22 weeks

At 22 weeks...
*People have made comments that I am popping.  This makes me happy to know that you are growing, but I also struggle with that this makes me look big...For you Mia, I would do anything!
*First shower invites went out to family and close friends!
*Still no definite kicks, but the pressure...you love to squish my sides and curl up in my ribs...neither of which are that comfortable!
*Sleeping is becoming uncomfortable...getting up to pee constantly (6 times in one night!) to just finding a position that is comfortable (most feel as if my stomach is being squished by an elephant!)

21 weeks

At 21 weeks...
*You found my ribs and it was not pleasant.  Both times it happened as I was shopping at Meijer...is there something you have against Meijer?
*You are Mia!  It is so nice to have a name for you instead of calling you both.  I think in the week since finding out, we have grown even more in love with the idea of who you may be...though I know we will probably be in for a big surprise!
*I came to the realization that I have some body image issues with the pregnancy.  I don't mind gaining the weight...I actually get excited to see what the doctor says (I have only gained 10 pounds so far.)  What I struggle with is all the changes...I knew they would come but I did not think it would be this fast or drastic...from my boobs, to my stomach, to my skin...I don't feel that any place is normal.  Now this does not mean I do not love my baby, it means that I have issues that I have never had to deal with that I have to get over it.  The scary part...no doubt in my mind, I would do it all again!

20 weeks and the big reveal!

 

At 20 weeks...

*Nothing too new and excited, except we found out that...

YOU'RE A GIRL!  We will be bringing home our sweet Mia Elizabeth Laren come August!

The ultrasound went great (our doctor's appointment is on Monday).  Mia was measuring exactly where she should be except for having a bit of a big belly!

The winning shot...in the beginning you would not open your legs.

You were stubborn & kept turning, not getting a profile shot.

Most of your profile shots were with your hand covering your face.

Your face shot...you have mommy's pointed chin and your daddy's nose!

This is the dress we picked out for your coming home outfit!

19 weeks

At 19 weeks...
*I've begun to feel you...though those flutters they say happen feel like constant somersaults in my stomach.
*LEG CRAMPS are evil!  Then to follow those up I have had a constant charlie horse in my calf for 4 days.  ARG!
*Saturday I was bored so I did some "window shopping" on the computer for cute outfit ideas!  Your daddy was not a fan of most of the things I picked.
*We went bowling for Seth's birthday on Saturday and bowling with my belly in the way was a challenge (but I won!)
*One more week until we find out if we will be bring home Mia or Xander!  Either way I am thrilled, but I will be happy to not have to call you by both names anymore!

18 Weeks

At 18 weeks...
*I experienced my first leg cramp while sleeping and it hurt like no other!
*I am exhausted...who knew something the size of a bell pepper could drain me.
*When talking to you I call you Mia or Xander...can't wait until I know who you are (April 12 will not be here soon enough)!
*Your Aunt Sara took her first mini belly shot photo shoot!  I love this photo of me telling you how much I love you already, no matter how uncomfortable or weird I feel...it doesn't change that you are the best thing to ever happen to your daddy and I!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Sara Green

Let's compare...
To the left, my belly at 16 weeks...a little bulge
To the right, my belly at 18 weeks...more rounded...who knew two weeks could change so much!