17 Weeks

Let's see if I can remember what happened this week. They are all starting to run together. Oh! Over the weekend was Jeff's birthday. Since that was part of this week, I can tell you what I did. I had the ultrasound on Friday and had the technician write in a birthday card what the genders are. The card was awesome too! It said on the front "Happy Birthday Dad, from Both of Us..." Then on the inside, it said "Headache #1 and Headache #2". I thought that was appropriate since I have been getting such severe headaches and I am sure, in turn, giving some to Jeff as well.

My friend Ale and I went to Kohl's, where we picked out two boy outfits and two girl outfits. I then took them back to Customer Service and had the person back there look at the card, and wrap the two outfits that matched the genders specified. Ale and I wandered the store while they did that. I didn't want to find out before Jeff.

That evening, I was so excited! I had him open the box that night. You'll have to stay tuned for the result. We are having another ultrasound on March 7th and I want to be SURE before we post anything online.

The following day, we went to lunch with Jeff's parents and then Skyped with mine afterward. I had made a cake with 2 layers in the appropriate colors for the sex of the babies. When we cut into the cake, the parents got to see what we are having. It was a fun weekend!! I think they are all very excited!

The rest of the week was much of the same as the past few weeks. I've had several headaches, but I worked a couple of days this week. I always like to get out of the house. It often makes me feel better. We also had an appointment with my neurosurgeon yesterday. I wanted to check with him about an epidural for the birth. I had heard that because I have Hydrocephalus, that would be out of the question. I wasn't sure how I would deliver these babies without some sort of medication, especially if I have to have a c-section. He assured us that an epidural is fine and that we can try for a vaginal birth, if we want. He wasn't going to push either way. We just need to keep our OB and him informed of how I am feeling at the time. Also, the headaches don't seem to be shunt related, which I already figured. They are just an unfortunate side-effect of being pregnant. It's alright. It will be worth it!!!

DATA:

How far along? 17 weeks

Babies are the size of an: onion

Maternity clothes? Oh yeah!

Have you told family and friends? Yes.

Stretch marks? Not from the pregnancy  ;)

Symptoms: This week it was just the headaches. My sinuses have also been giving me some trouble, but I think that is mostly allergies.

Sleep: Sleep is hard to come by these days. I am having more trouble getting comfortable and as soon as I do, I have to get up and pee.

Best moment this week:  I don’t know if this counts as this week or last week…but we found out the genders. We also met with my neurosurgeon yesterday and found out that I CAN have an epidural. That makes me feel great!

Miss Anything?  I really miss being able to lie on my stomach.

Number of times I get up to pee each night: I think I topped out at 8 this week.

Movement: I swear I felt a baby kick, twice in the same spot.

Food cravings: I had a craving for spinach dip, so I made some. Too much onion and garlic!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Smells still bother me, but not as much.

Have you started to show yet: Yes, especially at the end of the day, after trying to eat enough food to feed these little monkeys.

Gender: Not telling yet

Labor Signs: Nope!

Belly Button in or out? In

Mood: Blah

Looking forward to: We are going to see Jars of Clay tonight (with a bunch of other bands). I am looking forward to exposing the monkeys to some good, loud music.  J

Weight Gain: So far, I have only gained 5 pounds.