18 Weeks

How far along? 18 weeks and 2 days. 
Total Weight Gain: So my weight last week may have been a bit off (I think our scale was overly kind to me last Tuesday).  As of this morning, my total weight gain is at 21.6 lbs.  I know I am growing a baby here, but I’m not pleased with this number!
Maternity clothes? Oh yes.  But I think I need to order another Patriots maternity shirt in a size up – the small one is getting really snug!
Stretch marks? No, at least not yet.
Sleep: Sleeping very well.  Sometimes I even make it through a whole night without getting up to go to the bathroom.  Small pleasures!

Best moment this week: Enjoying the slightly “cooler” weather.  Mid-80s may not be “fall weather” but it’s still a hell of a lot better than 100 degrees. Last week was a bit stressful and the weekend felt too short.  The best moment of this week will be tomorrow’s ultrasound!
Miss anything? Yes, my family and friends, and New England fall weather.
Movement: Still haven’t had that “for sure” feeling, but can’t wait.
Food Cravings: Nothing too specific.  Smoothies are tasting very good this week, but I need to add in some kale to up the nutritional value.  I’ve had some delicious organic Honeycrisp apples lately as well.  Pizza is also tasting a little too good. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Really not into any kind of Mexican food at all lately.    
Have you started to show yet? Oh yes.  Belly feels harder now as well.
Gender Prediction: Well, it’s less than 24 hours before we’ll know the gender for sure, and I’m still sticking with my original prediction – I feel very sure that it’s a boy! 
Labor signs: No.
Symptoms: Still dealing with restless legs almost nightly, and the same spot in my back usually bothers me by the end of the day, but I have been lucky to get some leg massages at night from Justin (with a lacrosse ball of all things on the calves – it works wonders!).
Belly button in or out? Still in for sure, but looks a little more “stretched” lately.
Wedding rings on or off? On.  However, Justin and I went for a long walk on Saturday, and when we got back, my hands were throbbing and I looked at them and they were swollen like little sausages!  It took some time cooling off in the pool before I could get my rings off.
Mood: Excited for tomorrow’s ultrasound, and finding out the baby’s gender.  But feeling like I worry constantly lately.  Saw a great Bible verse (on someone’s Facebook page of all places) that I’ve been trying to repeat like a mantra in my head – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).  I need to remember to take it one day at a time. 
Looking forward to: Tomorrow’s ultrasound.  That’s all.  Can’t wait to see our baby, and make sure that he/she is developing normally.  Especially since we opted out of all first and second trimester genetic screening tests – so this will be our first real evaluation of how the baby is doing.  Stay tuned for tomorrow’s gender reveal!!!