Half way through this marathon

I'm officially at 20 weeks today, the half-way point! I wish the second half could be as easy as the first, but I doubt that will be the case. I am celebrating by posting a picture of my lovely hubby trying to figure out what it is like be to pregnant.

Adam giving my bellaband a shot.

First movement

Peanut's going to be a bowler!

On Friday night I felt Peanut move for the first time. It's normal to feel the first movement anytime between weeks 16-20, and it's typically later for women who are having their first baby. I was laying in bed and felt what can only be described as bubbles in my belly. I put my hand on it, and then I think Peanut wound up to throw that bowling ball because I almost jumped out of my skin. Cool, but a little creepy. Over the past couple of days I have felt the frequency of the movement pick up a bit, but Adam has yet to be in the right place at the right time.

Peanut's playlist

Now that Peanut can hear, I decided to put together a lullaby playlist for him. I put it on my iPhone and then put the headphones on my belly. Thanks to my rocker sister-in-law's suggestion of using Rockabye Baby songs, there is no "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to be found. Peanut is bound to be a rocker and has been to 3 concerts already (Lollapalooza, Jackson Browne and Snow Patrol). Here is his lullaby list (all songs are rendetions of the original song). Click here to listen to an example: Rockabye Baby - The Beatles

1. Clocks by Coldplay

2. All Apologies by Nirvana

3. Don't Speak by No Doubt

4. Karma Police by Radiohead

5. Yesterday by the Beatles

6. Ruby Tuesday by the Rolling Stones

7. Tonight, Tonight by the Smashing Pumpkins

8. With or Without You by U2

9. Hey Jude by the Beatles

10. Parabola by Tool (per Adam's suggestion)

Second photo shoot

I had a follow-up ultrasound today to take a look at where my placenta is sitting. I think it's still a little low, but I'll be going back in every other week for the next couple months so they can keep tabs on it.

The more interesting news is that although I have not felt Peanut kick or punch yet, he had his fingers balled up like that's exactly what he was doing. The ultrasound tech was trying to get him to flip over by pushing on my belly, but he wasn't having any of it. That's my Peanut - stubborn just like me. He's also up to 12 oz, which according to my fruit chart, is a bit heavier than a mango. She did take some more pics, but they're not nearly as clear as the last ones. I also got to see both hemisphere's of his brain which was a bit weird to see.

It must be in the water

Out of about 100 people that sit on my my floor in the office, there are 5 of us that are pregnant. Two (breaking news: now three!) of the women I worked with in the Chicago office are also pregnant (one with twins!). And if that's not enough, I have two close friends that are pregnant (one that found out the day I was with her). Babies R Us, here we come!

The two pregnancy tests that confirmed Peanut was a peanut.

Stranger danger

I had my first experience with a "stranger" acknowledging Peanut, without any knowledge that Peanut actually exists. For all he knew, I could have just gotten back from a WI weekend full of cheese curds. All women know that the rule of thumb is - If you don't have 100% knowledge that a woman is pregnant, don't ask/tell. In this case, it was my photography instructor who looks to be about 25 and his comment was "It looks like you're going to be having a baby......" Not even in question format! Clearly, the youngster hasn't had the unfortunate experience of saying this to someone who's not pregnant!

Dr Appt #4

Today I went in for my monthly exam. Same drill - pee in a cup, get weighed, hear the baby's heart beat (apparently he was awake because it was between 160-170) and ask the dr. a few questions. I've gained a total of 5 pounds (according to my records it's more like 8). She also said that my due date is still Feb. 14, 2010, as the initial date is more accurate than the ultrasound date.

Of course I asked about getting the H1N1 flu shot, but the midwife seemed very hesitant about promoting it. She basically told me to take a "wait and see" approach. If there are high rates in the area, I should consider getting it. Being one that NEVER gets a flu shot, I'm with her on avoiding putting anything in my body that I don't need to and focusing on keeping my immune system healthy. We also talked about how my placenta is currently riding low, and that if it doesn't move (which they normally do by the 3rd trimester) I may have to have a c-section. I'll have another ultrasound done soon just to take another look at the placement.

Picture taken on 9.14.09 when multiple people at work commented for the first time on my "bump"

I carried a watermelon?

This picture/magnet combo is in loving memory of Patrick Swayze, star of my favorite movie ever. Right now, I'm just carrying a sweet potato.

Peanut's first presents

In the past few weeks Adam and I have bought Peanut his first things. Can you tell who is going to be the "fun" parent?

The onesie I bought Peanut that says "respect your mother" (earth)

Adam imitating the "ugly" doll he bought Peanut in Georgetown

17 week belly shots

Side view of da belly

Close up of Peanut next to his sign in the Botanical Gardens

My "Demi Moore" shot with my clothes on. Notice the man in the poster.

You went to Montreal and all you got me was this stupid T-shirt?

Peanut's only souvenir from our trip. It will make a good Christmas shirt next year, don't you think?

Peanut is a thumb sucker

Today I went and got my first external ultrasound. The technician seemed to think it was a bit too early in the pregnancy to be getting one of these, but I said I didn't want to find out the sex so hopefully it didn't matter. She then proceeded to have the wand on my (very full of water) belly for the next 30 minutes because she was so happy with the good shots she was getting. Peanut was in just the right position for his first real photo shoot, and he was busy, sucking his thumb, touching his face and crossing his ankles. Apparently I'm also a few days further along, with the Tech telling me I'm due Feb. 12, 2010. She also said that his heart rate is 150 and he is in the 57th percentile for weight. So, with that, I introduce to you, a thumb sucking Peanut at 17 weeks....