Wow, I can’t believe how quickly the first 18 weeks have gone by!  I am so eagerly looking forward to week 20 as it is the BIG week for another prenatal appointment and ultrasound, but it also makes me realize that this amazing journey will be halfway complete.  Although the first 13 weeks or so were a bit tricky, I have loved being pregnant.  I have a strange twist of worry and love for this little human growing inside of me.  I am assuming that the love (and worry) only continue to increase once the baby arrives.

This week has been busier at work leaving me more tired when I get home.  I have tried to exercise (I went to the gym once this week!), but my energy in the evenings is pretty low.  I also had my first huge hormonal meltdown this week before work.  I suppose it was a combination of being tired, hungry, and stressed (plus the hormones!).  Andrew has been an amazing support even during my emotional times!  The care and support he shows to me is a great example of what a great daddy he will be to our little one.  I’d say the baby and I are pretty darn lucky to have him in our lives!

As you can see in my week 18 baby bump photo, I look pretty tired by the time I get home from work!

Here’s what Baby Jones is up to this week: 

• Baby is about 5.6 inches long and weighs about 6.7 ounces.  Baby is roughly the size of a sweet potato!
• Baby is moving around like crazy, but I haven’t been able to feel any movement yet.  I can’t wait to feel it!!
• Baby has hit a growth spurt which makes mommy feel hungry ALL THE TIME!

Here’s what is happening with me this week: 

Symptoms

• Round ligament pains are continuing, but I am learning to be more gentle when I get up from sitting or turning too quickly.
• Back aches, hip aches, leg aches…I get extremely uncomfortable sitting, standing, or laying in one position for too long.

Food Aversions

• Chicken

Food Cravings

• Doritos Nacho Cheese Chips (I ate a whole bag in four days!  I haven’t had any since and I don’t plan on eating any more for a long time.)
• Oat Bran Cereal
• Pie  (Andrew surprised me with a piece of apple pie from a bakery today when I got home from work.  Did I mention he’s the best?)
• Skinny Cow Chocolate Fudge Bars (I eat one a day!)

Sleep

• I’m trying to get used to my pregnancy pillow, but am typically still using 3 or 4 of my normal pillows to get comfortable.  Sleeping is the hardest part for me.  Thankfully my job makes me tired enough that I am still getting 8 hours or more of sleep a night even if it is in chunks.

Other Updates

• Andrew and I finalized plans to travel to Indiana over the first weekend in November.  It will be my last trip to IN prior to Baby’s arrival.  We are going to the Indiana/Minnesota football game with a group of friends as well as having a baby shower hosted by a few of my girlfriends and my mom.  We will also be traveling to Wisconsin during the third week of November to visit Andrew’s family.  His mom and sister will be hosting a baby shower that weekend as well!  We are very excited for both trips in November!