My little papaya kicked me today!!!

Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

How far along?: 21 weeks, 6 days.... Day 138.... 127 days left!

Total weight gain: 6 lbs

How big is baby?: weighed 14 ounces at doctors appointment last Wednesday

Maternity clothes?: Oh yes... none of my pants fit anymore. I've been buying larger size shirts

Stretch marks?: I've been loading on the lotion and stretch mark cream... none yet!

Best moment this week? Getting yet another ultrasound at the doctors office. I have had a total of 5 so far... one at each appointment and one from my cousin. This was the the appointment where they were supposed to tell me the sex but little one was crossing her legs as tight as can be. I'm so thankful Dawn got a good view or I would be going crazy right now.

Movement?: I have been feeling little flutters since 20 weeks but just today I felt the first real kicks! I was sitting on the couch and all of a sudden felt like there was a boxing match going on in there. I got Albert's attention and we actually saw movement from the outside!!!

Food cravings?: Still not really having cravings... Albert is working tonight so I decided to get Papa John's pizza... I just didn't feel like going to the grocery store or cooking! It's been a few years since I've had Papa John's and I forgot how good it is. Yum!

Labor signs?: No

Belly button in or out?: Still in, but definitely more shallow.

What I miss: Kara

What I'm looking forward to: Feeling more kicks and getting started setting up the room in the loft-- I hope to get the crib this week!

Halfway There!!!

Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed!

***********

Woohoo!! I'm halfway through the pregnancy already! I can't believe it! 20 week already?! 5 months! I'm definitely starting to "feel" more pregnant as my belly is growing. I haven't felt any movement yet... I don't think anyway. Here are some pictures from this morning. (Albert declined to have his bump picture taken)

I think I'm going to go shopping today and start to get an idea of what I need to register for. Last time I went to Babies R Us, I was completely overwhelmed! I'm hoping they can help me or have a list of the "esssentials."

My first big purchase for the baby!!

After much research, I bought a stroller/infant car seat travel system! I wanted to get something gender neutral so we can use it again (for the 4 more I'm having :) haha!

It is a Chicco Cortina Keyfit 30 Travel System... I chose this one b/c of the very good reviews and the car seat weight limit is 30 lbs as opposed to most that are 22 lbs... so it will last a little longer. I found a good deal online with no tax and free shipping and cost much less than in the stores. I did go and see it in person though at Babies R Us before purchasing it. I'm hoping to get it sometime this week!!

California

Here are a few pics from our trip to California. We went to Albert's cousins wedding that was on a yacht. Very beautiful!

That's a picture of the yacht behind Albert. It had 4 floors and was rented out just for the wedding!

Waiting for departure!

Albert, me, Priscilla & Alex

Albert's parents

The Mogul brothers

The Mogul sisters :)

Beatiful views

Crying for no reason at all.... darn hormones!!

Random girl paddle surfing next to us (I don't know the real name for it)

Great pic of Albert! (last of the weddig pics)

Yummy lunch one day

Heading to Laguna Beach.... looking for LC and Stephen :)

Laguna Beach

It felt great to walk on the sand... I think I was the only person on the beach with a sweater on! I eventually took it off though... weather was amazing and I finally got some sun for the first time this summer!

Albert's dream car

Last night of relaxing with the family

*******
Besides being sick, it was a wonderful getaway for a week! I'm not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow :(

It's a GIRL!!!!!

We recently found out we are having a GIRL!!! Big thanks to my cousin Dawn for doing an ultrasound and to the baby for cooperating :) We are sooo excited!! We are still trying to think of a name since we had a boy's name picked out... but I guess we still have plenty of time!

Just wanted to write a quick update since we are in California right now. Albert's out playing tennis so I have a little time to blog. It's so nice to feel the hot sun since we haven't felt it much back home this summer. It hasn't taken me long to realize though I think I will enjoy being in the late stages of pregnancy in the winter rather than the hot summer.

I'm recovering from a nasty cold I got the day before we left to fly out here, so I've spent much of my time resting, coughing, blowing my nose and feeling guilty for taking Sudafed and Tylenol. I've been to multiple pharmacies talking to pharmacists regarding what medications are ok for me to take along with internet searches and calls to medication hotlines. It really helps to have a brother-in-law and sister-in-law that are pharmacists who we are staying with. I just hope I feel better soon!

Better get ready before Albert gets back.... we are going to Laguna Beach today to soak up some more sun before we come back in a couple of days. I'll post some pictures when we get back!