Lucy Love ~ 20 Weeks

I can't believe we're halfway there! Wow! There are times when I feel like the days, weeks, and months have flown by, but then I look back at all the things we've done or accomplished since we found out precious Baby Layman was on the way! It's been such a fabulous pregnancy so far, I couldn't ask for more!

And of course...on to the bump!

20w4d

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I refuse to weigh myself other than at dr's appointments, so I really have no idea. We were at the 9 lb mark last week, and if I continue on as an "average" pregnant women (really, does that even exist???), I'm supposed to gain approximately one pound per week from here on out. I guess only time will tell!

Gender: We're having a precious little baby girl! We have a name and have even pretty much decided on it, but we're still letting it roll off our tongue for a few more days before sharing it with the world. Hubby & I are both pretty set on it and we've even come up with a few cutesy nicknames already! Maybe next week it won't be Lucy Love anymore...

Movement: YES!!! A ton of it! It seems that Baby Girl may already have her nights and days confused as she's moving like crazy in the evenings...and not so much first thing in the morning. I hate to even say this, but I've almost gotten used to the small little flutters..and it's the strong kicks that I wait for now. They certainly come, and are becoming more consistent. Now I'm just waiting until the movement is strong enough for Nick to feel it as well!

Sleep: I've transitiond to sleeping with my Snoogle and I don't think that thing will be leaving my side until after this pregnancy is all over...or heck, maybe ever! ha! I still manage to somehow end up on my back a few times during the night, but I really think I wake up quite quickly and just roll back over.

What I miss: Cold turkey sandwiches, caesar salad, raw cookie dough..this definitely hasn't changed. However, I did manage to work out a way to enjoy a club sandwich from Mr. Goodcents last Sunday. I just had them zap the meat in the microwave for about 20+ seconds (enough to heat the meat to steaming) and it was delicious. Now if only Jimmy John's had a microwave in their stores!

Cravings: Still fresh fruit...and honestly anything! My appetite has seemed to level off so I'm not eating like a crazy person anymore. I'm still cleaning my plate at most meals, but at least I feel full once I'm finished eating. I think my increased water intake & snacking has helped to curb my outrageous appetite!

Symptoms: My expanding waist line is certainly the most noticeable symptom, I've still got some back pain in the evenings after laying on the couch in the same position. I just try to move around and keep a pillow between my legs if I'm laying down and that seems to help some. Otherwise I'm still feeling great!!!

Maternity Clothes: This hasn't really changed much. I did take advantage of a big Old Navy sale a few weeks ago and I stocked up on some "maternity" tanks to use as layering pieces along with some "regular" longer t-shirts to layer as well. And as you can see in the photo...my regular pants or shorts are no longer working without a Bella Band. I'm thinking I'll have to invest in a few more of these soon...

Best Moment this week: Well the movement still ranks right up there, but so does the prenatal massage, and also our first official shopping trip for baby girl. It's so fun to finally be able to give her an identity as a little girl...and yes, the shopping was certainly a ton of fun!

Baby Gear Advice: Hmm...I'm not sure this week. We'll be registering soon, but I'ev at least narrowed things down for most of the big items. So...this week, how about just overall parenting advice...I know that every pregnancy is different and every baby is unique, but what's some general advice you'd give from your own personal experience or even some advice from other mom's around you!

And of course, here's the belly photo...Praise God for those Bella Bands!