18 Weeks + A Belly Picture

18 Weeks  (Technically 18wks 4 days)

It’s time for another pregnancy update. I kept a weekly journal throughout my pregnancy with Isla and haven’t with baby #2. I feel a bit guilty about it but I have all these journal entries to give him or her one day.

I think I’m in shock…..how am I 18 weeks already? It’s just crazy how fast this pregnancy is flying by!! The second time is so much easier in some ways. It’s easier because I don’t stress about every little thing. Sometimes I stress about how fast it’s going and once we know the sex I’ll be ready to start nesting.

Isla likes to lift my shirt to see belly and talk to belly. Some days she says she’s talking to her baby brother and some days she tells us there is a baby girl in there.

*Weight Gain: I’m about to just throw my hands up and stop stressing about this nasty little matter. I’m up 10lbs and I’m not really happy with myself. I eat like I normally eat and I’m staying pretty active. I’m walking a mile a day, doing my P90 workouts when I have the energy….usually once a week, we hike and sometimes my walks are up to 3 miles. I think the weight gain has been hard to swallow because of my recent weight loss. I’m looking at numbers I never wanted to see again, numbers that I made disappear.

*Baby: Baby is SO active. The kicks have become stronger and more frequent in the past week or so and I love it! It truly is the best thing about pregnancy.  My last checkup went really well. The baby had a strong  “girl” heartbeat and my doctor even let me see a glimpse of my peanut on ultrasound…..I think she was dying to know the sex as much as me! Speaking of the sex, only one more week folks!!! The countdown is on and I’m so excited.

*Cravings:  Let’s see…..

Green olives, I eat about a jar a week.

Chipotle burrito bowls loaded with salsa.

Strawberries fresh from the farmers market.

Homemade sandwiches made with turkey (heated up) avocado and tomatoes.

Candied pecans.

*How I’m feeling: I’m feeling really good. I think the only reason I ache is because I tend to over-do it. I try to take it easy when I am able and Alex helps me when I need it on the weekends. As I grow closer to my due date I get a little nervous. I know I’ll manage and I think I know what to expect but as a mom I want to give my children all of me! I’ll have to figure out a new normal.

Here I am at 17 weeks with Isla

Here I am at almost 18 weeks with baby #2

I'm thinking the belly looks a bit smaller this time.

I must admit it's fun to compare!