How far along? 18 weeks (I do these a week behind as a recap of the previous week, so I’m actually 19 weeks today)
Total weight gain/loss: I should find out at my next appointment as I don’t own a scale. I would venture to guess I’m gaining back the few pounds I lost that I had initially gained and maybe more.
Maternity clothes? All of my regular pants still fit, but since I’m at work for a large bulk of my day, I like to wear my GAP maternity pants because the elastic waist means no digging. I am still wearing normal tops. I noticed my GAP really skinny pants are a little baggy in the thigh area which is great because they’ll continue to fit me for awhile as I expand.
Stretch marks? Not yet (still using Belli’s Elasticity Belly Oil at night and Mamma Mio Tummy Rub).
Symptoms: Nothing new from past weeks. I am feeling pretty good.
Sleep: Still using my Snoogle, but this week sleeping has been a little off. I have been waking up at 3:30 or 4 a.m. nearly every morning and struggling to fall back asleep.
Best moment this week: Finding out the sex of our baby and sharing the news with family and friends!
It was also really fun to buy the dresser for baby’s nursery! I had planned to get this one regardless of whether we had a girl or boy because the finish is a beautiful light gray. I am so glad we ordered it! FYI, Restoration Hardware Baby & Child is 20% off until Jan. 10th.
Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss Anything? Sleeping until my alarm goes off.
Movement: The most amazing thing happened this week— at 18 weeks, 2 days, I was sitting on the couch on my laptop and I felt baby kick. I told my husband and he placed his hand on my stomach and the movement had stopped. He started talking, saying “Hi little (future baby’s name)” and suddenly the baby kicked twice, harder than usual and he felt it from the outside! It was such a surreal moment, I will forever treasure that memory. I’ve only felt exterior movement one time since then, but continue to feel random movements, mostly at night time on the couch or in bed. I can’t wait for the movement to become more consistent!
Food cravings: Egg McMuffins for breakfast (hey, at least there’s protein!), garden salads with balsamic (at restaurants only), pizza and fruit.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Grilled chicken is a no-go for me lately.
Have you started to show yet: My stomach continues to fluctuate in size. I still have days where I don’t look pregnant at all and other days I say to myself, wow, this belly really IS growing. I have to remind myself that my long torso is probably the reason I haven’t really popped, because sometimes it does make me worry that my belly isn’t bigger. I took the comparison shots below and I truly can see growth when I compare my stomach before I got pregnant and now.
Baby is a: Girl!
Belly Button in or out? Still in.
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Our anatomy scan when I’m 20 weeks. We continue to pray for a healthy baby.
Thank you for reading and for all of my pregnant readers, please feel free to check in below as well and let me know how your pregnancy is going 🙂 I also welcome everyone’s advice and comments about pregnancy!
Jennifer says
So exciting for you! I love it. You look great.
Jenny says
I love these updates! Cute belly 🙂
Tristan Paige {at} Sunshine! says
I'm so glad you are taking belly pictures. I also have a long torso, so I am anxious to see how your body adapts to pregnancy so I can know what to expect!
tristancollins.us
Jenny says
God bless!!! 🙂 Princess' dresser is absolutely lovely!
– Jen
Amanda says
That's so exciting, you're looking great! I love the dresser you all chose – very nice.
Don't worry about your belly popping – it will happen! I have a long torso, too, and didn't really pop out until about 20 weeks. Baby has to get some bulk on her before she can do any poppin'!
pinkcamellia says
I am so excited for you, Veronica! Your first pregnancy and baby are truly a very special time as everything is still new! It's so neat that you are treasuring and recording everything…it will go by so fast and it's hard to remember all those little milestones and moments ( I have four!). Your belly is adorable, btw! (Mine started popping around 16 weeks, but I am short-waisted. Blessings to you and baby!
Schnelle says
You look great V! Feeling the baby move is the best feeling in the world, isn't it? I think I'm really going to miss that when all is said and done. Everyone grows/shows at a different rate. My friend had a longer torso than me and she was showing after just a few weeks of finding out, I on the other hand have a shorter torso and it took me about 16 weeks to notice a bump at all. Glad to hear you're feeling well!
pinkcamellia says
I am so excited for you, Veronica and love to read about your first pregnancy. This is truly a very special time as everything you are experiencing is new and so special. Years from now, you will look back and wonder how it went by so quickly. My youngest is 5 and sometimes I miss those early days. May God bless you and baby girl and I look forward to more updates! (Your belly is adorable, btw – mine popped around 16 weeks with my first, but I am short waisted.)
Shadowy Lady says
I love your pregnancy updates 🙂 Your belly will pop no worries. For me I was about 23 weeks before anyone would even believe me when I told them I was pregnant (around when I also felt the baby).
Hoping you enjoy the rest of pregnancy and get some more sleep. That's one thing that gets sparse after the baby comes 😉
Maja Moldenhauer says
You look incredible!!!!!!! you'll carry so well since you're so tall! I adore seeing these updates V. xoxo
Maja
.april. says
You look incredible!
Odd request: I would love to see the map above the dresser.
It's A Love Story says
when will you reveal the name??
[email protected] says
@ it's a love story—probably not until the baby is born 🙂
[email protected] says
@april—it's a dress made of a map. I'm going to try a DIY version of it since the one in the store was $599. You can email me for the pic.
Mommy D says
Hi Veronika! I just wanted to say that I love your blog! Congratulations on the baby girl! I'm so happy for you and so glad your are sharing your journey on your blog! You touch all my favorite subjects fashion, decor, fitness, and now mommyhood 🙂
Grass Skirt says
I had my first baby on Halloween and blogged the whole pregnancy. You'll love looking back on these posts once your little girl arrives. 🙂
https://thegrassskirtblog.com
Beautygirl24 says
I'm so happy you are having a girl! I can't wait to see her!
Caroline says
How exciting! That moment sounds so priceless 🙂
Katie says
You look great! Can't wait to see more updates.
Angela B. says
You look amazing!!! So happy for you! : )
jules says
happy new year veronika!
xo julesinflats.com
Kristen says
so excited for your baby girl. that calendar is super cute too 😀
i can't believe your story about the movement, that's so awesome! happy you both have felt the little one
Meg O. says
Awww!! I remember like it was yesterday…that popcorn feeling you describe. What a special moment!!!
And I can see that little bump!! I really didn't show for a while, it was for sure after 20 weeks or so. I wore non-maternity clothes throughout my entire pregnancy, so I'm sure you will be able to do the same.
Love these updates!
Gooberbunny says
I totally agree with not sharing the name till the baby gets here- we did the same as we have some "judgey" family! Also, if you havent yet, check out carousel designs for crib bedding (babybedding.com). We got our daughter's bedding from there- excellent quality for the $, super cute designs and they will send you swatches too. Also, it's made in the USA 🙂
Natekx3 says
oh my god. pretty belly, I wish you health <3
Rebecca says
You look amazing, girl! You can definitely tell you're pregnant now. As slow as the first few months go, the second half of pregnancy goes by in a flash! Enjoy it!
Nessa @ Isle Style Living says
New follower here!
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
I loved being pregnant- especially feeling all those movements inside me. It's definitely a special bonding experience for mama and baby =)
I also didn't share our baby's name until he was born, in fact we didn't find out his gender, either! It was a great surprise.
I'm looking forward to reading more! Aloha!
pnktini says
OMG! How exciting!!! Have you picked out baby names yet? When I saw this I immediately thought of you 🙂
zCush Cotton Characters Nap Mat
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007PX658G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007PX658G&linkCode=as2&tag=thestrlesque-20
Chevron Baby Blanket
https://www.etsy.com/listing/101468388/chevron-baby-blanket-choose-your-color?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=chevron+baby&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=handmade
[email protected] says
@pnktini—I actually already have those chevron blankets favorited on etsy 🙂 hehe 🙂
Maria DaintyandDecadent says
You look amazing! That dresser is so pretty. I can't wait to be able to feel my lil one kicking! I bet it was special for you and your husband to feel your baby kicking 🙂
Heather says
You look great! Love love love the dresser.
Heather
TheMommyhood.com
Lauren Mills says
That dresser is fabulous, love the whole vignette!
Lauren
http://www.sundaybeachblog.blogspot.com
chic Saturday by Kelly says
Awww! Congratulations Veronika, that's wonderful. Look forward to following your beautiful journey!
XO,
Kelly from chic Saturday
Stacy says
Love the restoration hardware piece! We got our crib and some art from there and you can get some great deals if you buy at the right time!
Good luck with your pregnancy!!!