The Boy Evidence

Here he is! Rollin Cole Cooper. He did give the ultrasound tech a little bit of trouble cause he was moving so much at first and then wouldn't move out of a spot when she was trying to move him. Sound like anyone you know? He kept swatting his arms at the ultrasound probe. It was pretty cute. She said everything is developing normally and he is right where he should be.

I didn't want to put this picture on facebook, but here is one of the "It's a boy!" pictures. I've always had the suspicion that I would have all boys, so far I am right. If he comes on his due date, he will be quite the patriotic little boy. Born into a Marine family on flag day. We are very happy to begin to be able to call him by name.
I love the tradition of naming after family. Part of my name is from my grandfather, Rollin, so I have been planning on using his name for our son for quite some time. I was very glad when my husband liked the name as well. Then our baby's middle name is his father's name. I can't think of anything better than that. His daddy is the best man, so if Rollin Cole grows to be anything like his namesake, he will be phenomenal.

Belly Itch

I had read something on one of my apps about how my skin might start to be itchy. It was a long while ago, so I thought maybe that wasn't going to be the case for me. But, alas, the last week or so I have started to feel the itch. I gather it has something to do with the expanding belly. I have started to use an oil that is supposed to fight stretch marks. I know they don't really work on stretch marks (from what I hear you either get them or you don't), but for now it works well on moisturizing the skin more so that it doesn't itch.
Yesterday was the beginning of week 20. I can't believe that half way is already here. I have begun reorganizing our second bedroom. It will still somewhat have to be a multi-purpose room, but I am making space for changing table/dresser, crib, and hopefully glider to sum up the baby portions of the room. I looked at a few pieces of furniture online (used), but then realized that carrying them up three flights of stairs by myself is highly unlikely. Those purchases will just have to wait until the hubby gets home.
We've already decided our baby stuff (crib sheets, decor, etc.) will be a green theme irregardless of gender, but we hope to find out the sex next week during my ultrasound. I'll post of course after my appointment. We do have names picked out for both (another bonus of husband being expected to be gone during the birth - forced us to choose early). We are both excited to start calling the baby by name once we know. Only 5 more days of suspense, hopefully.

The Interview Outfit



Thankfully the interview room was not too hot. I think the jacket did an ok job of concealing the belly. I did not get any 'family' related questions (not that it would be legal for them to ask). I do not want to deceive, but I definitely don't want to get looked over for a job just because I am pregnant. Now, I just have to wait and see if I get a job offer. Thanks for your positive thoughts!

Baby TaeBo

Saturday night (January 14), I felt the first kicks and punches from the baby. I wasn't absolutely positive that is what they were at first. Now, I am sure. They are quite regular each day since then. The most active times seem to be between 6-8 PM and 10-11 PM. Night owl like Cole and I? The kicks and punches feel, to me, like bubbles bursting. That is part of why I wasn't absolutely positive they were baby kicks. If you've ever felt a gas bubble traveling through your intestines, it is a little like that except in short, specific spurts. I've talked with a few other new moms who felt the same way. Some others describe it as popcorn popping. I can see that description, but for me I think bubbles fits better.
It's one of the first things that makes it really feel like there is actually a person growing in there. I still have mixed feelings about when the baby gets big enough that you will actually be able to see a hand or foot (Alien anyone?). But, for now, I am really liking being able to feel the little baby moving around.
Here is a picture of the 19 week belly.

Back to Sleep

It's a little funny to me that the campaign for fighting against SIDS is something that us preggo ladies cannot do. I just know it is going to be a long haul with sleep from now on. Limiting sleeping position to only on your side stinks. I knew that I flipped around a lot during the night, but now it is definitely hindering my comfortable sleep situation. I have body pillows now set on either side of me (yes, two body pillows in the bed). I guess there is another small positive spin of having a deployed husband during your entire pregnancy. Not being able to sleep on my stomach, though, is the hardest for me to deal with. I will definitely be looking forward to the day I can return to sleeping on my stomach about 6 months from now. I don't as often sleep on my back, but being told to not do that either is difficult to deal with. Some of the suggestions or warnings for things during pregnancy these days are just ridiculous. I'll just leave it at that for now.

Expanding waistline

I'm still able to wear most of my normal clothing. It is, however, starting to feel a little snug. My granma gave me a couple of Bella or Be Bands for Christmas. I tried them on for the first time today. These are my new favorite thing! Thank you, Granma!
If you have never heard of them, these bands are designed to go around your belly and hold up your pants while looking like a tank top or camisole under your shirt. It is genius. I will probably wear these every day. They give a little bit of belly support. They also remind me of how I would wear my tights pulled high up on my torso for ballet class without the annoying, bottom half of the tights. The main reason for them; to hold up unbuttoned pants, I don't quite need yet. When I do need to unbutton them, I will be glad to have a way to still wear my wardrobe.
No, I have not been paid for an endorsement, although I am open to the idea!