18 weeks

How far along: 18 weeks
About the baby: Baby Matthews is about the size of a bell pepper and spending a lot of time flexing his or her arms and legs.

Maternity Clothes?: Well this was one of the issues of the week, I need clothes but still look kinda silly wearing so many of the maternity clothes.  So if you see me in the same
outfit often, I do was them!!
Strech marks?: My fingers are crossed that this will not be the pregnancy which I get them:)

Sleep: Well honestly my sleeping has sucked.  Not sure if it is because Gregg is away and I am missing him next to me or because I am no longer able to spend any time on
my back.  I think it is some of both

Best Moment of the week: Feeling the baby move!!!!!  When I sit down at night and take some quiet time for myself I feel the baby moving like crazy.  I forgot how incredible it feels!
Miss anything?: Running.  The further along I get the more I am noticing people out running
 It had become such a part of my routine and I really miss that high I feel after finishing a run.  I am still working out but nothing beats a great run!

Movement: Yes a lot and loving it!  I can't wait until Reece and Gregg are able to feel the baby also
Food cravings:  Burgers and salad

Anything make you sick:  I am feeling good overall, while I still tend to get some food adversions there is not one particular thing which stands out

Labor Signs:  Thank goodness no!!

Happy or Moddy:  It has been a very emotional week so I go from crying to feeling great love and happiness

Symptoms:  I have been having horrible heartburn.  I have Tums everywhere but I am also really trying to be careful in what I eat.
Looking forward to:  Gregg coming home and our big anatomy ultrasound next week!!

Star of the Week

Reece is the star of the week at school this week.  Part of the assignment is to send in a letter or video to Reece to share with the class.  We had so much fun looking through old videos and pictures and wanted to share a a tiny amount of why we love this kid so much!!!

A Day filed with Vitamin Z

In honor of President's Day (and as Reece says "George Washington's birthday") we spent the day as a family at the zoo.  The weather was beautiful and we had a great time!!

 Hunting for butterflies

 One of our highlights - The Arctic Ring of Life

 We were so lucky to get to see a zookeeper feeding the Polar Bears

 "I can't even see the top of his head!!"

 Nothing beats the pure amazement in a child's eyes!

"This polar bear might have wanted to be my friend"

One very tired guy!!

Stirring...

So all went well at my four month appointment.  Hearing the baby's heartbeat is one of the most miraculous sounds and something I look forward to every month!  We scheduled our big ultrasound sound for the first week of March.  While we would be able to tell at that point if the baby is a girl or a boy we are going to wait and be surprised.  That hasn't stopped us from trying to get ideas.  As far as the nursery, it is hard to put any real ideas together because we are in big house hunt, so we have a space to put Baby Matthews.  I love looking at nurseries and have found many I love but it is hard to get my creative juices flowing when I don't even have a room to picture.  Our plan is to have the nursery painted and assembled with furniture and essentials then complete it once the baby is born with girl bedding and decorations or boy.  Here are a few of our thoughts as of now...

For a girls room

All I know I want for sure is a large wall monogram.

A boys room

We like a light nautical or beach theme

As you can see there is hardly a similar color between any so to decide on a paint color may be challenge.  But as I am continuously learning about myself, the more ideas I come up with the better chance I am with being confident in my decision. That leads me to a boy's name.  We certainly have come up with many ideas ( Reece loves Kevon, Gregg loves Marsh, and I don't love anything we can agree upon)  Well maybe a few, but we are still working!!  We have a girl's name set.  

Thank goodness we still have lots of time!  It is shaping up to be a crazy summer with long hours for Gregg ;) 

4 months!!

How far along?16 Weeks.

About the baby: Baby Matthews is about the size of an avocado.  He or she is beginning to grow 

toenails while their legs are growing longer.

Maternity clothes? I am using the belly band but still in my regular clothes which are very tight, trying to hang 

on a little longer:)

Stretch marks? none yet
Sleep: I can make it through the night without having to get up for the bathroom!!
Best moment this week: Yoga.  I try to take the hour and focus on connecting with the baby and put all else

 away
Miss Anything? My regular clothes being comfortable and getting to celebrate the Giants win the Superbowl 
with a few beers!
Movement: Nothing that I think is movement yet
Food cravings: Smoothies and dessert
Anything making you queasy or sick: certain smells, but they are never the same (thank you Leah for 
the great new vitamins which help with my nausea!)
Gender: Not finding out
Labor Signs: None, thank goodness, Baby Matthews has a lot more baking to do!!
Symptoms: I am still really struggling with my allergies but am overjoyed to say I can make it through the

 day without dying of exhaustion!!

Also I am now carrying Tums with me everywhere, how quickly I remember disliking heartburn!!
Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy but if you ask my family they would also include moody today 

at least;)
Looking forward to: my doctor appointment tomorrow