Pregnancy So Far...

So I know I'm just 18 weeks, but I've got to start sharing what it's been like to be pregnant before I forget everything! This morning Johnny and I had THE ultrasound, and we found out that our little troublemaker looks perfectly healthy! We are so happy and grateful at this news. Apparently, our baby is also quite stubborn because it refused to move out of the face-down position it was in---so much so, in fact, that we had to come back for a second ultrasound at lunchtime!

Finding Out
Johnny and I were ecstatic when we found out I was pregnant. But we were also in shock. We didn't believe it, and we didn't talk about it like it was a real thing for a couple weeks. At 10 weeks I had my first ultrasound, and I was almost certain that they would tell me that I wasn't pregnant at all. But I saw a baby! And I started crying immediately because I couldn't believe it. Once it was confirmed, we told our families!

Morning Sickness
At about 6 weeks I started to feel very mildly nauseous, and this lasted for about two weeks, getting progressively worse with time. Eating crackers nonstop and drinking ginger ale was my main remedy at this point. At about 8 or 9 weeks, I felt great again, as though I wasn't pregnant at all! And then right after we told our families I got super sick for another two weeks. I threw up a few times, but I mostly just felt super nauseous from morning until night. Late afternoon was the worst time. Luckily, at right around 12 weeks, I started getting better! So although I was sick, it didn't last long.

Cravings
This section would probably be more appropriately titled "Aversions." When I was sick, nothing sounded good, but I had to eat or I would be more sick. One of the only things I wanted during that time was a McDonald's cheeseburger. Johnny and I ate there so much during the beginning of my pregnancy. Before I was pregnant, I could count on one hand how many times we had eaten McDonald's. Also, the smell of garlic was so disgusting to me. We live in the Little Italy of Boston, and I could barely walk outside because I hated the smell of garlic wafting from all the restaurants. My few actual cravings have been guacamole, onion rings, and pumpkin bread!

Currently
I feel great! When I was sick, I couldn't imagine ever feeling normal again. I was certain I wouldn't, but I do! My body is much more curvy than I'm used to, and I know some girls love that, but I already miss my old figure a lot. Also, it is really difficult to not be able to sleep on my back anymore, so I'm hoping I get more used to sleeping on my side. Mostly, though, I'm just so excited that the baby is healthy and kicking away in my belly. I loved that Johnny got to see the baby today. We are both so thrilled for the future!

p.s. We found out the gender today! I'm going to announce it on the blog in a couple days, but in the meantime I'd love to hear your guesses!