11 weeks

Here's what is going on this week, according to babycenter.com;

Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden.  She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming.

If you're like most women, you're feeling a bit more energetic now and your nausea may be starting to wane. Unfortunately, you may also be suffering from constipation (caused by hormonal changes, which can slow digestion) and heartburn (hormones again, relaxing the valve between your stomach and esophagus). Just remember, all this discomfort is for a good cause.  Don't worry if nausea has made it impossible for you to eat a wide variety of healthy foods or if you haven't put on much weight yet. Your appetite will likely return soon, and you'll start to gain about a pound a week.



As for me, I feel like I'm over the hump (or I at least hope so!).  The past week has been my best week yet, with a little bit of nausea here and there, but definitely nothing lasting all day long anymore.  I've been eating pretty much anything I want now, and my stomach seems to be doing okay with all of that.  My favorite foods that I ate this week were devilled eggs, egg salad, shrimp creole, BBQ chicken pizza, and potato salad.  I've taken a bite of some sweets here and there and done okay with them, but I'm still not really craving sweets and would much prefer cheesy, salty, and meaty foods.  I've also started craving vegetables a lot and have been sure that I get at least a serving with dinner every night.  The salad that I've been eating has been very satisfying, but most of all I'm craving my mother-in-law's squash, potatoes, and onions (she just pan frys them in some olive oil, but they turn out SOOOOOO good!!!!!).  My belly is still growing and sticking out more and more, although I still look more bloated than pregnant.  I'm still squeezing into my looser jeans, but know that won't be lasting much longer (at least with them buttoned), they just aren't comfy on my tummy.  A lot of my tshirts are also starting to look frumpy since I'm not as thin as I used to be.  I'm mostly wearing empire waist shirts, or small men's tshirts/ undershirts that I have.  I'm not being as fashionable as I'd like, but you do what you have to do to get by, and I refuse to buy new clothes just for my in between stage, when I will be in maternity clothes before I know it.  Overall I'm feeling well and have been able to exercise fairly regularly again.  I got to sleep in a bit 3 days in a row for our 3 day weekend, and that was the glorious recharge that I needed.  I've been surfing the web and starting to order some maternity clothes since I think I'll be wearing them before too much longer.

Shannon