weeks 17 and 18. baby kicks!

Last week we were in Cape Cod so I didn't try too hard to update.  Unfortunately, vacation doesn't seem to have done good things for my weight (that I think was better this month up until that point). 

I feel Artie move at least a few times a day now but he's really kicked it into gear in the last 24 hours.  I felt kicks for the first time on the outside and Seth was able to feel it last night as well.  Delia used to go crazy when I laid on my side in bed and this one seems to be following suit.  I love feeling a baby.  Such an amazing miracle. 

Here's a picture catch up:

about 17 weeks and being brave enough to wear a bikini:

picture taken by my friend when I wasn't looking:

18 weeks preparing for an interview:

16 weeks and tiny kicks.

Yesterday I felt a few small kicks.  It's the first time I consciously felt them with this baby and I loved it.  I can't wait to feel even more movement as this child continues to grow (he/she will double in size the next few weeks) and eventually be able to feel the little bumps and nudges with my hand from the outside.  To someone who's never felt it, it's crazy unbelievable.  It's like a little alien living in there.  I love what our bodies are made to do. 

Tuesday we officially hit "16 weeks".  Only 1 month from halfway.  I don't really feel as if this pregnancy is going too fast or too slow.  My life is moving at a decent pace right now and I'm just taking it day by day, week by week.  I don't expect to do this again, so I want it all to be enjoyed (as much as possible).  I look forward to meeting my new baby but I also want to spend quality time with my Delia before she's no longer an only child. 

16 week belly bump.

15 weeks and baby movement.

I felt the baby!  It was so subtle and quick that if I wasn't paying attention I would have missed it, but I did feel 2-3 kicks in the past couple days.  I'm so excited to feel more. 

This morning I had a regular appointment.  I've gained 10 lbs (!) already.  I know that's quicker than my weight gain with Delia but I'm not feeling too bad about it.  I'm just eating more.  I'm also staying pretty active.  Artie's heart rate was 140 (boy?) which is the lowest yet.  Everything seems good and healthy.  I was hoping to schedule my anatomy scan today but they told me not until my next appointment.  It was supposed to be 20-22 weeks but now 22-24 weeks.  I don't know why the change but I'm going to have a really hard time staying patient.  :/

Tomorrow is the official 15 weeks but I doubt there will be much difference between then and today's bump.