19 weeks!!!

lately i have just been in love with being pregnant.  i think this is a common feeling in the 2nd trimester, but i am overcome with a sense of gratitude and being loved.  i am sure it helps that i am feeling well and not huge yet, but each day i get more and more excited to meet our baby girl.  the pregnancy really feels real at this point and jarad is so supportive, loving and caring.  it's a special feeling to have him involved in the pregnancy and always being so concerned with the well being of me and the baby.  he always makes sure i am feeling well, eating good and not overdoing or over committing myself.  and as for wilfred, he is protecting his mama as well.  he finally has started to cuddle me and my baby bump and gets protective of me with strangers.  my boys are taking great care of me!

this week i have been trying to incorporate more calcium and protein into my diet as the baby is starting to put on weight and bones are hardening.  i've been drinking a lot of milk lately, which is a  good way to take my prenatal vitamins in the morning.  i was taking them at night, and when i read the bottle it says not to, i actually think taking them at bedtime may affect my sleep.  i've been sleeping really well, which i think is also from the cooler weather!  i am continuing to feel baby kicks and movement, which is an amazing feeling!  i was questioning myself at first, but now there is no doubt that baby berk is dancing in there.  i only feel it when laying down, usually at bedtime or early morning and occasionally when i am at my desk at work, but i read that the baby is only awake about 6 hours out of the day.  it is a sensation like no other, it feels like popcorn popping in your tummy, makes you smile every time!  unfortunately jarad hasn't been able to feel it yet, i have him put his hand on my tummy and he either can't feel it or she stops moving.

weight gain this week = 0
total weight gain = 1 pound

growth milestones this week...

~baby is developing a protective coating on skin called "vernix caseosa."
~nerve cells are developing in brain that work on the senses (taste, hearing, taste, sight and smell)
~there is the presence of fat layers under the skin now and clearly defined facial features
~our baby girl already has 1/2 of the eggs she will be born with (our future grandkids!)
~toenails and scalp hair are growing

baby is the size of a mango!