I'm very thankful we are half-way!

Holy Schmoly!  We are half way thru this pregnancy!  I cannot believe it...really, I can't.  Last year at this time I was drinking heartily to help ease the pain of the holiday season without a child and this year I can't and for a fabulous reason!  I almost want to throw a party to celebrate our half-way-ness!  It's really still very hard to believe.

I guess I might have neglected to mention that the day after we found out we are having a baby girl was my 32nd (or 23rd - you are only as old as you feel right?!) birthday.  What a great present it was to find out about baby girl!  Wednesday, after work I treated myself to a mani-pedi at a great little shop, then came home to presents from J. 

Thursday was Thanksgiving and I guess I need to update you on how the reveal went with J's parents.  Since there were only 6 of us (myself, J, my parents and J's parents) for dinner, we opted to have turkey breast instead of a full turkey.  J also wanted to smoke some turkey outside, so I cooked 2 three pound breasts and he smoked 2 three pound breasts.  His parents (driving from Mesa - about 2 hours away) got to our house about 10:30 am.  House was clean, turkeys were cooking, potatoes were mashing...and they hadn't yet seen our finished house.  Got them in and unpacked their contribution - two pumpkin pies and iced tea, then showed them the house.  I had some little girl headbands sitting on the kitchen counter, as well as some pink baby shoes sitting on a shelf in the living room.  I saw J's Mom look directly at the slippers, or so I thought, but she didn't say anything.  We showed them the living room (which again had pink booties sitting on the coffee table), and nothing was said.  Then we walked to my office (directly across from the nursery) which had nothing in it baby-related.  J's Mom wandered over to the nursery (no baby furniture yet, but 4 very apparent girl outfits strewn about) and I saw her eyes wander to each item and questions rolling through her head.  She finally said something to the effect of "what the...?  You told me not to buy clothes yet!"  We both smiled and revealed that we'd had the sonogram two days prior and had learned we were having a little girl!  There were no tears, but both parents were definitely very excited.  I think J's Dad had the same thoughts that J had at the sonogram (thinking about his Mom - J's Grandma), but he turned away from me so I couldn't see quick enough to be sure.  Finished showing them the rest of the house, then showed them the sonogram pictures. 

My parents arrived about an hour later and final preparations for dinner at 1 began.  Turkeys came out of the oven and the smoker, all the other goodies went in, and pretty soon it was time to eat...and boy were we hungry!  We sat and had a lovely conversation, but soon the topic turned to names.  I think I've told you folks, but we will not be sharing the name of baby girl until at least the month of her due date (April 2012) or at the very last her arrival day.  Well, that didn't fly too well with J's parents and the questions began..."is it an old name? is it a new name? is it a family name? is it a crazy name? is it a celebrity name?  how many letters in the name?" and on and on.  It became quite humorous after a while.  And even after the conversation had finally passed and other topics were being discussed, someone would pipe up with a new question about the name.  I have a feeling this will continue through April!  I gave up one hint saying that "yes it is a celebrity name, but nothing crazy" and J gave up a hint (kind of) saying he would tell one part (so everyone waited with baited breath) and he said "Rowe" - which is our last name.  Hardy har har....

All in all, a very good Thanksgiving day with the folks.  I got booted out of the kitchen when clean-up came round, much to my dismay (yeah, right!).  We relaxed for a bit and then it was time for J's parents to head home.  They'll probably be back next month for Christmas and we'll do it all over again!

J had to work Friday and Sat - boo.  So Friday, Volleyball Queen (who was in town to visit the fam) took me to a lovely breakfast and oohed and ahhed over my baby belly.  It was wonderful to catch up with her and show off sonogram pics again.  Saturday, Mama K took me to lunch and we had a lovely "Mommies only" conversation.  Then it was home for some movies that J doesn't like (The Family Stone and Love and Other Drugs) while I caught up on some knitting.  Sunday, we put up all the Christmas decorations in the new house, and it looks just lovely.  A great weekend to be sure!

Okay, time for the 20-week update according to WhatToExpect.com:

Your Baby in Week 20 of Pregnancy

Curious about whether that melon-sized belly contains a boy or a girl? (IT'S A GIRL!) Now's your chance to take a peek! Your second trimester ultrasound, scheduled for anytime between 18 and 22 weeks, gives your practitioner a chance to see how things are going in there. And, wow, are they going! If you're having a girl, her uterus is now fully formed and her ovaries are holding about seven million primitive eggs. And while your baby is definitely getting bigger (weighing in at about ten ounces and measuring six and a half inches), there's still plenty of growing room in there, which allows her to twist and turn (and allows you to feel his acrobatics!).

Your Body in Week 20 of Pregnancy

Now that you’re at the midpoint of your pregnancy (20 weeks down, 20 more to go!), that little cantaloupe (aka baby) you have in your belly is becoming more of a reality as you feel his movements and draw smiles from passersby who see your baby bump. You might also be noticing that your nails are stronger (though they could also turn dry and brittle) and your hair (all over your body) is thicker and fuller than usual — all thanks to pregnancy hormones and increased circulation, which furnish extra nutrients to hair and nail cells. But while the hair on your head may be lovelier than ever, you might not be digging those sprouts on your chin. This situation is indeed temporary, but feel free to tweeze!

Week 20 Pregnancy Tip: Appetite

Are you in the Hunger Zone? With weeks of nausea and food aversions behind you, you may be more than ready to make up for lost eating time (move over crackers, hello four-course meals!). But before you dig into that all-you-can-eat buffet at lunchtime, here's something you might want to consider. The grazing approach that was your mealtime MO during those queasy months is still the best way to feed yourself and your baby now that food's no longer a four-letter word. Not only does it help fend off pesky second-trimester tummy troubles (like the heartburn and indigestion that's sure to set in by your second trip to the buffet), but it also ensures that baby's getting a steady supply of calories when he needs it the most. In fact, studies show that moms who eat at least five or six small meals and snacks a day are more likely to carry to term. So bring on the grub when pregnancy hunger hits, and lots of it — just bring it on a little at a time.
Learn more about the pregnancy diet.

Week 20 Pregnancy Symptoms

Heartburn or indigestion: If you’re looking for a simple heartburn fix, try chewing a piece of sugarless gum after meals. The increased saliva it produces neutralizes gastric acids and helps force fluids back into the stomach.
Increased vaginal discharge: As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll notice an increase in vaginal discharge. While it can be uncomfortable, this discharge actually helps protect the birth canal from infection and maintains a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina.
Occasional headaches: Do you find that your headaches crop up when you’re overheated, in windowless, stuffy spaces, or under fluorescent lighting? Be sure to take fresh-air breaks outside a few times a day, and dress in layers to avoid getting too hot, which could trigger a headache.
Occasional faintness or dizziness: Stuffy, hot rooms can be the cause of light-headedness (not just headaches), especially when your body is already generating lots of heat with that little bun you’re cooking in your oven. Stay cool by taking frequent breaks for fresh air and wearing loose-fitting clothes.
Leg cramps: Experts aren’t clear on what causes leg cramps during pregnancy, but one theory is that they are caused by compressed blood vessels in the legs (a consequence of extra weight and swelling). Help the blood circulate throughout your body more easily — and minimize cramping — by putting your feet up when you can and drinking plenty of fluids.
Mild swelling of ankles and feet: If water retention in your ankles and feet is causing you pain, be sure to wear comfy (not tight!) shoes while you’re out, and switch into slippers when you get home. Also, avoid tight socks or pantyhose that can cut off blood flow — you want to keep fluids flowing freely to minimize swelling in your lower extremities.
Protruding navel: Your cute little innie belly button may suddenly morph into an outie as your uterus pushes your abdomen forward. If you don’t like the new look, don’t worry — your navel will go back to being an innie after delivery.

Now for my version:
I do admit that I am hungrier.  It seems like I just finish eating and then my stomach rumbles like it hasn't been fed in days!  I still have my energy and have been going to the gym three times a week (well, except for last week with the holiday).  I feel good and am really good at getting things done right now.  We're ready to start a brand new year, definitely on the right foot!  My next doc appointment is next Tuesday and I'm sure we'll hear more about what happened at the ultrasound then. 

I guess that is really all for now!  Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving (those in the States that is) and to everyone a very happy rest of the week!