16, 17, 18 weeks..

      Oh, wow, I am way way behind on my updates! Again, I have been busy prepping for travel, traveling, and you know... chasing a toddler. I can't believe I missed 2+ weeks though! Yikes. Nothing too exciting has been going on with me in my pregnancy, except that I'm expanding by the day. It's really hard trying to keep Connor off of my belly when we lay down/snuggle, and it's even harder trying to explain to him why he can't climb on mommy. I have noticed my belly feeling sore off and on from ligaments stretching. Austin is definitely kicking me more and more. It still isn't consistent to where I can "count" kicks and whatnot, but I feel him at least a few times a day. I really love that feeling. That is by far my favorite part of pregnancy. I have been on a pregnancy forum and read that in second and subsequent pregnancies, the ligament pains/stretching is more painful. Uhm, yes. I'd agree. I turned over in bed last night and seriously wanted to cry it hurt so bad. Then there is Austin, kicking away. I am enjoying the expansion of my tummy though. Not so much enjoying the expansion of my ass. Good grief :( Oh well! I've been much better about not "chowing down" this time around.. for the most part!
...continued Dec. 30, 2012
       Anyway, week 16 of pregnancy was spent preparing for vacation plus a doctor's appt that went great. Week 17 was spent in VA, and week 18 was spent over the toilet with the stomach bug! Oy! We got home Thursday night, and I started feeling sick in the middle of the night into Friday morning. Friday I was absolutely miserable. Adam had to go back to work, so I had to play Mommy while feeling like someone was punching me in the stomach. Finally, I called Adam and he was able to come home and help. He sent me to our room and took over :) He is great. Saturday Connor woke up vomiting. Ugh. I have to say that is the absolute worst part of being a parent. Not being able to take the pain/sickness away from your baby. Especially because I know I am the one who got him sick! He has a cough/runny  nose, but luckily, the bug only seemed to be a 24 hr thing. Adam woke up this morning feeling terrible, but he didn't seem to have it as bad. He usually skates away with minor symptoms.. punk! I really don't wish for anyone to feel how we felt though. It plain sucked, but we are good now! Gonna ring in 2013 with some sparkling grape juice and my boys! :) Here is my survey for week 18.. might as well skip weeks 16 and 17. I promise I'll get better.. if anyone cares.

How far along?: 18 weeks
Sleep: Eh. I have to be careful turning over. It hurts if I make sudden movements!
Best moment this week: Feeling sweet Austin kicking more and more!
Movement: Yes!
Symptoms: stretching pains!
Food cravings: nah.
Food aversions: Not so much anymore.
Gender: BOY!
Labor Signs: Oh no, no.
Belly Button in or out?: IN.
What I miss: Medicine besides Tylenol!
What I am looking forward to: My anatomy scan on the 7th!
Weekly Wisdom: I don't really have any "wisdom" to give ya this week. ;)
 Milestones: 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.