Lima Bean's 1st Outfit and Book!

As promised, here are the super cute NYC gifts that Aunt Kelly Bean and Uncle Benny Bean sent to Lima Bean! He or she will truly be a New Yorker, even down here in D.C., in this adorable onesie! And, of course, any child of Papa Bean - boy or girl - will grow up as a Yankees fan! And check out this adorable book about being an eco-friendly baby!

Very, very cute stuff. Thank you Aunt Kelly and Uncle Benny!

Our 1st Family Photo!

We had a fabulous birthday this past weekend. And when I say "we," I really mean all three of us. Because I think Lima Bean and I got just as many gifts as the Papa Bean did!

One of the big treats was that Grandma Bean came down from New Jersey and took us out to an amazing dinner at Obelisk, one of the top restaurants in the city! It's a to-die-for Italian price fixe restaurant that is so exclusive that we sat just a few feet away from Rham Emanuel and Thomas L. Friedman. Yup, that's how we roll...

She also brought me several super cute tops that are stylish and not maternity, but could easily be worn as such! Perfect! She also got me a gift card to A Pea in the Pod, which I have said previously, is an amazing store!

Then, Aunt Kelly Bean and Uncle Benny Bean sent us Lima Bean's FIRST gifts! They are just too adorable, so I will photograph them for my next post.

But first... Our FIRST Family Photo! Taken by Grandma Enid Bean on Thursday (Week 17, Day 1). I'm wearing one of the cute tops she got me!

Another productive day: Our 1st Open House! And we continued Our Search!

Sunday was a beautiful day, so I went out for a nice 5-mile jog/walk in Rock Creek Park. I hope whatever house we buy is close to a running trail!

Then our Realtor held our first open house from 1-4 p.m. It went pretty well, lots of traffic. And we have two people coming by Tuesday for a 2nd look! Crossing our fingers for some good offers!

Meanwhile, we spent the afternoon Northwest D.C. and Bethesda, Md., to continue our search for the perfect house! Altogether, we saw 8 houses on Sunday. We liked two of them...

One is in Bethesda on Glenwood Road, a very kid-friendly street with a big back deck and yard. It has a nice family room addition and finished basement, but no master bath and the kitchen is a little small.

The other is also in Bethesda and has a big kitchen and fabulous living room with huge windows that opens to a great patio and yard. The only thing is that while it is large (4Br/2Ba), it is a rancher with only ONE level. That's right, no upstairs and no basement! But, hey, that's how it was in Hawaii where I grew up!

I ended the day with another candlelight prenatal yoga class. One of the other women in the class found out that she's having a girl! So far, everyone who knows what they are having (4 women) are having girls! I wonder what that means for Lima Bean... We find out SOON!

A Very Productive Day: More Maternity Clothes! And Another Fabulous House!

So not only did we check out FOUR open houses today, but Papa Bean drove me to Target to buy some desperately needed maternity pants! It was a huge success.

I got one pair of comfy dress pants for $29.99. I also got this pair of capri pants for weekend wear for $24.99. I got this super comfy pair of foldover yoga pants for $19.99. And I got this soft super basic black tee for $12.99.

Great purchases! And now that I know my size (XS/S or 2/4) I will be able to try ordering online.

Oh, and this is the cute Chevy Chase, D.C., farmhouse that we saw today! It was our favorite of the day. I especially loved the baby's room upstairs with the crib and rocking chair!

BIG NEWS: Our Condo is Listed!

We are off to check out more houses today... And hoping that a bunch of prospective buyers come see our place today!

It's on lockbox and our first open house is Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

Click here for the listing.

Update: We are now under contract!

Happy Birthday Papa Bean!

Your gift will be delivered in a little over five months from now... But in the meantime, here's a sneak peek of what's coming!

Let's talk Details!

How far along: 17 weeks/ 2 days

Total weight gain: + 7-10 pounds (up 1 pound from last week!)

Maternity Clothes: STILL wearing bella bands over my existing pants, which are totally unzipped. Eeeek! My Ann Taylor LOFT maternity pants have become a twice-weekly favorite... NEED more maternity pants ASAP! Still doing OK with regular tops and sweaters.

Stretch marks? Nope

Main symptoms: My co-worker shrieked this week that I "popped." Not sure if I have, but my belly is getting more noticeable. Having WEIRD dreams. Still pretty forgetful. Bouts of being emotional. Hair and nails growing very fast, strong.

Exercise: Barre Technique class with weights and leg lifts on Thursday! Prenatal yoga on Sunday.

Best moment of the week: Hearing Lima Bean's heartbeat at our doctor's appointment yesterday! It was strong and loud and made us proud!

Movement: Maybe, but not sure. Have felt weird feelings in my tummy that remind me of being on a roller coaster...

Food cravings: Still frozen yogurt and ice cream. And almonds. Apple sauce. Cereal. Rice with tomato sauce. Have I mentioned frozen yogurt?

Gender: We find out on APRIL 15th! So get your vote in early... :-)

Labor signs: None.

Belly button in or out? Still in.

What I miss: Running hard and racing in races. Passed on running in the National Half Marathon last weekend and was sad to miss the fun, especially since my friend Judes came down from Boston to run the race with me!

What I am looking forward to: Finding out if Lima Bean is a boy or a girl!

Weekly wisdom: Discovered The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington, which offers FREE breastfeeding classes to expecting moms!

Milestones: Sent in our check and registration form to sign up for the July 12 Childbirth Education class at Sibley Hospital!

17 Weeks down ... Only 23 to go!

Yesterday marked the passing of Week 17, which, as you all know, we at Growing Lima Bean traditionally mark with a fruit or vegetable of some sort.

This week, it's the onion:

I'm sure you all are glad now that Lima Bean didn't get stuck with a nickname like "Onion." Although that might have brought tears to your eyes...

This diagram (below) might be more helpful in showing you what the onion-sized Lima Bean looks like inside my belly right now:

So, what happened in Lima Bean's world over the last week? What's coming up?

This past week, Lima Bean began his or her lifelong relationship with our favorite friend and foe: FAT. Yup, this is the week that Bean starts to add some FAT to his or her bones. This will make Bean rounder and cuter, so we support this kind of FAT. And it's not like Bean will put on a LOT of fat. When Bean is born, fat will account for just 2-6 percent of his or her total body weight. This will help keep little Lima Bean warm both inside my belly and outside in the cold, harsh world.

Also in this week, we are reminded that Bean can by now FEEL and HEAR. So rubbing my belly is recommended (not by strangers, though!) and playing music is also suggested.

And, finally, in the upcoming 18th Week, some really amazing things are going on. From WebMD, here is a description of what we have to look forward to this week!

It can yawn, stretch and make facial expressions, even frown. Taste buds are beginning to develop and can distinguish sweet from bitter tastes. The baby will suck if its lips are stroked and it can swallow, and even get the hiccups. The retinas have become sensitive to light, so if a bright light is shined on your abdomen, baby will probably move to shield its eyes.

Awwww... Bean is yawning and maybe even smiling! And hiccuping! Wow...

Houston ... We have a heartbeat!

Yes, yes, we have already heard Lima Bean's heartbeat. But today's Week 17 appointment with our doctor was the first time we have head the heartbeat since our last appointment on Feb. 25. That's FOUR WEEKS ago!

Since Lima Bean entered our lives, we have not gone THAT LONG without hearing bean's little heartbeat. It felt like forever waiting, but it was all worth it today.

It took our doctor just a few seconds to find the heartbeat with a handheld doppler because she said the baby must be moving around. But when she found it, we could hear it loud and clear: thump-thump, thump-thump. She said it sounded strong and about 150 beats per minute, which is what it's supposed to be!

She also said my uterus is in the right place and feels normal. It's about an inch or two below my belly button. (Yes, I still have one!)

Plus, my blood pressure was normal and my weight gain is also on target. I am up 3 pounds since our last appointment, giving me a total gain of 7-10 pounds since getting knocked up.

When I stepped on the scale, though, it seemed for a second like I might have massivly overeaten it in the last few weeks as the scale seemed to say I was weighing in a good 20-30 pounds over my last week's weight. Eeeeeeek! But that was just Papa Bean tipping the scale behind me and the nurse! Funny guy, that Papa Bean.

The only minor concern was a spike of sugar in my urine, but my doctor said that could have been caused by the Starbucks decaf latte and sandwich that Papa Bean got for me right before the appointment. I'll need to watch what I eat right before coming in next time. And, generally, eat healthy and continue to exercise so that I can avoid gestational diabetes, which is common in pregnancy but not ideal. I'll be tested for it later on, between the 24th and 28th weeks.

Finally, I gave MORE blood (two vials!) for yet another prenatal test. I'll do a run-down of all the tests I've had to date in another post. But the one I did this time is called the AFT, which measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein in my blood to rule out spina bifida and anencephaly. I should have the results next week.

Meanwhile, our next appointment is scheduled for the afternoon of Wednesday, April 15. Tax day! So, mark your calendars, because that's the day that we get the BIG ULTRASOUND during which we find out how many arms and legs Lima Bean has... And whether the bean is a "he" or a "she"!!!

Start placing your bets today...

Classes, classes, so many classes to take!

Taking a birthing class seems obvious enough. But once I started looking into it, I discovered that there are so many options! Which one to take? Which one is better? Ack!

Our OB-GYN office recommends taking a one-day, intensive Childbirth Education class with a certified nurse, which includes a tour of the birthing center at Sibley Memorial Hospital, where we'll deliver. The class we would take would run from 9:20 to 2:30 p.m. on July 12. ($180) Update: Signing up for this one!

Another option would be taking a five-day weekday Preparing for Labor and Birth class at Sibley. ($190)

Speaking of Sibley, they have a whole host of class options that you could consider, including a Maternity Tour (free), Babycare Skills ($70) and Preparing to Breastfeed ($65).

Then there is the L'Amazing Baby: Childbirth Preparation with a Jewish Twist class offered at the Jewish Community Center down the street from us, which meets two Sundays (June 14 & 21) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This would be the Lamaze method, I assume. ($75 per couple) Update: Planing to sign up for this one too!

Or, if we wanted to go the whole natural birth route (I like the concept, but I also like the concept of drugs that dull the pain), then we could look into a Bradley Method class, which is actually a 12-week long series that costs around $400 per couple.

Finally, there is The Breastfeeding Center in downtown Washington that offers free classes on breastfeeding, breast pumps, etc. They also provide lactatian consultants for $45/hour.

Oy vey! What choices!

I *think* I felt Lima Bean!

I can't really describe it, but I felt something in my gut, about where Lima Bean should be, and I think I felt the Bean!

I was sitting at my desk at work, e-mailing with Papa Bean, when I felt it.

It was like my stomach lurched. It wasn't gas or hunger pains, but it was a sharp, definite feeling - like nothing I've ever felt before! It was like I was on a roller coaster. Like someone was pinching me from behind my belly button. Or a fist was doing a summersault in my belly. It felt so weird!

So I did the most natural thing in the world, I e-mailed Papa Bean!

His response: "Wow."

Anyone know what I'm talking about? I Googled "fetal movement" and found this description. For those of you who have had babies, is that what it feels like in the beginning? So cool!

Where to ... Maryland or Virginia?

Today we officially expanded our house search to Virginia. Up until now, we have primarily looked at larger condos in D.C. and houses in Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Takoma Park, Md.

It was a beautiful sunny day, and we saw some nice places! Most were yellow. Not sure why. Yellow or brick. We went to open houses in the first three and drove past the second two but did not get to go inside. I have a top favorite and a close second. Papa Bean won't say if he has a favorite or not. Ha.

On a wait list for day care

This might surprise you, but among pregnant women, this is probably the second if not first question I get asked. The conversation goes something like this:

Pregnant Woman: Congratulations! When are you due?

Momma Bean: Thanks! I'm due September 2nd...

Pregnant Woman: So have you found a daycare yet? How many wait lists are you on? Have you thought of doing a nanny share?

Thankfully, this is one area where Papa Bean really stepped up to the plate. Left to me, I'd still be blissfully meandering thorough my pregnancy oblivious to the reality that day care, unlike most things in life, is apparently something to get worked up about.

I was barely 13 weeks along when Papa Bean brought home the paperwork to get us on the wait list at the day care center where he works. Never mind that the paperwork had a blank for the baby's name, Papa Bean assured me that we could still get Lima Bean on the waiting list.

So that's that. Lima Bean was barely the size of a peach and he or she was already wait listed for day care. It's kind of hilarious if you really think about it. I mean, we don't yet own a crib, a stroller, a car seat or a single piece of clothing for Lima Bean... And yet day care is all set.

Next week we'll be taking recommendations for where Lima Bean should apply to college.

Let's Talk Details!

How far along: 16 weeks/ 1 day

Total weight gain: + 6-9 pounds (up 2 pounds from last week. eeeek!)

Maternity Clothes: Still wearing bella bands over my existing pants, although they are now completely unzipped. My Ann Taylor maternity pants are quickly becoming a favorite... Might need a few more maternity pants soon!

Stretch marks? Still in the clear.

Main symptoms: My slowly growing belly is pretty much it. And I can be terribly forgetful sometimes. Post-its have become my new best friend.

Exercise: Prenatal yoga on Sunday.

Best moment of the week: Telling my friend since preschool, Tina Bean, about our news!

Movement: Is it gas or is it Lima Bean? That is the question...

Food cravings: Yogurt. Ice cream. Almonds. Chocolate. Specifically, chocolate and toffee covered macadamia nut candies from Hawaii. (Hint! Hint!)

Gender: Only FIVE people have voted in the poll?!?! Come on guys... You are running out of time!

Labor signs: None.

Belly button in or out? Still in.

What I miss: Soft cheeses like gorgonzola or goat cheese or brie... Yum!

What I am looking forward to: Our next prenatal appointment next week, on March 25th!

Weekly wisdom: Chewing gum, especialy tropical flavors, is great for inbetween meals.

Milestones: Signed up for a 6-week prenatal yoga class.

Today is ... 16 Weeks!

To clarify, today we have now completed 16 full weeks. So that means starting tomorrow, we enter the 17th Week, i.e. 16 weeks and 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, etc. 

This whole counting system has thrown me a little off. Because it makes me wonder, should I be reading what happens in Week 16 now, or should I have read that last week and now should be focusing on Week 17? 

I digress. 

In Week 16, baby Lima Bean grew to 3-5 ounces and about 4-5 inches long. I don't know how they came up with an avacado, because the orange/softball description last week sure sounded bigger! But I guess they just needed something edible.

In Week 16, Lima Bean's face became more developed and he or she now has a complete set of eyebrows and eyelashes! And Bean has fully formed fingernails too! 

But what is more exciting is that this was the first week in which it's possible to actually FEEL Lima Bean move! No, I haven't felt anything. Or maybe I did but I wasn't sure. 

Here is how "Your Pregnancy, Week by Week" describes it: 

Many women describe the feelings of movement as a "gas bubble" or "fluttering." Often, it's something you have noticed for a few days or more, but you didn't realize what you were feeling. Then you realize that you were feeling the baby move inside you!

Here is how "What to Expect When You're Expecting" describes it:

The first momentous sensation of life, of "quickening," can occur anywhere between the 14th and 26th weeks, but generally closer to the average of the 18th and 22nd week. A woman who's had a baby before is likely to recognize movement earlier than one who is expecting her first child. A very slender woman may notice very early, weak movements, whereas a woman who's sporting lots of padding on her belly may not be aware of movements until much later. 

Sometimes fetal movements aren't noticed when expected because of a miscalculated due date. Other times, mom doesn't recognize the movement when she feels it - or mistakes it for gas or other digestive gurgles. 

So what do early movements feel like? They're almost as hard to describe as they are to recognize. Maybe it'll feel like a flutter (sort of like the "butterflies" you get when you're nervous). Or a twitch. Or a nudge. Or even like the growling of hunger pangs. Maybe it'll feel like a bubble bursting - or that upside-down, inside-out sensation you get on a roller coaster. No matter what it feels like, it's bound to put a smile on your face - at least once you figure out for sure what it is.

Hmmm. Well that sure helps - NOT!

Let's just say that once of the symptoms of pregnancy (being gassy) doesn't exactly make it easy to tell whether it's a digestive gurgle or the baby moving... But you can be sure I am concentrating very hard trying to feel SOMETHING!

Yay! A present!

I got a surprise package in the mail from my mom! She sent me this fabulous navy blue J.Crew dress that can also be worn as a skirt! She also sent this orange sweater, also from J.Crew. Thanks Grandma Bean!

What is fabulous about this outfit is that it is NOT maternity, but it's totally something that could be maternity. So I can wear these pieces now (Week 15, Day 6), and also later! Love it.

Oh, and starting now, I'm instituting a new rule: If you want a photo of me (or later of Lima Bean) send clothes and we'll snap away!

WARNING: Don't make fun of pregnant women!

This post on MediaBistro's fishbowlDC blog was posted last week about an unidentified White House reporter falling asleep during a press briefing.

Ouch!

Well, it turns out that the reporter is a friend of mine who I used to work with.

And, it turns out that she is about 20 weeks pregnant! She's due Aug. 8.

Someone should warn those folks over at MediaBistro against making fun of pregnant women. We are not exactly known for being on our best behavior at all times!

At the turning point

Week 16, which I am approaching, is called the "turning point" because that's when you are supposed to turn over in bed (or during yoga) and lay on your side.

Lying flat on your back puts extra pressure on the aorta and vena cava. Not really sure what those are, but putting pressure on them can result in reduced blood flow to your baby, which is a bad thing!

Since I usually sleep on my side, I didn't think this would be a problem. However, lately, the only position I've wanted to sleep in is on my back! Obviously I wouldn't do that on purpose, but who knows what happens when you are sleeping.

So I was woken up one night by Papa Bean shaking me and saying urgently: Turn over! Turn over! You're on our back!

Since then, I have taken to sleeping with a pillow between my knees. I use the "cushie" pillow that is made for air travel. However, there are a vast array of maternity pillows out there, from the ever popular Boppy to full body pillows and smaller wedges.

Since it turns out that Amazon carries Boppy pillows, we might have to order one - or two. Because I'm sure if I start using one, Papa Bean will want one too!

Update: I just learned in prenatal yoga class that it's not just sleeping on any side. You're supposed to sleep on the LEFT side because the aorta and vena cava are on the right side. Well, that makes it difficult! I always sleep on my RIGHT side! Doh!

Another Update: I asked my doctor about this at our March 25 appointment and she said not to worry, sleeping on either side is fine. Also, she said that if I want to sleep on my back I can just stick a pillow under one side of my back so that I'm uneven. But she said it's not a huge concern until I'm farther along, like 23 weeks or so. Whew!

More prenatal yoga

I didn't decide until the very last minute (6:20 p.m.) whether to sign up for the Candlelight Prenatal Yoga Series, which runs from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. every Sunday.

But I'm so glad I did! 

Here is the description of the class: This 6-week series will nurture expectant mothers during their magical journey. In class, you will learn to use yoga's mind/body awareness to connect with your own innate wisdom, body and your growing baby. Our warm and supportive community will allow you to freely discuss any issues, from discomforts and concerns to the wonderful new changes your body and baby are experiencing. 

I really enjoyed this class! It was taught by a different teacher than last week and I definitely felt like it was more focused and challenging, while also very educational. The teacher explained what poses we could do and ways to modify traditional poses to make them pregnant-friendly.

Also, at the end of the class, one question from another women in the class about signing up for daycare led to an impromptu discussion with all the other pregnant yoginis, most of which live nearby. It was really nice to meet and talk with other women who are also going through the same things I am! We plan to exchange e-mails so we can keep in touch throughout the week.

There were seven of us in class, ranging in progress: one is 15 weeks, then me at 15 1/2 weeks, then one is 17 weeks, one is 18 weeks, one is 23 weeks, one is 27 weeks and one is 32 weeks. At least two of them are also planning to deliver at Sibley Memorial Hospital.

Looking forward to next Sunday!

Finally ... Some photos of me

So these aren't exactly "bump" shots but these photos should give you a pretty good idea of what I am looking like these days. These photos were all taken on Saturday (Week 15, Day 3).

The first one is of me in a super comfortable baby doll dress from H&M ($29.99) that I wore to a friend's wedding shower.

Much to my surprise, no one seemed to notice my MASSIVE waistline. I assume they figured I had put on a few since I clearly did hold back on the cake and cookies...

After the shower, I changed into a second outfit for dinner with the girls.

These are the black maternity pants from Ann Taylor Loft, which look totally normal but are super comfy. The top is another fabu H&M find ($19.99) that totally hides my tiny pooch!

After dinner with the girls, I met Papa Bean and some friends, we'll call them Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Bean, out at a club called Lux Lounge for a birthday shindig.

I sipped on club soda with lime and was not nearly as tired as I was during the inaugural weekend parties, which were back in the exhausting days of the 1st Tri. Loving the 2nd Tri energy!

Let's Talk Details

How far along: 15 weeks/ 1 day

Total weight gain: +4-7 pounds (no change from last week because I lost 3 pounds from a nasty stomach flu on Friday, then promptly gained 3 pounds back a few days later.)

Maternity Clothes: Just wore my new Ann Taylor Loft maternity pants and although they are a little loose, they are super comfy! I also wore my new v-neck red top from A Pea in a Pod over the weekend because it's long enough to cover my unzipped jeans. Most days, I wear bella bands over my regular pants though. 

Stretch marks? Nope. Nada. None.

Main symptoms: I'm starting to love the 2nd Trimester! Not as many bathroom trips, not as tired, no more heartburn or dizzy spells and less nausea! Hurray! 

Exercise: An hour on the elliptical machine last Wednesday, prenatal yoga on Sunday and an hour of running/walking on the treadmill on Tuesday. Plus, we walked from our place to Georgetown and back (4 miles) on Saturday while the painter was at our place.

Best moment of the week: Papa Bean singing Roy Orbison's "Anything you want, you got it, baaaaaby!" to my tummy. So cute!

Movement: Tons, but unfortunately I'm not feeling anything yet! 

Food cravings: I have been loving toasted pita with cheddar cheese, just like when I was a kid.

Gender: Still no idea, but I have a feeling...

Labor signs: None.

Belly button in or out? Still in, but I noticed this week to my amazement that it's not as DEEP as it used to be. Hmmm.

What I miss: OK, fine, I'd sure like a margarita! 

What I am looking forward to: Having enough of a belly that people get out of my way and offer me a seat when I get on a crowded bus. Hee hee.

Weekly wisdom: Ice cream or frozen yogurt can solve just about any problem!

Milestones: Got information on a labor class at the JCC in June and a childbirth classes at Sibley Hospital in July, both of which we are planning to sign up for; tried my first prenatal yoga class on Sunday.

Today is ... 15 Weeks!

Another week down, only 25 more to go! This means that we have two weeks to go until our next prenatal appointment, so that is something to look forward to.

Lima Bean is now 4 to 4 1/2 inches long, or about the size of a naval orange! Translation for guys: About the size of a softball. Bean now weighs 2-3 ounces.

A few fascinating facts:

By now, Lima Bean has the coordination, strength and smarts to wriggle his or her fingers and toes and even suck a thumb! However, we already saw Lima Bean already sucking his or her thumb at our last ultrasound, so it appears that our little bean is ahead of the curve.

Also, although I am still not feeling anything, the books tell me that Lima Bean is certainly getting a workout in there - kicking, flexing and moving those arms and legs. That's because Bean can now bend his or her arms at the elbows and wrists and make tiny fists with his or her hands. (A little fighter!)

And finally, if Lima Bean were to get an X-Ray right now, his or her skeleton would be visible!

Pretty cool stuff.

More about my development and status of my belly button tomorrow.

My first pair of maternity pants!

They have arrived. And they are sooooo comfy!

Let me describe: They are pull-up work pants from Ann Taylor Loft with a soft cotton midsection like flannel pajamas! I don't want to take them off!

In fact, I might wear these forever. Why on earth have a button and zipper when you can wear these comfy delights? Flat tummies are so overrated.

On a related topic...

So I was at the White House today, and as I was going through security, I beeped. So the guard waived his magnetic wand over me as I stood with my arms outstretched. And as the wand passed over my belly, it beeped.

So he says to me, "Is there metal there? Like, are you wearing a belt?"

So, I say, without thinking, "I have a metal safety pin holding up my pants?"

He takes a double take at my pooch belly, turns red, and says: "OK, uh, you are free to go."

I wonder what else Lima Bean can sneak into the White House! By the way, this is Baby Bean's fourth trip to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Took my first prenatal yoga class

This afternoon, I finally worked up the courage to check out the prenatal yoga class at Flow Yoga Center, the studio across the street from our condo. I have been practicing yoga there for about four years, so I was curious if I would get any looks walking into class with my little pooch of a belly hanging over my cute Lululemon yoga pants.

To my surprise, my "pooch" was NOTHING compared to what most of the other women in class were showing off! There were 10 of us and -- other than one woman who was 11 Weeks along and not showing yet -- everyone else looked pretty close to popping.

So, needless to say, the class moved a bit slow. It was kind of like a stretch class. I'm not quite sure what to make of it. It might be great when I'm a little farther along and having trouble doing much else? Still, there were some very cool elements to the class.

I liked how at the start of the class our instructor told everyone to put one hand on our heart and one hand on our belly to connect our beating heart with that of our baby's.

And it was interesting how at the end of class we did some chants because supposedly the vibrations are soothing to the baby. I wonder if any of the ladies who were father along felt any movement or kicks when we did that?

The class meets every Sunday at 3:30 p.m. I'd like to try it again with the regular instructor (today we had a sub) and see what she's like.

Another option is to sign up for a 6-week candlelight pre-natal yoga series (with the regular instructor) that will meet every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. (Cost $108)

Considering that we're pretty busy on most Sundays going to open houses, this might be a nice option. I also like how it would be the same group of women each week so that you are practicing with more of a community than on a drop-in basis.

As always, let me know what everyone thinks! As you were.

Where would Lima Bean like to grow up?

Just back from another day of looking at open houses. Saw some good ones!

We are getting our Logan Circle condo painted and ready to list while also looking around at what houses are available in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, Md.

We are looking at bigger condos in the city as well, but it sure would be nice to have a big back yard!

Lima Bean has 5% chance of green eyes

Just for kicks, I went ahead and tried this nifty tool for computing the color of your child's eyes.

Now, we all know, Lima Bean will most likely have brown eyes. I have brown eyes. Papa Bean has brown eyes. My parents have brown eyes. His parents have brown eyes. I don't think there is a blue-eyed person in either of our families!

And this test confirms that, giving Lima Bean a 92.5% chance of having brown eyes.

But what's interesting is that it also gives Lima Bean a 5.5% chance of having GREEN eyes! And, get this, a 1.8% chance of having BLUE eyes!

No kidding.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see ...

U P D A T E ! !

Since writing this blog, I have learned that Papa Bean's grandfather, Gramps, had GREEN eyes! So... There is hope for Lima Bean getting some green stunners. 

However, as my source pointed out, Papa Bean's brother-in-law has blue eyes but our niece and nephew both have brown eyes, just like Papa Bean's sister.

Let's talk Details

Below is a list that I hope will become somewhat of a weekly check-in on my symptoms and details. You know, because I know you re all on the edge of your seat to find out the status of my belly button. Here goes...

How far along: 14 weeks/ 1 day

Total weight gain: + 4-7 pounds

Maternity clothes? Still using Bella Bands on pants but just purchased a few tops. Also, just yesterday ordered a pair of black maternity pants from Ann Taylor Loft.

Stretch marks? Nope, but I'm itchy all over. Will be going through my Arbonne lotion in no time!

Main symptoms: Still going to the bathroom a lot and very burpy, but not as tired, and not as much heartburn or dizzy spells. Slight nausea in the mornings before I get food in my belly.

Exercise: Ran a slow and easy 6 miles on Sunday.

Best moment this week: Hearing Lima Bean's heartbeat via doppler at my doctor's office. Last visit was on Feb. 25, so exactly a week ago.

Movement: Not yet.

Food cravings: Frozen yogurt from Yogato!

Gender: We have no clue... But we have our guesses! Our family members do too!

Labor signs: None.

Belly button in or out? Still in.

What I miss: This is unbelievable but I have lost my appetite for sushi or wine, so I am not missing much right now!

What I am looking forward to: Having a cute obviously pregnant belly so that people don't look at me like I am a cow when I go to the gym!

Weekly wisdom: Take it one day at a time...

Milestones: Put Lima Bean on the waiting list for daycare and started this blog!

Today is ... 14 Weeks!

It feels like time is crawling and then all of a sudden, boom! We're at 14 weeks already! I know, I know, considering that a full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks long, I still have a looooong way to go. But this is an exciting milestone because I am now fully into the 2nd Trimester!

Lima Bean is now a 12-week-old fetus who is (as the photo below indicates) the size of a lemon. Or, about the size of a clenched fist. From crown to rump, he/she measures 3 1/2 to 4 inches.

Two very important developments are taking place that I want to point out:

First is the development of vocal cords! That actually started last week but is continuing this week. To aid in their development, we have been playing music (Bruce, duh) in hopes of influencing his or her future voice. Give us a few years and we'll show you the next American Idol!

However, starting this week, Baby Bean is moving away from loud noise or light near my tummy, so we have banned all Britney Spears songs.

The second exciting thing happening this week in Lima Bean's world is hair! And lots of it! On top of his or her adorable head, he or she may actually be sprouting a new do! Eyebrow hair is also starting to fill in.

And because fashion is reserved for the land of the born, Lima Bean is now covered in body hair called lanugo. This is a temporary coating, like a furry blanket, that will keep bean warm until he or she gets some baby fat.

Finally, according to one source, this is the week that if we had our own sonogram machine, we would be able to see if Lima Bean is a boy or a girl.

Unfortunately, we are not TomKat so we will have to wait. Our next appointment is scheduled for March 25, although we might not get another ultrasound until next month.

Bring on the Maternity Clothes

I'm not really at the point yet where I NEED maternity clothes, but I went shopping Sunday with a good friend to try stuff on and see what's out there. You know, so I can order online or via eBay... It was fun but really weird! I still can't believe this is happening!

First stop: A Pea in a Pod. Fabulous clothing! Super cute stuff, especially the dresses. But, oh my goodness, watch your wallet!

I tried on some designer jeans that you, um, pull up. Love it. But why do they still cost the same as non-maternity designer jeans?! One word: eBay.

Right now, I'm still wearing most of my regular jeans and pants, unbuttoned, with the help of a Bella Band. I have the bands in white, black and chocolate brown. They rock.

However, I can't wait to wear some of the maternity stuff when (please, please!) I get a cute basketball belly. Right now, with my almost-Week 14 bloat, it just looks like I ate too much over the holildays.

Still, after trying on several cute dresses (love the new kelly green this season!) and a slew of jeans I did manage to purchase a cute red v-neck top and super comfy (and bigger!) bra from Spanx. Bra-llelujah!

Second stop: Motherhood Maternity. Also cute stuff! Not quite as stunning as the stuff at A Pea in a Pod but OMG soooo much more affordable. Think Express vs. BCBG. Bypass a few questionable items and look for the goodies.

I tried on a ton and ended up with a great black dress for work (only $30!) and a couple cute tops, like the lavender one above.

Now if only my belly would emerge and give me the opportunity to show them off!

The. Cutest. Pictures. Ever.

I have seen ultrasound photos on Web sites before, but I have to say... These photos of our kicking Lima Bean have got to be - hands down - the most adorable ultrasound photos ever! 

That bodes well for the looks of our Baby Bean, if he or she is already taking stunning ultrasound pics, don't ya think?

These shots came from our NT Scan on Feb. 17 - our one-year wedding anniversary! At this point, I was at Week 11/Day 6. 

If you look at the left part of the photos, you can see Lima Bean's legs kicking against me and up in the air. Yes, those are legs, you are not seeing proof that we have a boy... That would be a little too impressive, even for our Super Lima Bean Baby!

It was an exciting ultrasound as Lima Bean put on quite a show, kicking itself off the sides of my ute and flipping round. We think this could be the early signs of an Olympic athlete! 

Is Lima Bean a boy or a girl?

Funny thing is, little Lima Bean is the only one who knows the answer to that question right now. And even funnier, Baby Bean most likely does not even know that the other sex even exists! (There was a day...)

As you all know, the sex of a baby is determined at the moment of conception by the father. So, whether we have a boy or a girl, you can blame - or congratulate - Papa Bean!

After conception, the ball of cells that turns into an embryo looks about the same whether it's a boy or a girl. It isn't until Week 8 that the magic starts happening. By Week 8, Lima Bean's genitals began development, although they are difficult to identify this early on.

At Week 10, Lima Bean officially graduated from the embryonic period and became a fetus. Bones and cartilage began to form, elbows on little Lima Bean's arms started working and tiny buds of baby teeth started forming under the gums.

Farther down, Lima Bean's stomach started producing digestive juices and the kidneys started producing - get this - urine! If Lima Bean is a boy, then by this time he had already started producing testosterone (boys will be boys, even this early on!)

If Lima Bean is a girl, then by Week 11, she already started developing ovaries!

And by Week 12, the pituitary gland at the base of the brain already started producing hormones - so that Lima Bean will one day be able to make babies of his or her own!

Unreal.

All this before we, the parents, even get to find out whether Lima Bean is a boy or a girl!

By the way, if you have not voted yet, what are you waiting for?! We should be able to find out the sex by Week 20, so considering that we are at Week 13/Day 4 right now, you have about a month and a half to register your guesses!

In the meantime, we can't help trying to figure out on our own whether Lima Bean is a boy or a girl...

According to the Chinese conception gender chart, we're having a boy! But according to this version of the Chinese conception chart, using lunar months, we are having a girl!

According to this quiz, we have a 76 percent chance of having a boy! According to this chart, however, my age means that we have a 58 percent chance of having a girl!

Let the guessing begin!