Bumps and Babies: Week 17 Recap

 

Almost 4.5 weeks, baby!

We are almost half way done, Peanut

This week has definitely been one of the best...

Remember the first few weeks when I talked a lot about exhaustion, naps, and more exhaustion? Well...I guess I'm feeling the sparkle and magic of the 2nd trimester because my energy and good moods are back. Not that I was in awful moods before (says the girl who wrote about emotional rollercoasters last week) but I mean, my mood has just been happy! There might be some things in this weeks blog that show my mood being otherwise..but I promise I've been super smiles lately 😋

And the energy...I willingly walked 2 miles, mopped my whole house, and walked another 2 miles the other day. Not saying I'll do that again - but it was a change 😆

 Okay, I'll be honest with you... 

There was a moment this past week where I had a baby panic attack. I was feeling anxious and it spiraled out of control because I was alone for the night - Austin was at work. Luckily Unisom came in handy and after a some tears + sweet words from the husb, I fell asleep and was just fine. But i mean, other than that 😅 I'll say it again, hormones are wild.

Even though my moods have been light and cheery, I do have a hard time keeping the eyes dry. I can cry at any given moment. I was easily triggered before pregnancy, and Peanut just intensified it all. I will have you know that I already cried happy tears today. I can't remember what set it off, probably a tiktok...but I did, in fact, shed tears. It's like a daily thing now 😇 Happy or sad - depending on the situation.  

Another massive thing to note... 

Is the bump! I feel like everything after week 16 has been...bigger. In a dramatic way. I wouldn't even say I'm "big," yet - but there is now no denying that I do in fact have a growing Peanut inside of me. I remember when I wrote my week 13 update - and I talked a lot about bloat and not quite being sure if I was seeing baby or burrito...

The burrito is still there from breakfast, but it's definitely a lot of baby. The shape is becoming more defined and round, and when I rub it, I don't feel like I'm creepily rubbing a bloat 😂 Judge me, not! I always wondered - is there an appropriate time to publicly rub the belly? I genuinely don't do it on purpose. But when I would catch myself in the past, I'd be like "Karlie, calm down. P is too small for that." But now I'm like jolly ol' Saint Nick rubbing and patting away.

Speaking of the bump...

You'll have to tell me your thoughts and expertise, moms. So...let me explain my stomach at the moment: It's full from top to bottom. But it confuses me because I know Peanut is down low. So why the heck am I already showing up top? I mean - I understand muscles, organs, and fluid moving, stretching, and doing its thang - but...? My best friend and I talk about our bellies and compare differences, trying to figure out the genders based on the bump. She is full on her lower abdomen, and I'm kind of full all over. Is it true that bumps vary based on whether you're carrying a boy or a girl? I also know that every belly and every baby is different - but it's just so interesting to physically see.

So, I went in for my recent appointment.

It was scheduled to be the anatomy scan - but somewhere along the lines of communication at the clinic - there was a misunderstanding. I was 2 days away from being 18 weeks, and was told that it was still too early for the scan (the earliest they do them is 18 weeks...) - so basically, they said "Did anyone tell you what this appointment is for? Because for what's in the notes... this kind of measurement should have been done early in the pregnancy." In my mind, I was thinking, "I'm the patient...I have no idea why I'm here." Long story short, the baby received basic measurements and I got to listen to the sweet little heart beat. 

I was honestly frustrated, though. I was excited and eager for the anatomy scan. It was supposed to be an hour long ultrasound followed by an appointment with the mid-wife. It turned into being a 15 minute ultrasound, an hour gap, and then a visit with the mid-wife. And on top of that...poor Austin 😅 This guy got home from a 12 hour shift at 8, made it to the appointment by 11:30, then had class and an exam at noon. In the end, I calmed down, trusted that everything happens for a reason and above all, I was really happy to see my Peanut doing wild flips and waving. And that little heart beat - that makes me so stinkin warm and fuzzy inside. They told me that the heart beat sped up when I talked, meaning my little guy got excited to hear me 💕 As for the anatomy scan...TBD. We do love our mid-wife though. She promised to get everything resolved and apologized for the confusion. Fingers crossed.

But hey - I FINALLY got the gender results! And the party is being planned as we speak. Have you googled "elephant toothpaste" ? That's how Austin decided he wants to do the announcement. So stay tuned for that. September 24th can't come soon enough!

Beyond the ups and downs...

I couldn't be happier. Even with the changes I'm experiencing (emotionally and physically), at least I know they are happening with my best little friend sittin pretty right inside me. I can't believe I'm almost half way done. I don't know what I expected pregnancy to be - but I can honestly say I never imagined it being what I'm going through. And I don't mean that in a bad way. I think all I expected was a big belly and to crave pickles dipped in chocolate. This is a whole journey and I'm honestly in love with every step of it. 

Want to hear something so sweet you could just die? Every time Austin wakes up, he rubs my belly and talks to Peanut. I KNOW RIGHT. I can't imagine this experience with anyone else by my side. The sensitivity and acceptance of the random tears and the very constant "I'm hungry," comments that all come from me, are all taken with love and support from the kindest man on the planet. I'm making myself cry, so I've got to go now. Love you and see you next week!

PS- SO MANY BABIES! My cousin is having her reveal tomorrow, my best friend is having hers next Saturday, then mine, then my other best friends. Who is having what?! Stay tuned...