Listen Carefully Baby

Hey Baby B,

It's me Mommy! And I'm a week late on our update...again. But honestly not too much excitement to report on here. We've gotten through Week 16 and you've grown to the size of an avocado.

Last weekend I got to show off our little bump to some family at a bridal shower. Here's a picture of us afterwards. We are definitely growing!!!

During the week I actually had my first maternity "shopping spree". We're still in that frustrating stage where some things fit and some don't, but I'm sure this phase won't last long. I feel bigger and bigger every day. On top of that we have this crazy Chicago weather where I don't know whether to dress and buy for summer or fall/winter. I've managed to find some pretty cute stuff though so far! And I'm excited for the winter wardrobe.

This week we are starting Week 17 and by the end of the week you will have reached the size of an onion.

One of the most exciting developments you've made now is that at this point they say your ears are set in place and you are able to hear us talking. So now we are trying to talk directly to you more and more so you recognize our voices once you are here. I even like to play the piano for you now - my favorite song to play you is "Baby Mine" from the movie Dumbo. Again you are supposedly moving more and more and any time in the next few weeks I should be able to feel those movements. Which I admit I am excited to feel but also a little anxious/nervous. Does it truly feel like someone is poking me from the inside? That's crazy for me to imagine. I also worry that I won't even realize I feel you moving and I'll mistake it for gas or something else. My tummy does do some strange things and make some bizarre noises (and that was before I was pregnant with you).

Physically I am feeling much better. I'm still fairly tired but I can manage to stay up past 8:30pm now. Only new symptom I am noticing lately is some congestion and nose bleeds. Which from what I read - is normal. Oh and my appetite has DEFINITELY increased! I feel like I'm hungry all the time now! But no crazy cravings for us yet. Just if I have a taste for something then I am determined to get it ASAP. Like the Dunkin' Donuts Long John yesterday and the chocolate milk shake I'm about to dig in to now!

Well next week we have our next doctor's appointment. So there will definitely be an update later in the week. We will definitely hear your heartbeat at this visit because I'm not leaving that office without hearing it! I can't wait any longer!!!!

I love you little one!!

XO Mommy OX

Sleeping Beauty

To my Baby B,

Well Mommy has been trying to write this post since early last week, but honestly, I've fallen asleep trying to do it at least twice! Although most of the early pregnancy symptoms have passed (thankfully), the exhaustion is definitely still there. But it's hard to say is that from being pregnant, working midnights, or raising our new puppy! Speaking of which...Puppy Chip is now Puppy Belle, because HE turned up to be a SHE! Oops!

So since I last wrote, we have soared through our 14th week:

And are now flying through week 15:

It's amazing how quickly we are growing! At this stage, my books tell me that you are moving all over the place now, although it's still too early to feel you.  We got evidence of that a couple weeks ago when we went for our doctor's visit. Although we were disappointed that the doctor was not able to find the heartbeat with the doppler, we got another sneak peak of you with an ultrasound. And boy oh boy were you rolling around; it's no wonder the doctor couldn't find your heart beat. Sadly Daddy and I weren't so fond of this doctor, but that's not unlikely when you see 5 different doctors. He was very nice but seemed rushed and didn't show us the attention we like and are used to. Our next appointment is at the end of the month (September 30th).

Aside from that, Mommy's belly is growing growing growing! I actually came home from work this morning and couldn't believe how big my belly looked! It's like it doubled in size since I went to work. Crazy! Here's a pic from last week in my first maternity outfit :

Until next week...Daddy & I & Belle love you! :-*

Mommy XOXO