Growing a Fetus in a Winter Wonderland!

Sixteen week picture: 

Well first off, Ben, fetus and I got to spend 8 days last week in Colorado. We had a blast. We hiked and hiked, climbed mountains, drove along cliffs, rode in trains, breathed clean air... it was incredible. I had my last day at work before we left, and I'm transitioning into part time work from home. I am already so thankful that God led us in this direction. I'm feeling more rested by the day. 


Not much to report yet on the baby's gender. However, I did have a tummy check a couple of weeks ago and got to listen to the baby's heart beat. It was so loud and fast! This kid is already impressing me. Dr says everything looks great and we're set to have the big anatomy appointment on the 15th! I'll let everyone know as soon as we know for sure.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 16 weeks

Size of baby: 4.5 inches long, 3.5 ounces (avocado sized!)

Maternity Clothes: Bella band has saved my life. Wearing mostly my normal clothes, much more awkwardly

Gender: We'll know in 2 weeks! 

Movement: There have been a few times where I think I've felt it flutter around in there, but not sure yet

Sleep:  Good! Have stopped waking up to pee every 2 hours, so that's nice

Symptoms: As usual, not too many symptoms! Feeling great.

What I miss: Sleeping on my back 

Cravings:  I have decided that I could consist entirely on an all carb/dairy diet. All I want is pasta, cereal, milk

Best Moment this week: Hiking with my husband and fetus in the middle of nowhere.

What I am looking forward to: Finding out the gender in a couple of weeks! 

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

Soooooo... changes have come.

LIFE UPDATE: Because I keep spotting on days that I'm gone from the house for 12-14 hours straight, Ben and I, with consultation from the doctor, decided that it's time for me to stop the insanity. Today I put in my 2 weeks at work (well, three weeks really).

 God has given me such peace about our decision, and it seems that everything around it is falling into place. Our homegroup leader happens to have a few part time, work-from-home, data-entry positions opening up that will last us through February of 2012, so we will still be able to pay our bills. God is good! Something that I would normally get so wound up about just fell into place and without all the stress of worrying about it! From now on, I will be doing data entry from home (or from Allison's home to keep her company while she's on bedrest), going to internship and class when I have clients. I'm really excited about the fact that I'll get more rest.

BABY UPDATE:  We went to the genetic specialist today to check for downs, tay sach's, etc. The doctor said that everything looks great and that my chances of having any genetic abnormalities are really low. Ben and I are so thrilled to have a child, let alone a healthy one! What a blessing. Baby is also 12 weeks and 4 days old, although it is measuring 13 weeks and 1 day (oh boy, here we go)!

The doctor also said that at this point in the pregnancy, he can usually guess the gender, and is correct about 80% of the time, based on the angle of the baby's bizness down there. He told us that he's pretty sure it's going to be a ______.

THAT'S RIGHT! You have to wait! We're not going to reveal until we know for sure in another two or three weeks. At that point we'll let you know whether to start looking at fairy princess or tonka truck toys.

Also - 12 week picture:

Love you guys!