:: 16 Weeks ::

Welcome to 16 Weeks! 

The weeks have begun to roll on by, but yet at the same time can't go quick enough. :)

This has been a fun week 16, so I thought I'd share what we've been up to this week, 

and where my heart has been. 

**Speaking of heart, one thing I love about Kevin is that he randomly asks me how my heart is. I'm the type of person who can be reluctant to share. I leave walls up thinking it's my duty to climb them on my own, and sometimes if I just ignore them they will go away. This mentality doesn't give room for much growth, so I appreciate that he draws it out of me.  I think everyone needs a friend or spouse who cares like that.**

:: The good ::

We splurged and bought me some cinnamon and orange citrus toothpaste.

So far I've only tried the cinnamon and it's made brushing my teeth much better. 

I've been consistent with my work outs this week. SO that's exciting. 

It seems things feel like they have expanded quickly if you know what I mean. 

I mentioned it in a previous post, but I believe the baby is in my thighs, forget the belly. ;P

:: The bad, weird, and I just don't know ::

My mouth has a non-stop awful awful taste in it. 

Metal is the best way I can think to describe it. 

Some days are worse than others, but this particular week has been bad. 

Jolly Ranchers have been a lifesaver for this. 

My stomach doesn't have much room already. 

I find that I have to eat very small portions, which is NOT always an easy task when you have a delicious meal in front of you. I've had to learn to eat out of need instead of just want. 

That's a good thing. It's taught me a new level of portion control and self-control as well.

I've been getting stomach cramps here and there. I heard it's from my uterus growing.
That's OK, I'll take that over sickness for sure.

 :: My biggest stress; Flu shot ::

Oddly enough my biggest stress this pregnancy has been whether or not I should get the flu shot.
I cannot make up my mind, and it's bothering me. I've been praying about it, and asking God to lead me, but I'm still feeling torn. I think I have more peace about not getting it.
I've read too many pros and cons both ways. :(
 Ah well.

 :: Things we've been up to in week 16 ::

We had some fun dressing Bailey in Kevin's shirt.
Random, but funny.
She looks like a deer in headlights. haha poor girl

We cleaned a lot this weekend, and took a lot of stuff to Goodwill.
It's amazing how freeing it feels when you purge things from your home. 

We went to our friends Josh and Shelby's Christmas party. 

It was hosted by Shelby and Kerry, and they did a great job. 

The best part for me was getting to chat with other moms. 

  :: Questions and Answers ::

I asked them a million questions, and even took notes. ;)

Thought I'd share a few:

What books to read? - Baby Wise, What to Expect When Expecting, Nursing Mother Companion, Dr. Sears The Vaccine Book, Twelve Hours' Sleep by Twelve Weeks Old, Secrets of the Baby Whisperer 

**If you have a favorite book you read when pregnant, let me know! I'd love to hear about it. 

How to get your baby to sleep? - Read baby wise, routine, aden + anais sleeping bag, sound        machine homedics

What to expect after birth? (got an earful on this one; good stuff to know) -Don't have expectations, and if you don't feel instantly connected to your baby, that's OK, it happens. Have support from family and friends. The sleepless night shall pass. Give breastfeeding time, but don't force yourself to do it if it's not happening for you. Spend quality./alone time with Kevin whenever you can.

What pediatrician to use, and why? - got some good leads

What tips can you offer? - Buy a swing

The flu shot? -The ladies I asked, didn't get the shot, one did with one baby, but not the other two. Didn't have problems either way

What baby wrap to use? - NOT the moby, Use the Ergobaby

What is a #1 essential? -  Angelcare video monitor

etc.

Can you tell I'm a first timer?

Having a baby feels foreign, so I appreciate all the insight they gave me. 

I know these are only suggestions, and what works for one baby and family may not work for another. I'm sure I'll learn as the baby comes what actually will work for us. Either way though, I feel like this insight gives me at least a starting point on some things, which is really helpful :)

:: Pictures from the party ::