My Belly -- Week 18

Here I am again, with my belly growing by the minute. I can't believe how big I am already! My doctor says everything looks great, and we are due for our ultrasound on August 28. Justin and I are so excited to know more about our baby! We will try to keep you posted as we learn more. It has been so much fun thus far! Most people are predicting a girl...but we have no clue. What do you think? Post a comment to make a prediction.

Vacation on Kiawah Island, SC

Last week Justin and I went on a little "vacation" to Kiawah Island, SC, which is near Charleston. It was actually a work trip for Justin, but ALL vacation for me :) We ate lots of good food (shrimp & grits...mmmm) and had lots of fun. We got to take a carriage ride in Charleston to look at all of the beautiful historic homes. We hope to go there again sometime and see more! On Friday I got a wonderful maternity massage at the hotel's spa. It was extra nice (and also extra expensive!). We stayed at "The Sanctuary," which is probably one of the most elegant and luxurious places we have ever stayed, [thanks to the firm]. One afternoon we relaxed by the "adult" pool -- which was for those 18 and over only. We figured that we should enjoy the peace and quiet there while we can! Next year we will have to wade in the kiddie pool. And I am sure we will enjoy every moment of it.

Hormones and Country Music

These are not a good combination. Twice I have broken down in tears while driving in my car and listening to some cheesy country song about "daddy's little girl" or "remember when we fell in love" or whatever. It is completely out of control! My husband will tell anyone that I am typically a pretty level-headed person. But not when you are pregnant. It is so embarrassing to walk into a restaurant to meet Justin for lunch after I have just finished bawling my eyes out. He laughed. What is even funnier is that I laughed too...right before I cried. I have never before been this emotional, and somehow I feel like the days of cool-headedness are gone. It seems there is something about having children that turns most people into a pile of mush. I don't think it happens for the man until the delivery room, but the woman gets 9-10 months of "practice" before that. Until then, I have vowed to keep my radio turned off -- or at least have it tuned to a hard rock station where I can't understand the words.
Another thing I can't understand is how forgetful I have become since being pregnant. I have been such a scatterbrain! I suppose the most frustrating thing about all this -- the hormones, the forgetfulness, etc. -- is that much of it seems beyond my control. Or is it? I have no idea. It is all so overwhelming. It is truly going to be the Lord who gets me through this in one piece :)

My Belly -- First Trimester

Ok, ok. So here it is. Everyone wants to see what I look like pregnant! I am 13 weeks pregnant in these pictures. I feel like a heifer already, so I can't imagine what I will feel like in a few months! I have gained 4.6 lbs -- which is on the average-high side of pregnancy weight gain for the first trimester. Oh boy! I have to admit it is a little scary. I really have just gotten over the 10 lbs I put on after getting married. Actually, I wasn't completely over it. But now I have entered a new dimension. I realize this is normal, and healthy, but it is difficult for a woman (especially in this vain culture) to watch as her body morphs into something totally unlike what it has ever been. Enough about that...I'm sure I'll have more to say later.

My doctor told me last Tuesday at my appointment that I will have to wait 8 more weeks to find out the gender of the baby. I have found myself becoming increasingly impatient. So, friends, be on the lookout for the big announcement around August 30.

Right now all is well, and I have been feeling pretty good besides a few headaches. We'll see what this next trimester brings. Thanks for all of the e-mails and well-wishes. I hope you will keep in touch. Love to all!

Here is a picture of me with my first maternity t-shirt ->