17 Weeks

And another week flies by!! I am now 17 weeks and 2 days. The past few weeks have been trying for me: and to quantify this, I am not complaining - just documenting. I am hoping down the road this little one will wonder, "How was it being pregnant?" And I want to be able to remember, both the good and bad. So really, this is just for accuracy reasons :) About 2 weeks ago, because I was having such a tough time sleeping, I bought a body pillow. All in all, this has been a worthwhile purchase. I have to admit though, I still do not sleep well. Most nights I am still getting up 3-4 times to go to the bathroom. And after that, it takes me at times quite a long time to get comfortable again. However, last night I was able to sleep from about 10:30 until 5:00 am!! I wonder if its because I was tired after volleyball? If so, I should play every night. My wonderful husband has been opting for the couch most nights as of recent. I think its a win - win though: I can toss and turn and usually sleep better and Nate LOVES the couch. Believe me: I haven't even asked him to sleep somewhere else.... I think this was his suggestion! I am cranky when I get woken up by him after a bad night sleep.Just the past few days, I have been feeling a bit more nauseous in the morning, mainly when I am brushing my teeth. It goes away when I am done, but its still odd because that had not been happening for a long time now!
I feel really good almost all day long - baby must like my job: even all the bending, reaching, stretching, etc that it brings me. However, once I am done with work, we have an entirely different story. I start to become very uncomfortable in the evening. At times its even difficult for me to eat supper - yet I always manage to cram something in! My stomach starts to feel very hard with aches and pains galore! My doctor told me at my 16 week checkup that its due to ligament/muscles stretching. That means its going to get worse, huh? Ironically, I feel the best when I am lying on my stomach with a pillow under my stomach/chest area or lying flat on my back. The baby/belly doesn't enjoy much time on my sides, especially when I am already feeling achy.
Every once and awhile, I feel like I may be starting to feel the baby move??? And I try not to get too excited, seeing as how it may just be gas (yes, still lots of that feeling going on)!!!I am somewhat amazed that we're already at 17 weeks - only 3 more weeks until our next ultrasound! I am excited to find out if its a little boy or girl in my belly! Nate is convinced its going to be a girl, but I have no feelings one way or the other at all! And no crazy dreams or premonitions either....
Below is a picture taken on August 1, 2009 (16 weeks 4 days)

My regular clothes are starting to get uncomfortable. I still wear almost all my regular pants because maternity pants are just too big still - they almost make me look worse! I have definitely been wearing maternity tops at tops however! And thanks to my sister Kate, I just doubled my maternity wardrobe!! So, thanks!