18 Week Bumpdate

Mexipino is the size of an artichoke! Or a croissant!

Friends! I’m starting to feel so much better! One day, I woke up and I asked Steve to take me to the beach! Granted, I lasted less than an hour in 89 degree weather but I was so happy to be out and about and enjoying the sun! Let me remind you, well into my first trimester I hated the sun. I closed all the blinds in my house and sat in pure gloom. I just could not handle the stimulation. But now, I’m embracing the sun! However, I am also understanding why my friends have told me to avoid being pregnant in the summer…

[line] How I’m Feeling [line]

I’d say a solid 8/10! No more nausea, but it will hit me in the middle of a meal if I’m eating more than my compressed stomach can handle! No more brain fog, I’m able to concentrate and really listen. Before, I couldn’t focus or make connections. I was completely useless. I remember just wanting to try to get through the day and survive! I’m sleeping so much better! Special thanks to those veteran mamas who told me about the Snoogle! Sure it takes up 60% of the bed, but it literally gives me support where I need it the most! I still can’t do eggs and I can’t handle the thought of fish or seafood in general. I’ve had a few sips of coffee and realized that I like iced coffee so much better!

[line] What I’m Craving [line]

I’m still craving steak. Plus, I have had this need for a Portillos Hot Dog and Cheese Fries. The closest location is 20 minutes from my house and I have yet made the lengthy travel down the road.  Uh hemm…date night? You know what else I have been craving but I CAN’T have? Beer. A nice cold Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy. Ughhh! It breaks my little heart that I can’t have it! While my hubby can enjoy a nice cold brew during dinner, I have been ordering a Diet Coke that seems to fulfill my happy place! So now I treat Diet Coke as my “alcoholic drink” of choice.

[line] WHAT I’m Feeling [line]

At my last appointment with my OB, she asked if I was feeling baby yet. At the time, I wasn’t. I was 16 weeks and some change at the time. She said that it may feel like flutters in your abdomen and that I may not feel it until I’m 20 weeks, but since I’m so small that I could possibly feel it earlier. A couple days ago, I was doing absolutely nothing, watching an episode of Friends, and I felt a flip in my lower abdomen. It was small and it didn’t feel like gas bubbles. Like a goldfish flopping around. But it literally happened in a millisecond. Then later that night while I was laying in bed, I felt a flip again! I’m not sure if that’s my baby, but if it is it’s the most amazing feeling. (If not, then I obviously have some cute gas bubbles.)

[line] Symptoms [line]

I thought that I had to pee all the time in my first trimester, now it’s taken to a whole new level! Every 2 hours. I have more energy than before! I’m able to do grocery shopping without feeling like I’m going to faint. I even went to Target! Plus, I was able to mow the backyard lawn! I AM WOMAN. As my mother-in-law would say! I’m able to clean the house, but vacuuming the stairs has not been easy. Well, I don’t think it has every been easy! (Especially with a dog who thinks the vacuum is the devil.) But it is easier being in the kitchen! I’m able to cook dinner now and try new recipes! I know my hubby is so thankful for that! My bra size has gone up, shorts/pants are noticeably snug, and my hair has gotten longer and thicker! With that said, I’ve been wearing a lot of summer dresses and athletic shorts. I’d love to know where are the best places to shop for maternity clothes. Preferably, affordable and cute.

The number one symptom that is getting me down? Weird dreams. I literally don’t understand what’s going on, but it happens almost every night and I wake up confused. It’s the worst way to start my day every day.

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What are some of your tips for this 18 week bump? When you felt your baby first move, what did it feel like for you?

I’m so grateful for all the mamas and mamas-to-be who have been reaching out to me! You don’t know how much it makes me feel to know I’m not the only one!