20 Weeks

THIS WEEK
I'm 20 weeks and it is good to hit this milestone, we're not quite at "viability" but our hospital will now take me in the maternity ward instead of the emergency room where "there isn't much they can do" (although I pray our baby girl will keep growing strong and safe within me for a few more months). Speaking of the hospital, we were there one morning after worrying that I was leaking amniotic fluid (I wasn't, just normal pregnancy discharge) which I attribute the whole thing to my severe anxiety surrounding this pregnancy and the stressful ultrasound we had the week before. The doctor was completely understanding with our history and reassured us that everything looked good and even reviewed the ultrasound for us - I'm waiting for my ob appointment this Wednesday before I talk in depth about their findings but from what I was told, what I've read from others who have had these things and a lot of talk with my husband/prayers with the Lord - I'm feeling more relieved but I'll truly breathe easier once I hear from our ob this week.

BABY UPDATE

Our baby girl is the length of a banana and this is the first week where she will be measured from head to toe instead of crown to bum. 

Baby girl continues to develop a more regular sleep pattern this week, which as her movements become stronger I may become more aware of them. At this point in pregnancy, most of baby's development is focused on gaining weight.

MOMMA UPDATE

A lot of worries for our baby girl but by mid week I was feeling very reassured that this is just the Lord's way of giving us higher monitoring and follow up during this pregnancy. Feeling more movement and she is getting so strong, it is seriously the best feeling and so reassuring to feel her moving around. As for symptoms this week I've had a lot of the same ones as the weeks before; the whole runny/stuffy nose situation in the mornings and just a lot of pain from my body accommodating for my belly. I have also had frequent heartburn this week and am wondering if it is going to stick around for the second half of this pregnancy - I'm also wondering if this means our beautiful baby girl will be born with a lot of hair like the old wives tale implies (obviously doesn't matter). Lately I've been craving a hot dog, or a corn dog, haha I have a feeling once I satisfy these semi-strange cravings they will go away but who knows - I was on a cottage cheese kick for days a few weeks ago. 

Belly is measuring 40inches.

DADDY MOMENTS

Aside from being the wonderful, supportive, understanding and reassuring husband he is every day this week we went shopping for our baby girl and not only was it a blast to pick out little pink things and imagine her wearing them but seeing her daddy melt over little outfits and especially a little pink monster teddy was absolutely adorable.

FAVORITE PART OF THE WEEK

I loved our first shopping trip for our baby girl but my favorite part of the week has to go to sitting in the emergency room and being reassured by the doctor that our baby is doing just fine and that the stress from the 18week ultrasound - while they did see something worth watching, it is nothing "incompatible with life" and for that, I am above and beyond grateful. Being able to say that she's okay was the best part of the week.

LOOKING FORWARD TO

Seeing my ob, I just want to hear what his opinion on this is and what his plans are for our pregnancy. Praying and hoping that what he says is along the same lines as the things I have been told. 

xo, Anne.