20 Weeks- Halfway!

I'm 20 weeks today which means we're at the halfway point. It feels like I've been pregnant a lot longer than that, but I know the next 20 weeks (or so) will seem to go by faster. We went home for a 4 day weekend last week to celebrate Easter. It was the first time we'd been back since telling our families we were expecting again, so it was fun for them to see how much my tummy has changed since then. It was nice to be able to spend time with everyone too. I asked my 3 year-old niece what she thinks I'm having, and she agrees that it's a girl. She also informed me that she could "teach her how to be good." :)

Not much new to report about baby. We have our ultrasound on Monday at 8:30, and I have to admit that I'm a mixed-bag of emotions about it. I am definitely anxious and excited to find out what we're having. But I'm also a little scared. This was the ultrasound that changed everything for us last time, and it's hard not to be freaked out about it again. All we can do until then (and have been doing) is pray that baby is healthy. If you could join us in this prayer request, we'd really appreciate it!

That's all I have for now. Here's the latest pic:



Love,
Ashley

18 Weeks

Today marks 18 weeks. The biggest development of the last week (or 2) has been the taps of fetal movement I've felt. I have been able to feel these several times a day, mostly when sitting down. I feel them in various spots in my lower belly (sort of where my bladder is). Some are strong enough that I've felt them on the outside, and Keith's even felt a few! It's definitely an exciting development, and we look forward to bigger and stronger movements.

I've also recently discovered a passion for frozen yogurt, particularly of the fruity variety. There is a self-serve place here called Orange Leaf that we've been to a few times. Their pineapple and strawberry flavors are awesome! The only downside is that it's not cheap. They charge by the ounce and strategically give you deep bowls to use, so you end up putting a lot in it without noticing. Our last trip there cost us around $9 (and most of that was due to me), so it's not going to be a regular thing. However, I did buy some Blue Bunny strawberry banana fro-yo at the store last week and it hits the spot just as well. So far I'm only craving it every few days or so. But the summer months approaching, I'm afraid this may turn into a full-fledged addiction. I'm embarrassed to admit that I actually had a dream recently that involved strawberry soft-serve frozen yogurt. Is that a sign of a problem? Didn't think so.

Here's today's 18 week pic. As you can see, the bump is still growing (and the shirt really emphasizes that!)





Love,
Ashley

AFP Results

I'll keep this short and sweet. My AFP screening for neural tube defects came back negative. Hooray! I'm very thankful for that. Now, if I could just find a way to fast-forward time to May 2nd...

Love,
Ashley

Today's Appointment

This afternoon I had my 16 week appointment. I got to hear the heartbeat again, which was 148 bpm. After speaking with my doctor, I had the second trimester AFP blood draw done. This test screens for neural tube defects such as Spina bifida. Of course we’re praying for normal results. I’m not sure if they’ll call me when they get them in, or if I’ll find out at my next appointment. I suppose I could call at the end of next week if I haven’t heard anything. My next appointment is May 2nd, and we’ll be able to find out what we’re having then! I was hoping to get the ultrasound scheduled for 2 weeks from today so that we could know before we went home for Easter. But because I will be in my 18th week at that point, the lady in scheduling told me it would be better to wait. She explained that if they weren’t able to get a good look and determine the sex at that point, I’d be out of luck or would have to schedule another one on my own dime (since insurance wouldn’t cover another ultrasound just for that purpose). I contemplated telling her that I’d gladly take that risk just to be able to have the ultrasound sooner, but decided to be rational. Although technically my next appointment should be a week sooner than it is because I had to go 5 weeks before my last appointment instead of 4 (my doctor was out of town), and I’m a week behind. I suppose I should quit rambling about that and be patient…but these next four weeks are going to feel like an eternity!

That’s the update for now!

Love,
Ashley

16 Weeks

I am 16 weeks today and feeling good! The bump is slowly but surely growing. It's so gradual to me that at times I question if I've grown at all in the last few weeks, but Keith assures me I have. I'm still at that point where depending on the shirt I wear I either look obviously pregnant or hardly at all. It also depends on the time of day. At night I'm bloated and feel huge, but by morning it's shrunken down again. I have some more weeks to go before things really start chaning!

In other news, I've got a job! I am going through a temp agency, as I figured that would be the best thing for me right now. I really just want something to get me through the next 5 1/2 months or so. I'll be working at Missouri State University in their facilities maintenance building. Rest assured I will not be working as a groundskeeper or janitor. I will be doing admin work in their offices. The position is only scheduled to last about 6-8 weeks, but could be more or less based on their need. But at least it's money in the meantime, right? I start on Monday so I'll keep you updated on how that goes!

Here's a pic from today to end with:



Have a great weekend!

Love,
Ashley