19 weeks...

I can't believe I am almost half way there!

I must admit - I am absolutely loving being pregnant.

James is thrilled that I am pregnant and loves the process -

which makes it that much better!

It is incredible to watch my belly grow and know there is a little girl growing rapidly inside.

I want to start documenting weekly from now on so that I can track the growth more carefully.

This is a month long update so brace yourself.

I had a big doctors appointment this week.

My blood tests all look good but I need to get my iron tested again.

Still feeling anemic.

It took the doctor awhile to find her heart beat.

James wasn't at the office yet and it terrified me.

But once I heard it - all was well in the world.

That little sound is so special.

We had our body scan ultrasound this week.

James and I both agree that having a good ultrasound tech is just as important as a good doctor.

Our tech explained everything she was looking for and the problems she was ruling out.

She said little baby barker looks perfectly healthy. 

She is still right on track for the April 27th due date.

But she is weighing 9 ounces - 2 ounces above the average weight.

She is about six inches long. 

I can't tell if I am feeling her kick of not.

Sometimes I think I am just making it up in my head.

The ultrasound tech said it may be a few weeks because of the placement of my placenta.

The baby bump hasn't quite popped 

unless I wear an already prego looking shirt. 

James and I can definitely tell I am pregnant.

But it still hides in most clothing. 

However, certain parts of my body seem to be growing rapidly.

{If you know what I mean.}

And I have had two friends notice a little bit of a bump.

It seems as if my belly grew 3 inches while we were in St. George for Thanksgiving.

Not sure if it is a holiday food belly or a baby belly.

I have become rather obsessed with looking at pictures of other people's baby bumps.

Call me crazy - but I love to see how everyone's bump grows at different speeds etc.

I love learning about pregnancy through Facebook, blogs etc.

It has been a huge help!

Thank you to everyone who posts them.

I am still wearing my normal clothes.

Most still fit fine but some are getting quite snug.

I need to start buying some maternity clothes but have been avoiding the subject.

How do you shop for maternity clothes? Tips?

My Mom gave me a belly band.

I will probably have to start using it in the next week or two with some pants.

I have been having sharp pains in my lower stomach.

It typically happens when I am bending over or standing up.

The doctor said this is completely normal and to expect them to continue.

For the most part I feel normal.

The day my first trimester ended it was like a switch was flipped.

Although the last two days I have felt a little mid-day nausea.

It could be related to my lack of sleep.

For some reason I am having trouble sleeping this week.

But I doubt it has to do with pregnancy at this point.

I haven't felt terribly moody -

until two nights ago.

Poor, poor James.

I don't know what happened but those pregnancy hormones were not good.

I am so lucky to have the most patient and forgiving husband.

I was up and down and rude and all over the place!

Hoping that I remain myself and don't turn into a crazy person.

Love that husband of mine.

The cravings aren't quite as strong as I expected them to be.

But I have been wanting salt on everything.

Although that isn't really anything new for me.

I did eat a whole jar of cornichon pickles while I was in St. George

and have been eating corn on the cob like crazy this week.

For the most part I still want healthy foods i.e. strawberries and baby tomatoes.

I am trying to eat as healthy as possible and really need to start working out more!

But I did splurge a lot over Thanksgiving.

I have been terrible at taking my vitamins!

My doctor said its not a big deal at all.

They make me sick - but I know that I need to get them down.

We are trying to prepare for the little munchies debut by reading a few books.

I am reading what my Mom refers to as "the baby bible" 

aka What to Expect When you are Expecting.

And my darling sister-in-law Katie's recommendation we are reading 

Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child together.

I need to read more and more as time goes on.

I am looking into birthing classes.

Any suggestions?

We are also really trying to prepare spiritually.

We feel so blessed to be in the position that we are right now.

I cannot believe we are going to be trusted with the development of another spirit.

It is something that I feel is both magical and terrifying.

But mostly magical.

We cannot wait for the divine role of parenthood.

More ultrasound pics and the story about finding out it was a girl later!