NUMBER 297

we've been back on the grind at work for a couple of weeks now. BUT it's my birthday week [and mine and andrew's 6 year wedding anniversary! wow!] so even though things are busy, there's still lots to celebrate! i turn 30 this year, and i've been reflecting lots this week on so many blessings that have come our way - too many to count! ok, before i get all hormonal...

1 8  W E E K S

• how far along? 18 weeks. i need to start posting these updates at the beginning or end of the week seeing as i'll be 19 weeks on friday! 
• baby size: a sweet potato!
• total weight gain/loss? still sitting at 8 pounds. i haven't gained any this week, it seems.
• maternity clothes? yes! i got a bella band as an early birthday present, and sported that this week, along with 2 pairs of maternity jeans. there is NO use in suffering trying to squeeze myself into normal jeans.
• stretch marks? none! fingers crossed that they won't show up!
• sleep? great! well, maybe i've just gotten a little more acclimated to not sleeping through the night. and, dare i say, i haven't bought a pregnancy pillow yet? 
• best moment this week? andrew returning home from a weekend away! every couple needs a little time apart every now and then. this is cheesy, but i guess since we spend so much time together throughout the week, i do miss him when he's away - even if it's only a couple of days.
• miss anything? not missing anything too bad this week...
• movement? yes! well...maybe? over the past few days, about once a day, i'll feel something that feels like a thumping from the inside. almost like bubbles or popcorn popping. i'm going to keep thinking that's baby boy in there saying hi!
• food cravings? pressed sandwiches, candy corn [but not candy corn sandwiches]
• anything making you queasy or sick? nope!
• have you started to show yet? yes, but i've still been wearing lots of loose fitting tops, so i may still just look fat to some people! 
• gender: boy! [just a guess], but we find out FOR SURE tomorrow!!! 
• labor signs: noooo
• belly button in or out? in
• nursery: i finally found some inexpensive fabric for a glider and ottoman slipcover. i bought more than enough and plan on making a matching dust ruffle for the crib! as soon as the fabirc arrives, i'll ship it off to my etsy vendor so she can get to stitchin'!
• wedding rings on or off? on
• symptoms: maybe some movement? definitely some bloating, but the back pain has seemed to subside this week!
• mood: happy and a little [or a lot] overwhelmed with the amount of stuff left to do and realizing we're almost halfway through this thing.
• workouts: one 30 minute walk on monday, but i plan on going on another walk today and maybe a short hike on saturday
• looking forward to: celebrating my birthday and anniversary this weekend, both celebrations should include lots and lots of gooood food, and you know that makes this mama happy!

my candy corn belly [and my handsome photographer]: