Baby Bender: 19 Weeks {It’s a…}

We are feeling blue this week, for all the best reasons. Last Friday, we had our 18-week ultrasound and found out that Baby Bender is healthy, super flexible and most definitely…

Our little BOY!!!!

I was so nervous the morning of the appointment, and the waiting room made me even more anxious. Fortunately, our ultrasound technician was really nice and told us what we were looking at as we moved from his hands to his feet to his heart to his kidneys, and beyond. My family was also there for the beginning of the ultrasound, so it was extra special to watch their faces light up as they saw the baby for the first time.

When the time came to learn the sex, we had them leave the room so that we could surprise them later. The technician asked Bobby and me if we had a guess, and we got it right on the first try. There was a hint on screen, so that helped. 😉 Bobby told me afterward that he’d had a feeling it was a boy. I was more unsure and leaning toward girl in recent weeks, but as it turns out, my initial instincts – calling the baby “he” and dreaming about a boy – were right! It was amazing to share that moment together and realize that in less than five months, we’ll be meeting our SON.

We had my family open a box that we’d filled with blue candy and a little penguin with blue feet (our other option was a pink monkey). I was absolutely certain my mom had accidentally overheard me say “him” at the end of the appointment. She had turned and given me a funny look when I did, but as it turns out at another point she had thought I said “her,” so she assumed I was trying to cover up that slip instead! It was hilarious, but in the end she was surprised so it worked out!

We spread the news to more family and friends over the weekend and can’t stop smiling! Here’s a look at some of the other excitement that has been going on lately…

Boy or girl? BOY!

How far along: 19 weeks, 3 days.

Baby is the size of: A mango! He is six inches long and weighs about 10 ounces.

Feeling: Awesome! These last few weeks have been really great. My energy levels are pretty much back to normal (still with the occasional midday nap) and I’m officially hungry all the time.

Total weight gained: Nine pounds.

Exercising: Yes! I started pre-natal yoga a couple of weeks ago and am loving it so far. It’s fun to get some exercise while also preparing my body mentally and physically for labor. Plus, it gives me the chance to interact with other pregnant women (like Nicole, who is the reason I heard about this place!) and hear some of their symptoms, questions and advice. Additionally, I’m doing some workout DVDs with Bobby for arm and leg exercises, and using the elliptical almost every day. I am still walking and running, but haven’t been as much lately with everything else going on.

Sleep: Still going well! I pretty much always wake up at least once now, but no trouble as far as getting to sleep. I can’t get enough of it, so that probably helps.

Showing: Yes! Unless I’m wearing a big t-shirt, there’s pretty much no doubt that there’s a human in there now. I still haven’t been asked by a stranger in public, but definitely think I’m getting some “is she…?” looks. 🙂

Cravings: I’m really surprised that I haven’t had anything crazy come up yet. I’ve been pretty monotonous in my breakfasts, lunches and snacks. We switch up dinners a little bit but are still sticking to staples. Just give me carbs, cheese and fruit every day and I’m happy.

Aversions: Still not the biggest fan of seafood or red meat right now, although the latter is improving. Just give me all the chicken and I will be a happy camper.

Missing: An occasional glass of wine now and then, but not a big deal. I am also being a little more careful about Halloween candy this year (avoiding food dyes), so I’m missing some of my favorite sugary goodness. But I’ve made up for it by buying this bulk package of pomegranate lollipops. They are amazing. Trust me. I’ve already been through one bag…

Maternity clothes: I wore my new LOFT maternity jeans during my trip to Chicago last weekend (can’t wait to share more about our latest Pinterest party soon!), and I loved them. So comfortable and besides the waistband, they feel and look like my normal jeans. Still wearing my pre-pregnancy shirts but they are reaching their stretching point, so the official switch is coming!

Movement: Another highlight during our Chicago weekend was that I felt my first kick on the outside! Baby boy was squirming like crazy one night (I’m thinking it was because he was enjoying Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza). I put my hand on my stomach and felt a little poke right below my belly button. Cue squeals of happiness. I’ve been feeling them more and more since then, but we’re still trying to get him to perform for Dad. Hopefully Bobby will be able to feel it soon!

Looking forward to: Starting to put the pieces together on the nursery. We have our theme and some ideas for furniture, but still have to decide on a paint color and other small stuff.

Best moment of this week: Telling friends and family our news. Also, a special moment during the ultrasound last week when Baby Bender was flexing his fingers and raised just his thumb, index finger and pinky. Uncle Eric said, “Hey, he’s doing my Spider-Man move,” which Eric did ALL. THE. TIME. when he was younger. We’ve been calling the baby Spidey ever since. He’s already reached superhero status. He also likes to stretch his legs a lot, as evidenced by the third photo.

***

It’s crazy to think we’re nearly halfway through this journey. We’ve got one big surprise left: we’ll be keeping Baby Bender’s name a secret until he is born. Can’t wait for that final reveal, as it means he will be in my arms! But for now, I’m soaking up every moment of this mother-son time.

We love you, Spider-Man.

Abrazos,