Week 18 and Wall Art

We've reached week 18 and the blog is finally up to "real time"! We had another doctor's appointment on February 8th. I had only gained 2 pounds since my last appointment, but now that the "hunger monster" is practically my split personality I imagine I will make up for any lost weight gain quickly! The baby's heart rate was 145 bpm, which the doctor assures us is normal. Here is a week 18 baby bump picture (taken today) and combined picture of week 14 and 18 so you can see the progression. I think I am finally starting to look pregnant!

I think it's time to do some maternity clothes shopping. All my shirts are getting a little too snug and start to ride up my belly! I've been in maternity jeans since week 8, it was just easier to buy new jeans than try to squeeze my gassy belly into my prepregnancy jeans!

I also think I've started to feel the baby move. I may have even been feeling it for a couple of weeks, but wasn't sure. I'm still not sure most of the time. But there is definitely something going on in there! Ryan said he is looking forward to the day when the baby kicks him in the back while we are sleeping!

18 Week Baby Bump

Week 18 compared to Week 14

I've also been working on collecting buttons for a monogram wall art project that I saw on Etsy and Pinterest. I had initially thought to paint the canvas and stencil on some simple flowers for a background, but then thought a fabric wrap would be easier. Which it was. Here is a collection of pictures of the creative process. Unfortunately since we are not releasing the baby's name or initial even, I can't show off the finished piece. It's actually tucked away in my closet, hidden from the prying eyes of would-be-spoilers (i.e. Jackie and Kim)! It's a shame though, it came out really cute! Don't worry, you only have to wait 5 more months for the big reveal!

Baby monogram wall art

We have our "official" ultrasound this week. But we'll only have a picture to show off from it. Ryan still won't budge on finding out the sex! And believe me, I've tried!!

Next weekend Ryan and I will be heading to Babies R Us and Target to start our baby registries! We are both really looking forward to getting home (NY and IL) in April for our showers!