Recent Food Favorites

My appetite has increased. Before I was barely able to eat half of my plate, now I'm cleaning it. Last night we went out to a Mexican restaurant, not only did I eat my enchilada, taco, beans and rice, but I reached for Paul's plate and ate his rice as well. I've become a human garbage disposal.

Some of my favorite foods lately are (in no particular order):
Chocolate milk
Oranges
Cottage cheese
Avocados
Peanut butter and strawberry jelly (yes, it must be strawberry jelly)
Turkey sandwiches (I've been craving turkey sandwiches since about week 6 of pregnancy)
Greek salads
Peanut m&ms
Beans - refried, pinto, bean soup
Dill pickles (not a good thing to forget you put in your purse for a snack...)
Oreo cookie milkshakes (must be from Jack in the Box)
Starburst
Strawberry Kiwi Crystal Light

All week I have been craving a hot dog but haven't actually ate one just because I'm not sure if it will make me sick or make me want hot dogs all the time. I may just have to give in this weekend and try a hot dog!
Paul is still hoping I will start craving steaks and hamburgers (since it has been probably 15 years since I last ate red meat minus the pepperoni I do enjoy on my pizza).

With my new found appetite, the bump has started to grow (although not enough for Paul).

                                                                       @ 16 weeks

The Bump

The news is out for the most part - I think my entire industry knows I'm pregnant and I think it might be the best marketing strategy of all. At my first tradeshow since the news broke, everyone was coming up to me and commenting about my bump or lack thereof. It was a little strange since some people said I look so cute with a bump and others were annoyed that I'm not showing - so which is it? I found myself getting upset at those telling me I had a cute bump and was much more pleased by those that were upset I looked the same. I know, it sounds very crooked since I am pregnant and will at some point have a HUGE bump.

I may just know how to cover the extra weight well by wearing certain clothing. Because to me, I definitely notice a round belly starting to grow. Paul mostly notices it at night after a day of eating sporadically and it seems to grow just in about 8 hours.

The pains I've been having are normal according to my doctor - ligament pains - caused by my uterus expanding. I just have to watch sudden movement and try to slow down, which for me is a bit difficult.

OK, all of you keep asking me to post baby bump pictures. Here is the first one - taken at 15 weeks.

The 2nd Trimester has begun!

Today I went to the doctor and was pleasantly surprised by the entire experience! I was actually seen by my doctor (I was told I wouldn't be seen by my doctor until later on). Getting onto the scale I was feeling a little weary since my clothes are almost too tight to wear and I've been feeling better so I'm eating a little more. But, I had actually lost a couple pounds from my last appointment - WOOHOO! I know you're probably thinking, "What is wrong with her, she's pregnant," but the longer I can postpone blowing up like the whale I'm sure I'll turn into, the better. Just ask Paul.  It was even better to hear my doctor tell me that because I'm long, I may not start looking pregnant for another month or two!! Of course now that I'm telling everyone this, I'll probably blow up and look very pregnant overnight.

The checkup went great - everything is testing normal, great blood pressure, no weight gain and I got to see our little piglet again! Apparently I wasn't due for another ultrasound but because we couldn't hear the baby's heartbeat with the doppler so my doctor said, "This is actually okay because now you get another ultrasound!" I could not believe how much little piglet had grown! Don't worry, if it's a girl, I will stop using the term little piglet so she doesn't get any premature self esteem issues. Even more exciting was that the baby starting moving around and actually stretched its legs out twice and then lifted its fist (to me it was like LP was waving, "Hi Mommy"). The picture of the ultrasound is blurry but you can see the fist near the head - looks like we might have a thumb sucker!