17 & 18 weeks

Time is flying by now.  I'm sure it has a lot to do with the holidays and the fact that we've been super busy with parties, trip planning, spending time with friends, and of course getting ready for this little one in any free time that we do have.  Things are still going great.  I feel very guilty when other pregnant women ask me how I'm feeling.  Other than the occasional exhaustion (saying tired is a true understatement - it's more like bone tired) I really feel great.  Believe me, I have not taken this for granted.  I am also fully aware that this could all very easily change in the third trimester, so I'm living it up now.  I've made a concerted effort to see friends as much as possible, stay up late, and do things like we've always done (case in point: our annual Christmas party - a whole post on that later).  So here's a quick recap of weeks 17 & 18. :)

Excited about: I'm so excited about the nursery and all the baby boy planning we get to do now.  Our little guy has already gotten some very thoughtful and adorable presents from some of our friends.  Every little thing we receive makes me all the more excited and makes it all feel more real!

Best moment:  Strangers have started to comment on my pregnancy.  I have decided this brings about the end of the chubby phase and beginning of the "I finally look pregnant phase".  :)  To me, this phase has been in the works for awhile, but it is of course much easier for me to see changes than it is for others.  I figure if a stranger will ask me when my due date is, then I must look fairly obviously pregnant.  This is a big moment people. I almost hugged the first poor woman who dared ask me this question.

Symptoms: Like I said, I really haven't had a whole lot so far.  Let's keep that streak going! 

Cravings: I get this question a ton.  I feel like everyone asks how I'm feeling and what I'm craving.  I don't know that I would necessarily say I'm craving a whole lot.  I definitely love pizza more than the average person, and I LOVE sweets - which is a little abnormal for me.  But as I said - that's just a clear indication that this little guy is taking after his dad. :)

Most dreaded question:   Not to be a Debbie Downer, but I do have a really hard time when people ask me if my parents are excited.  This question can come in so many different forms.  "Is this the first grandchild on your side?", "Are your parents so excited?"  "I'm sure your parents are so excited!"  I struggle with how to react to this.  I try and judge if it's someone who I should tell.  Normally, if it's someone that I don't know well (and likely won't know well), or if we're in a very public group setting, then I'll just roll with it and try desperately to change the subject.  On the other hand, if it's a friend who I've just never shared the story of my parents with, then I'll certainly tell them.  It's not that I mind talking or thinking about it.  My parents are always on my mind, so it's not necessarily  upsetting to me.  It's more that I feel badly that the person will feel uncomfortable or bad for me.  It's not normal to ask someone my age about her parents and have them respond by saying both of their parents have passed away.

Anyway, enough Debbie Downer for today!  Here's some pictures for your enjoyment!!!  Full disclosure: we forgot to take my 18 week pic over the weekend, so this was on Monday after work. :)