Yesterday was our 18 week ultrasound appointment. For those of you who don’t know, it’s kind of a big deal. This is the appointment where they get numerous shots of baby’s legs, feet, arms, hands, torso, brain, spine, etc., looking for any “red flags” that there could be something wrong. Oh and they tell you the gender…if you so desire (we declined).
I was so nervous that I literally had sweat marks under my armpits (that never happens!). I decided to spare you the photo and instead blast great news! Our baby is healthy!! He/she was moving around like a champ, kicking and waving for the “camera.” While it was hard to make out exactly what we were looking at, it was utterly amazing to see how much they had grown since our 12 week appointment. I just kept thinking; THIS is inside ME??? Ha. They always tell you what a miracle pregnancy and growing a life is, but I don’t think you ever TRULY appreciate it until you experience the miracle firsthand. All I can say is we are SO blessed and I can’t wait til the day that we know if Baby C. is going to be a boy or a girl! Thank you God. 
My Grandma thought this newborn ensemble would be a cute outfit for leaving the hospital.
How I Feel: This week I’m feeling really great, minus the heartburn. Other than that, I feel a slight energy boost and have a better outlook over all.
Eating: Although I eat more now than I did pre-pregnancy, I am still trying to fill up on healthy meals and snacks. I would say I have about 6 “meals” a day, equaling about 2200-2500 calories; the latter if I exercise. Although I’m not religiously counting calories, I do try to write down what I’ve eaten throughout the day. I know it seems obsessive, but it helps me fight off pregnancy cravings if I know I’ve already had my splurges for the day.
Yesterday, while Brandon was looking for a donut, I picked up a 100% whole grain bagel. This was my breakfast this morning; PB and banana, with a teensy smear of organic jam. Mmm it's been awhile since I've had a bagel!
Weight Gain: I have been gaining about 1-2 pounds every week or every other week, so I’m right on track with 4 pounds/month. I’m not actively weighing myself (I don’t have a scale at home), but I’ve been mistakenly told several times AND snagged peaks of my intake records (bad Erin). Surprisingly, I’ve been okay with what I’ve seen. While it’s still terrifying to see those numbers creep up, at least I know I’m growing a healthy baby. I’ve been using a pregnancy weight tracker and I’m right in between the “low normal” and “high normal,” weight markers. Happy with that! I’m actually kind of looking forward to the weight-loss challenge come July/August (in a bizarre way). It’ll be interesting… 
Plus, I’m having fun trying on tops and seeing a “bump” there! I’m feeling more confident by the day!
Brandon bought me some new maternity tops!
Exercise: One of the things I’ve always looked forward to are my workouts. I love the energizing high that comes from completing an intense sweat session. I always knew I wanted to keep active throughout my pregnancy and thankfully, I’ve been keeping up pretty well. While cardio is getting harder to muster for more than 30 minutes, I am finding a new love for strength training. I am trying to keep my muscle tone as much as my body will let me. Unfortunately, pregnancy workouts reap mostly emotional highs, not physical gains. I’m okay with being a little “softer.” I just want to keep fit enough to get through a natural labor and I’ll be one happy mommy! On the agenda for today? Yoga.
Believe it or not, my belly is pulled up and in!
My hips and thighs have gradually gotten bigger. So much for being all belly....it's not for everyone. I better just accept it.
All this pregnancy stuff is turning out to be EXTREMELY exciting. Brandon and I are SO thrilled and while we’ve had plenty of adventures in the past 2 years, a baby will be in a class all its’ own.
You seem like you are keeping such a great attitude about all aspects of your pregnancy! It seems that as long as you are actively working at a positive attitude, the rest comes pretty easily. That coming home outfit is adorable and your new maternity tops look quite stylish!
Hi Erin,
Enjoyed reading your blog and you do look great. I sent a gift to your Mom & Dad’s house. Please open when you receive. See you for the shower.
Love,
Aunt Sharon
This is a very exciting time. I remember almost a year ago when we saw our little baby girl and I burst into tears when they told me it is a healthy baby. Apparently I was afraid something could be wrong. I guess every first time parent worries on some level. I can tell you it will get more exciting. Just wait till he/she kicks etc. Congratulations!
I am so thrilled for you!
I love that you are focused on healthy eating and exercise throughout this journey!
That’s so exciting!You look fantastic
HI Erin, I’ve been out of blog touch for a while. OMG….I didn’t realize you were pregnant. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! You look fantastic and are truly glowing! SOOOO excited for you!!!! Love the black, fluffy yoga instructor watching over you too! FUN!!
Ahhh so wonderful and beautiful!! Thank God for a healthy miracle =)
Great update—how exciting, and how great that your baby is healthy!!
Natural labor, eh? That’s what I hope to do too, but it’s funny the reaction I get from EVERYONE who has had a baby before; “you’re crazy!”. Oh well, it’s a dream. I watch A Baby Story on TLC quite often, so I think I know what I’m getting myself into. Do you ever watch that show? It’s so educational when it comes to giving labor and pregnancy!
You look fabulous and I’m so happy to hear that the little one is healthy and growing normally. I’m so happy for you, and excited as well!! KEep posting how things are going, I love to read this stuff
You’re awesome and look great. YAY- everything is good. Don’t stress about weight just do what you know to do, enjoy this time.
Oh congratulations on the scan results
That is great news. And this was a lovely update! I’m glad you’re doing ok and those new clothes are beautiful…yours and the baby’s!
Yay for a healthy ultrasound! I have ours next week. I will be 20 weeks at ours. I am very excited to see all organs working properly! 10 fingers, 10 toes, all that jazz. We will find out the sex if the baby so desires us to! You are looking great!
I’m thrilled to hear you are doing so well! Love the maternity tops!
You know, I’ve been writing down what I eat lately too, and while I get that some people can become obsessed with it, it really helps me avoid mindless munching and really think about what will nourish me, not just fill my belly.
<3
You look great! Loved reading this post!
Aww, you look SO great Erin!!
I went with my friend to her ultrasound last week and it was SO amazing to see the little boy/girl moving around in there. Adam is 9 – so it’s been a while since I’ve had that ‘this is so cool’ feeling.
Oh and I’m glad baby is healthy!
Oh my gosh, how can you wait to find out?!? Lol, I wouldn’t be able to, bravo to you guys!
I totally understand the ”looking forward to the weight loss challenge post baby”. I’m really looking forward to it too and to ramp up my workout again. Way to stick with exercise, it’s gunna pay off (at least that’s what I’m told)!!
And I’m sorry you’ve got heartburn. Me too, but it hasnt been as bad this week luckily. I find that bananas in the afternoon oddly give me heartburn, so I work on avoiding them, or if I have recently eaten before exercising.
Ohhhh I’m so exited for you guys!!!! Looking fabulous
PS…the new header looks great!
Such great news that the baby is looking healthy!!
I need to get back to exercising since I’ve been sick since Thursday and took several days off to rest!
I am so excited! I got chills when I started reading this post because I KNOW how exciting that appointment was! Aghh such an amazing time! You look so great, you really do and I am beyond happy that you are feeling good about yourself! I am smiling and teary right now. gawd, what’s wrong with me–I’m like hormonal today or something hahah.
Anyway..the clothes are super cute! And that little baby outfut! Eekekkkk!
Aaaw! You look awesome!!! So glad to hear that you and the baby are healthy!
You look fantastic, mama! And I love the newborn hospital outfit. So precious!
You look fantastic! And I loved seeing your cat in the first yoga picture.