18 weeks!

Here I am, at 18 weeks! I realized a few weeks ago that I had a sort of mental block around 20 weeks. I was sort of riding through this pregnancy, but I really didn't think I'd make it that far. Now 20 weeks seems right around the corner!

Based on pictures alone, it doesn't look like my belly is getting much bigger, but it feels bigger to me. I think it looks a bit bigger as well, but maybe that's just because my pants can't hold it in anymore. Every day my belly feels a bit harder as well. I am starting to have to be careful what I'm wearing because my shirts keep getting shorter and shorter on me. Also, when I stand up straight, it feels like my belly is getting stretched. It's an odd feeling.

So I tried to Doppler yesterday, and I kept getting a lot of static. Even when I changed the batteries, I couldn't even find my heartbeat very well! Eventually, I found Baby Rhody's heartbeat, which was reassuring, but I think all of that "static" I was hearing was Baby Rhody kicking around. Today, after lunch, I kept getting more and more thumps. I love it! It's the best feeling ever to feel my child and be able to smile to myself and know that everything is OK. It's like my little secret.

This is going to be a busy week. I have two doctor's appointments--visiting with the high-risk group tomorrow and then my "big" ultrasound on Wednesday. Of course, Friday is Christmas, and we are hosting 8 people, which will be fun! I need to start cooking!