Katie Ann: Baby Bird: 18 weeks

At 13 weeks my new doctor sent us back to the specialist we went to last summer. There are no concerns, they just work closely together and my OB was out of the office. It was so special to be able to visit her and the office again for a celebratory appointment rather than going with the haunting thought that our baby wasn't going to survive. Dr. Hickman is amazing! She remembered us and was so happy to see us again and celebrate our exciting news.

We were so anxious to go into this appointment because the doctor told us they may be able to give us an early gender prediction. Excitement was at an all time high, until I sat down to get my blood pressure taken. Then the memories from that exact office from last summer came into the forefront of my mind. Especially when we walked into the sonogram room, which I swore to Tom, was the same room. (I still believe it was, he would call me crazy!) I prayed for calming peace.

All nerves ceased when this sweet face appeared on the screen! :) This was such a special moment, because it was Tom's first time to see our baby. He had SWAT school on our 8 week appointment. I would say it was true love... I love seeing pregnancy though a father's eyes. Although he can be pretty tight lipped sometimes :)

After hearing that we may be able to see the goods for a gender prediction, my close friend told me to drink a sugary drink before our appointment so the baby would be moving around a lot. So I did just that... I chugged a large glass of orange juice on the way to the Dr. Well it worked, sweet baby was standing on its head when the image appeared on the screen. As a Crossfit Mom, I'd like to say they were merely handstand pushups in the womb. It was the neatest thing to watch that little body move all around, because with Baby H. we didn't see this at all. So our dreams were coming true.

Check out this Jumping Bean.

After showing us the good news, that so far we had a healthy baby, the sonographer and Dr. Hickman predicted that we will be having a (this far: HEALTHY) baby.............

GIRL!

Of course Tom's response... what is the percentage of your prediction?

Dr: 95-96%

Tom: What is your batting average on your predictions?

Dr: 94% I keep a spreadsheet....

Love it!!!! It was so fun to celebrate a positive appointment!

So of course they told us, don't buy anything. It's just a prediction.... yeah sure.

It has been so fun to imagine and plan for a daughter. I just can't help myself. Tom has been there to pull in the reins. But with help, or inspiration from Pinterest, he has little power.

A few finds for the nursery. LOVE 1/2 Price Books!

My sister has helped fullfill my lifelong dream of learning how to sew, and we have been going a bit crazy hunting down JoAnns and Hobby Lobby coupons for fabric to make the adorable burp cloths. She made some "manly" girl burp cloths so Tom wouldn't feel too left out. Megan is going to be the best auntie! :)

Just a few bows to decorate that sweet baby head! Some flowers are pre made and bought but I have been working to make some of my own. The felt flowers are home made. (Again, LOVE Pinterest)

I fell in LOVE with this onesie set above from Carter's, pinned it on Pinterest....

and then almost peed my pregnant panties when I saw it hanging in Buy Buy Baby.

A must have... the other onesie says Mommy Loves You.

Do you see that heart on the butt?!?

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18 Weeks Pregnant:

How far along? 18 Weeks

Total weight gain: up 6 lbs. (hadn't gained any weight between my last two appointments, one month apart)
Maternity clothes? a few pieces, still loving the Bella Band and "Pre Weight Loss Clothes"
Sleep: training myself to sleep on my side still, I am usually an on the back snoozer
Best moment this week: Feeling her kick for the first time. 17 weeks! She usually is moving, or I am more aware, after dinner when I relaxing on the couch! So fun :)
Miss Anything? Iced Coffee... it was my summer go to last year. Red Wine. I'm sticking with decaf and sonic drinks!
Movement: First Kick- 17 weeks! Sweet tapping. Hoping for more soon.
Food cravings: I don't have too big of an appetite, eating because I need to. I am craving crunchy though. Tacos & chips. Definitely not Paleo but I'm trying to get better.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Raw meat.
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope.
Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? on.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy & EXCITED to say the least!
Looking forward to: Tuesday's appointment. They will tell us for sure if it is a girl or not. Starting to set up the nursery. Tom is reining me in, keeping me distracted until Tuesday's appointment. After Tuesday, we are hitting the ground running