Week 18: Bell Pepper

Hi all ... here it is again ... anyone getting bored of these yet? Still enjoying them I hope. To provide an update ... since Mike asks me practically every day ... still not feeling movement. One of these days ... I'll get the next of many wonderful surprised feelings. As always ... all info below is from www.babycenter.com

How your baby's growing:Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

How your life's changing:Hungry? An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow.

Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure will probably be lower than usual. Don't spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.

From now on, when you do lie down, it's best to lie on your side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort.

If you haven't already had a second-trimester ultrasound, you'll probably have one soon. This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking his thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album!

Appetite is getting bigger ... thankfully it's supposed to. Energy is getting better and increasing but I still get exhausted out of now where. Just ask Mike. I could have a restfull night of 8+ hrs and I'll still fall asleep in the middle of the day on the couch at home on the weekends. I wish I could create opportunities to nap during the work week.

Surprisingly I've made it through the first part of the month with the multitude of games we have and still have coming up. Fortunately tomorrow's game is at 1pm. Thank you MLK Jt day. Even with parking or the closing of the club I'd still be home relatively early. That will help. Lots going on ... working harder than ever. Luckily for me, people are seeing it. Accounts, co-workers and bosses. Even other arena staff for SMG. Hope everyone has a great week ... thanks for all the love everyone ... it means the world to me.