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!