Little Navajo--18 Weeks

How Far Along: 18 Weeks  (I know I'm missing a picture.  I'll try to rectify that tomorrow.)

Size: Little Navajo is the size of a bell pepper.

Gender: My official appointment is Nov. 13th. I'm anxious to start calling Navajo by the appropriate pronoun, but I won't get that opportunity until Nov. 24th because Favorite and I intend to be surprised with the rest of our guests at our gender reveal party.

Movement: A LOT more frequently this week.  Navajo taps, flips, punches and swims.  At least, that's what I'm feeling so far.

Sleep: It's off and on.  I sleep well for short clips, but I don't sleep well through the night.

Maternity Clothes: Pants: Yes. Looks like I'm going to have to break down and wear those full panel pants.  Not.A.Fan. Tops: Sometimes.  Usually I can get away with "normal" clothes if the shirts are a little longer.

Symptoms: Migraines are a regular occurrence--once or twice a week.  Recently, they've started to make me sick to my stomach.  But there are definitely worse things.  (Morning sickness, anyone?)

I'm thirsty all.the.time, and if my bathroom visits are any indication, my body is actually doubling the amount of liquid I ingest in a day. (And that number is significant. I drink a minimum of 96 oz. of water besides milk or the occasional glass of iced tea.)

Aversions: Meat in general--though I'm trying to find ways to work chicken back into my diet.  I've committed to crock pot cooking two meals a week so I'm hoping the bird marinating in other flavors may help.

Also, Hazelnut coffee, Cigarette smoke, Pickles, and Eggs.

Cravings: Milk! At one time, I quit buying it because we would have to throw it out due to expiration dates. Now, I go through about a gallon a week. It's a huge change for grocery store visits.

And ice cold water. In large quantities.

What I miss: I'm so grateful to be pregnant. I can't think of one thing I should be missing.

Feeling toward pregnancy:  This week, Favorite and I were at a fall festival at church.  Toward the end of the evening, one of the kids got really upset and starting having a meltdown.  I was standing across the room, but the screaming drew my attention.  As I was watching the scene, a friend looked down at my belly and said, "I hope you know what you're getting into."

And all I could think was that screaming happens.  Poop happens.  Vomit happens.

But so does giggling.  And Christmas.  The first time they smile or read a book.  There are hugs and summers and swinging.  Meals.  Discovery.

And there's a feeling of being completely and totally responsible for another person that brings me to an understanding of the type of person I want to be.

So do I know what I'm getting into?

Not at all.

But I'm looking forward to every single surprise I would've never experienced otherwise.

Best Moment this week: Movement.  And I'm feeling a sense of accomplishment over committing to a regular eating/exercise regimen again.  I hate to be the one to admit this, but I actually miss running a little bit.

I'm too cautious to start again, but I'm definitely setting mile goals like I did over the summer. 

What I'm looking forward to: The Gender Reveal! I can't wait to know if Little Navajo is a girl (like Favorite believes) or a boy (like my father insists).

Starting a baby registry...once I can figure out what I "need."  (A few friends from work are helping on that front.)

Breaking down and ordering the crib off of Amazon since I can't find anything "in person" I like.  Have I shown it to you?

I like the color and the solid back.  I don't like that I can't find it anywhere to determine if the wood scratches easily. 

Feel free to share suggestions for baby gear.  I'm always open to new ideas and thoughts.