15 weeks

We're moving right along, 15 weeks and 2 days! The baby is now 4 inches long, grew a whole inch since last week, weighs 2.5 ounces and is the size of an "apple." He/she can move limbs, and legs are growing longer than arms right now. Eyelids are still shut, but they say the baby can be sensitive to light so if you flashed a flashlight onto the stomach then the baby will move away from it. Taste buds are also forming, and the gender is just about "complete" --- we technically can find out the sex this week but we are waiting until 18th weeks to make sure that we can get an accurate reading. Don't want to make a mistake on this one!

As for my body changes, been feeling fine and can still be somewhat uncomfortable/crampy at night. I do a lot of tossing and turning when sleeping, sorry Franko! Babycenter reports:

"You've probably gained about 5 pounds by now (a little more or less is fine, too) and are well into the swing of your pregnancy, but you may still be surprised by an unexpected symptom now and then. If your nose is stuffed up, for instance, you can probably chalk it up to the combined effect of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to your mucous membranes. This condition is so common, there's even a name for it: "rhinitis of pregnancy.""

Well, I'm WAY over 5 pounds, I'm actually 15! Whoops! But my doctor has told me time and time again (because I keep asking) that I'm fine and if he was worried about my weight gain, then I would know. It's scary though, I just wonder why so much and why so quick? I'm nervous that it will be hard for me to lose the baby weight afterwards. I'm sure I'll be fine, I live an active life-style esp with my job, but its a constant stress of mine --- and I'm sure I'm not the only one. As for the cold, that's about 95% gone. I def have the "stuffed up nose" they mentioned above --- its clear when I blow my nose but I still feel congested in the morning and throughout different points in the day. It doesn't help that this past week (Wed. & Thurs. mornings) were 35-37 degrees outside either. Makes it so hard to get out of bed. Grrr to the cold!

Please don't judge me on this, but I'm really craving a nice glass of red wine --- and just A glass not several. It's hard. Of course I won't, but I do miss coming home on a cold Friday night after a hectic work week, opening a bottle with Frank, sitting by the fire, feet up and watching a movie. How do the Europeans do it with so much great vino floating around them constantly? Ivy or Lizzy Bizzy? I'm not going to mimic, just really curious. This is the season for lots of relax time and hyphenation. . . so I think this is why I'm thinking of it so much. It's my end-of-the-week-relaxing-treat that is GONE. Along with my morning coffee. But, of course, 6 months is going to fly right by (3 months already has!) and it will be all well worth the wait :)

Well, that's all to report for now. Next blog will have new ultrasound pics --- we have our next check-up appt. on Monday, 11/30 at 6pm!!

P.S. Random note, but for any readers out there, I HIGHLY recommend reading the new Julia Child's bio "My Life in France" --- great, great book. I read Julie & Julia last year, and that's a great read, too, but this takes it a step further into Julia's life and journeys in France and throughout Europe. She's a truly remarkable woman. I'm anxious to see the movie!