's been very warm lately.  In fact we had a couple of 100 degree days and I noticed my feet were very swollen those days.  Say what?!?  I've heard of swelling during pregnancy, but that's supposed to come later!!  I also noticed that my engagement ring (which fortunately runs on the big side) was fitting much tighter.  I hope this is mostly due to the heat though and not my body!  But as far as symptoms go I feel VERY lucky.  I keep reading about body aches, back pain, acne, "mask of pregnancy", leg cramps, round ligament pain, the list goes on.  And I feel SO fortunate that I haven't suffered through any of these...yet.  I will enjoy this time while it lasts!
Queasy or Sick:  Not at all.
Sleep:  Pretty good actually.  We slept on a (very high end/nice) Aerobed last weekend and I even did okay there!  For the first time since maybe Week 5 or 6 I DIDN'T get up to pee overnight Tuesday!!  (I did last night, but let's not dwell on that.)  I remember the nights in my 1st trimester when I'd be up 4 times a night.  Oh I don't miss that, but I think I'll see them again in the 3rd tri...
Best moment this week:  Actually - enjoying the time with my sister and her family.  Even though we wouldn't want to permanently live together, we're enjoying being under the same roof for a few weeks!
Hardest part of the week: Really the week has been pretty good!
Looking forward to:  It’s still over a month away, but that 24-25 week mark when infant survival rate climbs ranges from 40-80%!  And I mean really...any of the weeks after that since the rates rise consistently.  Not that I'd ever want my child to come at 24-25 weeks, but with medical technology as amazing as it is these days, it's feasible that in an emergency situation a baby could actually survive living it's 3rd trimester outside the womb.
Movement: The more I concentrate on my belly, especially when I'm lying in bed at night and in the morning, the more I think the occasional slight "fizziness" or "vibrations" I've mentioned might actually be the baby moving.  It's not super noticeable yet and I don't even feel it once a day.  It's incredibly difficult to tell if it's indigestion/gas or Baby, but it's something I don't really think I've felt before.
Food cravings:  Nothing really specific.
Happy or moody:  Neither really?
Labor signs: No

Maternity clothes:  Now that I am wearing only maternity pants/shorts and most of my pre-pregnancy tops are getting a bit "short" for my belly, I also think it's about time to look for a larger bra.  My boobs have grown so slowly but they are definitely bigger now and I need more room around my chest, PLUS in the cups.  I've been trying to decide whether to get a maternity bra, a nursing bra or just a regular ole bra in the next size up...but as I mention a little further down: I've concluded that it's a bad idea to try and buy things "in preparation" for when you'll be bigger and need them later.  So maybe just a larger bra instead of pushing the nursing bra already.  I wasn't even really sure what a "maternity" bra was until I found this.  I think a visit to the mall is in order for this weekend.  I saw a picture of myself from the side this weekend (bad, bad, bad...) and didn't like that "roll" that my current bra was forming around my chest, not to mention the thick midsection.  *sigh* c'est la vie.
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off: On - though like I mentioned, because of the recent hot weather my fingers (and feet) are swelling so my rings are tighter than they’ve been my whole pregnancy.
Stretch marks: No
Learnings from the week:  Buying maternity clothes before you need them is NOT a good plan.  I thought I was so smart when I had a Gap 40% off coupon a few months ago and used it to buy a few maternity pieces.  Now that I'm wearing mostly maternity clothes, these pieces really don't work.  Not to mention I had to pay about $40 to hem and take in the pants (I'm certain that's more than I paid for the pants, especially with the 40% off).  Live and learn...
Final Thoughts: I know it’s a little early, but I have more than 1 good girlfriend who has delivered at 34 weeks and just recently had a cousin deliver at 36 so since I’m feeling really good in this 2nd trimester, I decided to start my baby registry.  I've already mentioned it, but the Baby Bargains book is what made me completely begin to understand just what I might need to/want to register for.  And what items rate highly or come highly recommended.  It's become my registry bible and now that I've read it cover to cover, I started a (hidden, for now) registry on Amazon and also registered locally at buy buy Baby.  Something for everyone!

Week 18

I'm a little surprised this has happened, but this past week was the first week I think I literally got bored of being pregnant.  I guess that's what you'd call it.  I found myself at multiple times, forgetting what week I was on, when someone would ask me.  I didn't feel like reading my pregnancy books, checking my pregnancy apps or reading websites I've been keeping up with.  And generally speaking I just didn't really FEEL or even remember that I was pregnant.  I mean of course I know I am (every time I get dressed or look at my growing belly!) but it was the most "whatever" I've felt about it since we started this journey.  I feel almost guilty about it - like how could I take such an important thing for granted?  But sadly I guess this happens as you get "used" to being pregnant.  So for that reason - this post might be a little on the short side.  But I doubt you mind... I tend to be long-winded on all other weeks!

Just feeling...blah

How far along: 18 weeks today!
What did baby do this week: Baby is the size of bell pepper or artichoke at about 5-5.8 inches!  Baby continues to grow - bones are hardening, eyes and ears are moving into their final location and the pads for his/her fingers and toes are forming.  S/he is yawning, hiccuping, sucking and swallowing - and moving a lot!  Most women begin feeling their babies move around this time...thought I'm still not totally sure about it myself.
Total weight gain: 14 pounds
Symptoms:  Kinda none!  No more round ligament pain after just 1-2 days of it, a couple weeks ago.  No queasiness, indigestion or heartburn.  I seem to be sleepier than usual throughout the afternoon and (this is nothing new) I get tired much faster when exerting any amount of energy, but of course that's nothing odd.
Queasy or Sick: Nope!  Pretty awesome!
Sleep:  Sleep at night comes and goes.  Sometimes I can fall asleep and sleep pretty well, other times I lie there for a while.  I think my brain is sometimes on over-drive.  If I get sleepy in the afternoon though (or at acupuncture) I can fall asleep in mere seconds!
Best moment this week: Finding white (maternity) jeans that fit how I wanted!  I went through Old Navy, Target and finally found THE RIGHT ONES from LOFT.  Whew!
Hardest part of the week: Fortunately I really had no bad moments.
Looking forward to:  Having a more defined bump.  I definitely have a belly, but depending on what I'm wearing it can look like a baby bump or beer belly...

Movement:  Still nothing really significant, but I'm starting to wonder if the occasional vibrations/fizziness I feel when I'm lying down (at night or early morning) is actually Baby?!
Food cravings:  Nothing specific.
Happy or moody:  Feeling happy, mostly!
Labor signs: No
Maternity clothes: YES.  Now that I've finally found a couple pairs of pants/shorts that work I need to catch up with some tops to go with them.  Up until now I've mostly been wearing dresses.
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off: On
Stretch marks: No
Learnings from the week:  I've had such a blah week that I can't think of anything creative to share.  Stay tuned and hopefully I'll have inspiration in upcoming weeks!
Final Thoughts: I’m still going to acupuncture though the appointments are scaled back to once every 3-4 weeks.  You might remember that I was going twice a week through week 12 of pregnancy.  My insurance only covers a set number of visits annually and I personally felt early in pregnancy was more important than later so I kind of exhausted my allotment in those first 12 weeks.  But now that I only have about 5 (covered) visits left, they’re spreading me out more since I’m feeling so well.

Week 17

So you wanna know how it's going this week?  I have about 4 words to sum it all up: I Just Feel Bigger.  Kinda like this guy (but not as tasty):

I don't know that I would call it "popping" like I hear from so many other pregnant ladies, but I definitely have a noticeable belly that can't really be hidden and kinda/sorta looks more like a pregnant belly than a fat belly.  I've also for the first time, clearly noticed that my breasts are larger.  I'm still in the larger of my pre-preg bras (perhaps I shouldn't be?) but the girls are definitely slightly larger.  Not to mention I gained almost 3 pounds this past week.  So yes - I just feel BIGGER.  It's not a great feeling overall, but I have to admit that it made my fears about something being wrong with the baby (as I'd complained about the last couple weeks from not really having any "symptoms" and feeling so good) go away a little bit.  Unless I'm just becoming a slothenly pig there is definitely something growing inside me!  And I got proof of that yesterday, at my OB appt too... whew!

How far along: 17 weeks
What did baby do this week: Baby is the size of a large onion or rutabaga (it's vegetable week!) and about 4.5 to 5 inches crown to rump.  One of the coolest things I read about this week is that since Baby's ear bones started developing last week and s/he can hear sounds, (muffled, like as if under water) a loud sound could startle the baby!  Not that I want to startle my baby, but I love hearing about such a "human" reaction.  Fat, called adipose tissue, is starting to form underneath the baby's skin and will continue to do so throughout pregnancy.  This makes me think of chubby babies and makes me smile.  :)
Total weight gain: 12.8 pounds
Symptoms: I haven't noticed it every day, but for sure last Thursday I noticed what I think was round ligament pain.  It was more on the upper sides of my abdomen and not so much low or in my groin area.  But I was noticing it in the afternoon and evening as I was getting up and down from the couch.  It wasn't exactly uncomfortable - felt like a tightness, almost like a cramp but in my belly and not near my pelvis.
Queasy or Sick:  Nope.  Once in a great while (I mean like MAYBE once a week) I'll feel a little uncomfortable in my tummy at night.  But I think this is more likely indigestion.
Sleep:  Has been fine for the most part.  Getting up (almost like clockwork) around 4am to pee, but thankfully not more than that!  And no trouble falling back to sleep.
Best moment this week: Hearing Baby’s heartbeat (140 BPM) - FINALLY!!  The past 4 weeks have been a little unnerving, as I've mentioned in previous posts.  With my queasiness going away, I've been feeling good which has worried me in an odd way.  That, and I'm just not used to waiting SO long between Dr. appts to have confirmation that everything seems fine.  So it was hard waiting, but I made it and sure enough - everything sounded great yesterday.
Hardest part of the week:  Seriously - it was dealing with how much weight I gained!  I feel like I'm on the high end of what I should be gaining, especially since I was not underweight to begin with.  I know, I know - I'm pregnant but it's still really hard seeing my weight climb like this.  We had a couple social events this weekend which didn't help the situation (so.much.food.)  I felt better though, when I went to the doctor yesterday and they said my weight "looked great".  But it's like, the more I gain, the more I'll have to lose.  *I* have to lose it - not the doctor or nurse!  Like I mentioned above though, it was a big growth week for me, so I guess I'm not overly surprised.

Looking forward to:  Feeling Baby move!!  And our anatomy scan which is still 3 weeks away...
Movement:  Still no.  However, like I've mentioned before - my placenta is in the front so I might not feel the kicks until closer to 20 weeks (or more).  I mentioned feeling something like vibrations last week - I noticed this again 1 or 2 nights this past week (while lying in bed) but that's all it feels like.  Nothing that I would call a "flutter" or "bubbles" or any of the other terms I've heard ladies use to describe baby's first kick.
Food cravings:  Not really.  I think the reason I'm not cooking as much lately has more to do with laziness than not feeling like eating.  Sorry Hubby!
Happy or moody: We had a great weekend and saw a bunch of family - so definitely happy and feeling very stress free lately!
Labor signs: No
Maternity clothes: I think last week was the last time I'm gonna wear any pre-pregnancy pants, even WITH them fully undone and a belly band around the top.  They're just too tight overall.  I guess that means I've definitely gained weight in places that are NOT just my belly (butt, thighs...) but I can deal with that.  I put in a couple big maternity clothes orders at Old Navy, Pink Blush and LOFT this weekend and hope when it all arrives I'll have a couple pairs of pants and some dresses/tops that can get me through the next few months (or longer!)
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off: On
Stretch marks: No
Learnings from the week:  I was wondering in Week 15 when I'm supposed to start sleeping on my side and got my answer from Dr. R yesterday: 20 weeks.  So sleeping on my back is still fine - whew!  And she also pointed out that I don't need to be ALL the way on my side where it's putting a lot of pressure on my hip.  As long as I'm tilted a bit to the side, instead of flat on my back - that's better.  And as I've heard from books, etc. if I wake up on my back - it's not the end of the world, just try to stay tilted to the side when you fall asleep, if you can.
Final Thoughts:  YOU MUST GET THIS BOOK especially if you are a first time mom.  A friend just told me about it and I can't put it down!  I've been worrying myself with how I'm going to know WHAT to register for and WHERE am I going to get the best reviews of products.  Well, Baby Bargains solves all of this.  They are unbiased, do not take money from any product or company and are constantly releasing new versions of their book (every 2 years, I think.)  They gather review information from places like Consumer Reports but also rely heavily on feedback from parents.  They'll walk you through suggestions for everything from cribs and furniture to car-seats and strollers to breast pumps and bottles...and SO MUCH MORE. PS: Don't get the Kindle version, from reading the reviews, it sounds like there are no pictures in it.

Week 16

So this might sound a little early - but we bought our nursery furniture!  I know...I'm a little bit of an "OMG I hope I don't jinx anything" kind of person so part of me wasn't comfortable doing this.  However I'm also an "oooOOoooOOOoooo... I LOVE a big sale!" kind of person, so I went for it.  A local baby furniture store just had a moving sale and the discounts on quality furniture items were AWESOME.  Now not to be morbid, but I did ask them about their return policy... and as long as we don't have the furniture delivered - it's returnable.  So I think I'll have them hold it in their warehouse for a couple months and then I'll feel more comfortable putting it in my house.

By the way - I saw this story on the Today Show this week and think it's really great of her to share her story.  Not to mention, it makes me feel SUPER fortunate for the luck we had with IVF.  So fortunate.  So blessed.  So lucky.  I really try not to take this for granted in any way.  But I can't help but notice that her 2nd retrieval was in June and now it's August...maybe she had good luck and she's pregnant?  That'd be a great happy ending.

How far along: 16 weeks exactly
What did baby do this week:  Baby is the size of an avocado or starfruit and a little over 4.5 inches from crown to rump.  The most exciting thing I read about this week is that tiny bones are forming in Baby's ears so s/he can start to hear what we're saying this week!!  A lot of folks can find out their baby's gender around this time through an ultrasound.  The muscles in Baby's neck are also getting stronger and they can hold their head up a bit more erect.  The eyes and ears have moved closer to their final positions as well.  At this point, the baby's heart is pumping 25 quarts of blood each day and this amount will continue to increase!
Total weight gain: 10 pounds
Symptoms:  Not too many.  An occasional tingly/stinging in my breasts, but not very significant.  I've noticed my clothes are a bit tighter around my chest, but I think that might be from overall weight gain all around and not necessarily my breasts getting a lot larger.  I'm still in the same cup size.  I was boasting last week how I haven't had very many of the common pregnancy symptoms so Mother Nature decided to wave her finger at me: I'm pretty certain I had my first case of heartburn on Saturday night.  I was lying in bed and felt a little bit of indigestion; ALMOST a queasy feeling but not like the queasiness I've had before.  It was higher up than my belly so I figured it was likely heartburn.  Hubby had me sit up and lean back on the pillows, which helped, but finally I decided to take a couple Tums since it was getting late and I needed to go to sleep.  The Tums seemed to help it almost immediately!
Queasy or Sick:  Not really actually.  Woohoo!!

Sleep:  I've been sleeping pretty well.  Probably about how I did before pregnancy (it takes Hubby about 7 seconds to fall asleep each night which always makes me feel like I'm lying there for a while, but this is how it's always been!)  I have tried to start sleeping on my side a little more, but if it doesn't happen, I don't stress out.  And last night I think I only got up to pee once!!!  Yay!  I tend to get pretty sleepy in the afternoons, but I try not to nap (thinking it'll help me sleep better at night) however I'm not sure it DOES help me sleep easier later (like I mentioned, I still lie there for a while sometimes) so maybe I should just give in to the naps!
Best moment this week: Sorry if this is TMI (I have a feeling you wouldn’t still be reading if you were at all squeamish since I pretty much call it all like it is...) but Hubby and I finally had sex!  That’s right...3.5 months without.  I just didn’t feel like it in the first trimester.  For a couple reasons: 1) I was nervous (had no reason to be nervous, and Dr. A has said it was fine 10 weeks ago, but everything had been going so well I was worried about uterine contractions and spotting) and 2) I didn’t really feel like it.  I had some level of general queasiness each morning and by nighttime I was always full and slightly uncomfortable even if I hadn't eaten a lot.  And I just didn't feel great overall.  Now I can't promise we'll be back to our normal rate - but in a way it was nice to have sex and discover that NO I did not have any noticeable uterine contractions nor any spotting.  It was generally all good.  A funny adjective to describe it but I feel - relieved.  :)
Hardest part of the week:  I guess the same thing I've been complaining about: just worrying about how the baby is and having NO CLUE.  I have no reason to believe anything is wrong, but since I haven't seen Baby on ultrasound or heard its heartbeat in 3 weeks I'm getting very anxious.  I'll be happy to see my OB next week.  These "every-4-week" appointments are going to take some getting used to after coming from the care of an RE (Dr. A!)
Looking forward to:  See above - my OB appointment next week!  We also have a couple trips coming up next month that I'm looking forward to.  A weekend away with Hubby (to celebrate his birthday!!) and our Babymoon!!!  We're going to Oahu for a week!!  Neither of us have ever been!  I thought it was a great option - not too ridiculously long of a flight (like an international trip would be) and while it will feel like "paradise" it's still the US, with US medical facilities and food safety regulations.  :)
Movement:  So everything I read says this is the week I *could* notice some movement from Baby.  However for most ladies it's 18-20 weeks.  Therefore, it could VERY LIKELY be my imagination but I feel like I’ve noticed some ever so slight activity in my belly that I'm not so certain is upset tummy.  It's not very frequent - only when I'm lying down and very still/relaxed.  It’s not what I’d call “feeling movement” yet, but almost like a slight vibration or “force”.  Hmm, maybe Baby will be a Jedi...

"Perhaps, the force is strong with this one too..."

Food cravings:  I've kind of been craving ice cream (hey, but my pickle craving has waned!  Perhaps I won't get to experience the "ice cream and pickle cravings".  That's not a bad thing.)  This is probably also cuz it's the middle of summer so ice cream ALWAYS sounds good when it's warm.  But for some reason, soft serve/frozen yogurt sounds especially good.  Like I think a lot about Pinkberry and McDonald's soft serve (why are so many of my cravings found at McDonald's?!  What kind of healthy eating is this?!)
Happy or moody:  Happy!  Lots to look forward to right now!
Labor signs: No
Maternity clothes:  I literally cannot fit into any of my pre-pregnancy pants but I haven't yet found maternity pants to replace certain pairs, so because of that I'm wearing mostly dresses (non-maternity).  But I also have been wearing my pre-preggo pants with this guy around the top and my pants underneath are FULLY undone.  I mean no hair-tie connecting the button to the hole and zipper fully open.  CLASS-Y!  But that's what the band is for and it's getting me through the day.  Dresses are definitely more comfortable, but I'm running low!
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off: On
Stretch marks: Nothing yet.  I'm religiously putting on the Clarin's oil I mentioned in Week 11.  I'm almost done with that first bottle so it's seeming like I'll need about 5-6 bottles to get through my pregnancy.  It's NOT CHEAP, so I hope it's worth it!  I sometimes skip a night if I don't shower that day (usually my working from home days).  But I put it on my belly, breasts and butt so I'm probably using more than your average person.
Learnings from the week:  With maternity clothes needs on the very near horizon I've been trying to figure out the best places to get some affordable clothing.  I don't see any reason to spend gobs of money on maternity clothes since they will only be worn for a pretty small period of time.  I haven't necessarily ordered from all of these sites, but they're on my radar:
Old Navy (my local Old Navy has a small section too)
Gap (my local Gap has a small section too)
Destination Maternity (world's largest maternity designer/retailer, some local stores too)
Pink Blush Maternity (also on Amazon and sometimes zulily)
Loft Maternity (I've seen some maternity items in local stores, but not many)
Isabella Oliver (NOT cheap, but nice stuff - also at Nordstrom online)
Japanese Weekend (NOT cheap, but nice stuff - also on Amazon and at Nordstrom online)

Final Thoughts:  Isn't it funny how once you're pregnant the #1 thing people ask you is "How are you Feeling?"  I'm even guilty of this!  But why?  No one REALLY cares.  And yet here I'm noticing that it's the first thing everyone is asking me too.  Even people I barely know!  Should I just say "oh fine, I'm good." or should I go into "oh WELL... the first trimester I was doing okay but with some occasional queasiness but overall I felt really lucky...mostly just the mornings...blah blah blah...gag-reflex... blah blah... second trimester, feeling better...blah blah."  No one really wants to hear that.

Week 15

The cat is out of the bag!  Whew!!  We have FINALLY told everyone there really is to tell and it feels SO GOOD.  I was getting so tired of being secretive (at work; with friends) and wearing baggy clothes, which frankly weren't doing a great job anymore.  We were at a party this weekend and made the announcement to a much larger group of friends - up until that point only a handful of close friends knew our news.  Then I shared my news at work with my team.  My management knew, but 'twas time to tell the coworkers.

And finally - the ULTIMATE "sharing": we posted on Facebook just a couple nights ago.  There's really no going back after you post on Facebook...  But "ahhh".  So glad that it's out there.  Up until doing all of this I was getting concerned that I'd run into an acquaintance or something when I was out running errands (and wearing my comfy clothes which lately have included a pair of maternity pants which definitely make me look more pregnant!)  I mean, I guess - what does it matter if someone sees me out and about and thinks I look fat?  They'll find out soon enough, but somehow doing it all this way makes me feel a lot better.  :)

How far along: 15 weeks, 2 days
What did baby do this week: Baby is the size of an apple or navel orange and about 4 inches crown to rump.  Baby is able to rub its eyes, yawn and even blink!  Eyelashes and eyebrows are growing in too, along with hair on top of its head.  And baby is just starting to hear sounds.  Baby can also sense light - not that one would do this, but if you shined a flashlight at your belly, the baby would likely react to it.  Crazy!
Total weight gain: 8.8 pounds
Symptoms: Feeling great overall.  Haven’t been feeling too much cramping in the past month or so, but noticed some this Sunday and a little more yesterday.  More cramping than usual - but not alarming or painful.  I figure it’s just my uterus continuing to expand.  I've not seen any spotting or bleeding which makes me feel just fine about the cramping.  So far still no heartburn, constipation, acne, dark spots on my skin, stretch-marks... I feel SO fortunate!  Please stay away, please stay away...
Queasy or Sick: I was feeling pretty darn great starting last week but I think I might feel even better this week.  No real nausea and the sensitive gag-reflex I mentioned might be lessening too.  I'm still really cautious when I brush my teeth (tongue) but I think it's getting better overall.
Sleep: I've been trying to figure out when I need to start sleeping on my (left) side.  For those of you unaware - apparently as your baby gets bigger it can press on an artery when you're lying on your back, which can lower your blood pressure or make you dizzy.  And in the worst case scenario it can actually affect blood flow to the baby itself.  So it's smart to try and sleep on your side as you get bigger (they say left side is best - fewer organs on that side) - but I'm a little unsure of when I need to do this.  I kinda think it's closer to the 3rd trimester (there's really not much additional weight in my uterus yet.)  However I've read it's "smart" to start getting used to it now.  But if I don't sleep AS well on my side as I do on my back, and it's important to get a good night's sleep, shouldn't I just stay on my back until it's totally necessary?  I tend to think so... I'm kinda doing a little of both: trying to fall asleep on my side, but if I wake up on my back - I'm not stressing.  And I do not have 25 pillows in the bed yet either.  Just 2: for each of our heads.

Best moment this week:  FINALLY announcing to friends which felt SO GREAT.  And of course they were so happy for us!  Especially the very new mommies and currently pregnant friends.  It's kinda like they gained a new member to their club!  I made an announcement at work the following Monday (Hubby cares less about "announcing" at work and since he doesn't have any significant weight gain to try and make excuses for.  So it's less of a priority for him to tell many folks other than management).  And then, like I mentioned: Facebook.
Hardest part of the week: Same as last week: feeling so good that it's almost like my pre-pregnancy self.  So then I sometimes feel like I'm not so pregnant!
Looking forward to:  When my belly is baby and not just fat/bloating.  I know there's a small part of my lower belly which must be the baby now, but my belly still mostly just looks like jiggly fat.  If I'm gonna have a protruding belly - I REALLY want it to look like a pregnant belly.  That's so much more socially acceptable (and attractive).  Can't wait for this stage!
Movement:  WAITING to feel it!!  But not yet.
Food cravings:  Not really.  Those McDonald's cheeseburgers that sounded SO DELICIOUS about a month or so ago - do not sound as delicious these days.  How odd.
Happy or moody:  I think I'm pretty happy for the most part!  I wonder if Hubby would agree... :)
Labor signs: No
Maternity clothes:  Well, I've bought a bit more but since it's summer I'm getting away with mostly dresses.  And not maternity dresses either.  I've found that maternity dresses are NOT that flattering.  They're kinda tent-like and frumpy.  Like too long and just too much fabric.  Maybe it'll work better when I'm bigger, but right now a regular loose fitting dress is perfect.
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off: On
Stretch marks: No
Learnings from the week:  I bought this book recently and read it in about 4 sittings.  It's light-hearted and pretty funny.  Perhaps a tad exaggerated, or Jenny McCarthy REALLY had a rough time of it, but I enjoyed reading the book.  Kinda like reading an US Weekly magazine.  You know it's mostly un-educational, but it's fun.
Final Thoughts:  I remember reading something early in pregnancy that said pregnancy can be tiring, wonderful, magnificent (some other adjectives I would expect) and BORING.  I found that to be an odd adjective but I think I get it now.  I used to be so on top of everything going on with every week of my pregnancy.  If someone asked how far along I was I could tell them "10 weeks and 5 days!"  Maybe I'm in a pregnancy lull, but when someone asked me how far along I was the other day I had to stop and think.  Then I said "16, wait... no.. 15 weeks.  Somewhere around 15."  I forget to read my weekly books/websites/apps until it's almost the next week.  Maybe it's less about being bored with it and more that I'm feeling more comfortable with pregnancy so it's less of a novelty.  Can you imagine my saying that 5 months ago when we were hoping for healthy embryos?  How quickly we sometimes forget what we've come through to get where we are.