18 Weeks

How far along? 18 weeks, 1 day

How big is baby? About the size of an sweet potato

Total weight gain: 6 pounds – lost two pounds this week.

Maternity clothes? Still inching towards tops. I’m wearing the same 4-5 shirts over and over. I did get two maternity tops last weekend that will work now and later. They are also light and airy for summer – bonus!

Stretch marks? Not so far!

Exercise? Have felt pretty bad most of the week, so no. Plus, I am now under doctor’s orders to sit as much as possible.

Sleep: Still not great, though I am sleeping a little bit better.

Movement: I have not felt any kicks yet, but sometimes I can feel him moving around in the evening if I’m really still.

Food cravings: McDonald’s Filet ‘O Fish. Apple juice. Mac and Cheese. Red sauce – pizza, eggplant parm, spaghetti. Pretty much, if it comes off a kids menu I will eat it.

Food aversions: Almost all seafood. Any kind of barbecue/chicken wings/ribs. Most non-red meat.

Gender: It’s a BOY!!

Labor Signs: Nope.

Symptoms: It has been a tough week – indigestion, exhaustion and constant dizziness/lightheadedness. I was diagnosed with dehydration and low iron. Not fun.

What people are saying: “Sit down and rest!”

Sweet Moments: Since I’ve been feeling so bad this week, Mike made a point to tell a few family members what was going on at his dad’s memorial – and gave them specific instructions to make sure I was sitting, resting and not doing anything. It’s very sweet to see him so protective of me and the baby.

Make room for baby: His little Mets romper arrived the other day and it is just about the cutest thing we’ve ever seen. It’s our first “boy” purchase.

Miss Anything? My energy. I am physically and mentally exhausted, and using this weekend to relax and recharge.

Looking forward to: Feeling the baby kick! I have been begging him to kick, but so far he is content to just swim around.

Worst moment this week: Wednesday. I called the doctor’s office because I was still feeling so poorly and they said I needed to come in as soon as possible. I was already emotional from not feeling well and anticipating Mike’s dad’s memorial service – so you can image how I took the news. I was a mess.

Fortunately, the doctor’s appointment went well. I was diagnosed with dehydration and low iron, both of which are treatable. I was told to drown myself in water and increase iron-rich foods in my diet. My iron level was at 11.2. They start medicating at 11, so I was instructed to increase my iron intake via diet and they’ll check it again in a few weeks. The doctor also told me to sit as much as I can and prop my feet up at work.

(Wednesday was not all bad though – the memorial service for Mike’s dad was beautiful and his sister did a wonderful job with the eulogy.)

Best moment this week: Lion King! We saw the Broadway production of The Lion King in Greenville last Saturday. I have been looking forward to it for over a year. It was amazing, and especially meaningful since we had just found out we are having a son. I just may have to get a little Simba to put in the nursery!

And, sometimes, even as a grown up, you still need your mom. I was so thankful she was in town Wednesday and could take me to my doctor’s appointment. It was reassuring having her there, and I was really excited that she was able to hear the baby’s heartbeat on the Doppler.