And I've popped. Well, my belly button that is.

Baby Girl!

I am officially over the 1/2 way marker.  Hooray!  And, 2 weeks ago we found out that baby "f" is another girl!  That would have been my guess!  Now I guess its time to start decorating the baby room, one of my favorite parts.  Only 1/2 way through, and my belly button has popped out.  Lets hope the turkey "buttons" are more accurate that this one.  Whats even more exciting, is that by the end of the year, baby "f" and I will be entering the 3rd trimester.  Its amazing how pregnancy can go fast and slow at the same time.

So far, feeling pretty good, random aches and pains, but overall good.  Seeing a chiropractor is helping.  Mild heartburn, acne, and dry hair about sums up this pregnancy so far.  I'm still walking, and doing a yoga tape at home.  My biggest accomplishment so far is watching what I'm eating.  I wouldn't say I'm "watching my weight", but I am being fully aware of what I shove down my face.  I had a starting weight of 148, then lost 4 lbs, and now I am back up to 148.  And 1/2 way through.  With my first, I had already gained 20+lbs.  I was also eating for seven.

I have been doing kegels and squats, and really need to start sitting on that birth ball.  I have signed up to start Birthing From Within classes in a couple weeks, and I'm very excited about that.  It will be a 6 week course, and even after reading the book, I'm not sure what to expect.  (here is a link to their webpage if you want to read up http://www.birthingfromwithin.com/)  I have one doula interview in December, and need to set up a couple more.  You would think that working part time, I would have more time on my hands!!!!  With the holidays coming up, I'm sure that this pregnancy will start to fly!  I'll try to keep you updated during the busy times too.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

1 week=Forever

18 weeks

So, in one week and one day, we get to find out if we're expecting a boy or girl.  To me, that's when pregnancy seems real.  You get to buy things, pick out names, clothes, design the room, and start referring to your baby in a loving term, other than "it".  I have even felt "it" move!  Much earlier than the 24 weeks it took for me to feel G move.
For fun, we tried the "baking soda test."  Apparently, you put 1tbsp of baking soda in the bottom of a disposable cup, pee on it, and see if it fizzes.  (To me, it sounds like a huge scam to get pregnant women to do silly things, but, I'll play along)  So, I peed on it.  No fizz.  I have my pregnant friend Amanda (due 4 weeks after me)  do the same thing.  Hers fizzed. Fizz is supposed to mean boy, no fizz means girl.  Only time will tell if this test is accurate!  After the research I did, it appeared to be 60-70% accurate.
I will ask that you all say a prayer to make sure baby F is healthy, and growing like a weed.  (Although, I am sure he or she is)  My mother and father in law have been praying for this babies birth.  My father in law has been having a hard time "picturing" how the birth will go, but, he had a dream that I was tired and happy.  Hearing that nearly brings tears to my eyes.  I already feel so positive about this child and birth, but it is nice to have positive vibes all around.  My mother in law said she saw me pushing in a squatting position, as did I.
I have contacted the local Birthing from Within teacher, and am all set up to start classes in January.  I'm very excited.  Sounds right up my alley!
Pregnancy has been going well so far, except that I've gotten a cold with terrible congestion that is finally gone after 2 weeks, and some other throwing up ick that my daughter brought back from day care.  We are all finally feeling better, and I am hoping it continues!  I've been attending ICAN meetings every 2 weeks, and love getting together with the ladies!  Nothing more powerful than a bunch of pregnant ladies on their birthing journeys.