18 weeks

So I'm 18 weeks in now and noticing more obvious body changes. I am no longer able to flex my abs flat or suck in my stomach - there's definitely something in there. My belly button is becoming shallower and the inch or two immediately south of my navel is sort of cone-shaped and definitely hard to the touch. Kinda weird. And my breasts keep growing, which is what they're supposed to do, but I didn't realize how heavy they'd get, and they're starting to look a little swollen. Again, kinda weird.



I think the "bump" is more obvious with my stomach covered. I think future pics will follow the same format, unless there's some crazy veins to show or a protruding navel (to share my own disgust)...

I'm at the stage where I should start to feel the baby (this typically occurs between 16 and 20 weeks). My friends and colleagues with children keep telling me it feels like butterflies in your stomach, or slight-but-different indigestion, or something else really subtle. ?? I thought I may have felt something over the weekend, like really subtle pings on the underside of my navel, but that legitimately could have been indigestion, or made up in my head, or who knows. So, maybe I've felt the baby; maybe not. Until it's obvious, I'm not calling it.

I've most recently been experiencing the tell-tale pregnancy heartburn. It's not awful, but certainly irritating as I'm craving lemonade and the acidity is killing me. I've also been dealing with charley horses or severe leg and foot cramps when I unconsciously stretch upon waking. I typically get those only when I'm dehydrated or low on potassium, but when I looked this up online, charley horses are common in pregnancy. Something to do with hormones. Speaking of hormones...I've been trying to keep them in check, by being aware that I'm crazy sometimes, or irrationally angry in spurts, or quick to frustrate when dealing with infuriating employees at work. I think being more conscious of it is working. I hope the hormones stay in check...

Things are good overall. I'm anxious for the 20-week ultrasound, and not solely for the gender discovery. I really want another image of the baby and to make sure he's in the right position and all things are functioning and growing as anticipated. I'm looking forward to it!