17 weeks.

At 17 weeks, this little babe is kicking all the day long. I can feel it best when I'm sitting down, so I'm kind of liking my full-time, sit-down office job. It's crazy to think that I can feel those kicks already, and it's so easy to tell them apart from all the other weird things my body is doing.

So far I've gained 6 pounds. I gained a third of that just this last week. Too much good food, I guess. I've been craving donuts for a couple of weeks now, and I finally had some with Zac today at the Farmers' Market in Provo. They really hit the spot. If that craving is anything like what I've been feeling, I won't be craving donuts anymore now that I've had some. 

Overall, I'm feeling so good! I'm less tired, the round ligament pain is very mild, and, holy cow, I can feel my baby kicking! That just makes all the horrible stuff go away, really.

The more my pregnancy progresses, and the more I read about delivery, the more I lean toward having a natural birth. I've decided that I will absolutely not have pitocin or a C-section, unless my baby is going to die. I am completely opposed to unnecessary intervention. I think I'd like to have the option of an epidural open, though, just in case. You know, because I'm a wimp.

At this last week's midwife appointment, I got to hear the baby's heartbeat again. It's so sweet and strong. I also set up my 20-week ultrasound! I can't wait to see that little face on the screen. I'm excited for Zac to see it, too. I'm so happy he's here to experience this with me. It's really so special.

...

pizza on our anniversary.

For our 2nd anniversary, we spent the whole day together. We got Cafe Rio for lunch, and had planned to go up the canyon for a picnic, but the traffic was backed up for miles getting in, so we went to a park instead. We ate lunch, laid side by side in the shade, and watched a family play soccer.

Afterwards we went to the mall and bought some hand soap at Bath & Body Works, and a few pieces of baby clothes for our little one (I really couldn't resist). 

Later we tried Pizzeria 712 for dinner, and really enjoyed it (but it was fire-grilled pizza, after all). Their cheese is to die for. "Hand-pulled mozzarella" is what they call it, and now I need to get my hands on some. We topped the night off by watching Lincoln and feeling the baby kick (!!!). Even Zac can feel it, and that makes me happy.

...

two years.

Two years ago today, I married this handsome man. We were so little back then, and so nervous. We didn't know what to do with all the attention we were getting that day. But holy cow, that day was the best of my life. I made my very best friend my husband, and it has been the best decision I've ever made.

Happy 2nd anniversary, Zac! I love you. :)

...

16 weeks.

This week I'm loving food. I have the biggest appetite, and Zac can vouch for me, because every time we eat something, I say something like, "Oh my gosh, this is sooooo good!" I get hungry so often nowadays. I ate two filling meals before 11:00 this morning. I've been on a Chinese food kick this week (thank you, Panda Express), and I'm starting to think that's one of my cravings. I think I crave it more than all the other random stuff.

The little babe is longer than my iPhone now. Holy smokes! I feel like time is flying by! In 4 weeks, I'll be halfway done. What?! If we're lucky, we can still feel little kicks if we press our hand against my belly while I'm lying on my back. It's unbelievable. 

I've gained a total of about 4 pounds so far. I'm trying to keep it that way until after my doctor's appointment next week, but we'll see how it goes (remember how I love food?).

The joy that is round ligament pain is still here. I love it and I hate it. Mostly I'm just glad that I can eat and smell almost anything. I realized this week that the smell I can't handle is ranch. Every time I smell it, I want to throw up. I can't eat it either; it's disgusting. But man, bring on the Chinese food!

This week the baby is starting to hear things. Zac and I decided that by the time this babe is born, it will have quite the taste in music, because we're going to make it listen to a few good ones, like Bon Iver, M83, and The Beach Boys. Hopefully that will prevent it from ever wanting to listen to something like Justin Beiber. Here's hoping!

...

happy birthday, papa!

To my papa, who helps me out with all the complicated things about being a grown up, like putting offers on houses, figuring out mortgages, and helping us with taxes. This man is one smart chump. Thank you, dad, for being there for me and for making me one of the priorities in your life. I love you! Happy birthday!

...

happy happy.

Things that make me happy:

The smell of lilacs that come in through our front window. I could breathe them in all day long.

Making dinner with my sweetheart.

A full tank of gas. 

Knowing there's a tiny baby in my belly, and getting excited to see what he or she is like. Who will it look like? Will it have dark hair like me?

The warm weather that is perfect to go for a walk in. I'm really loving this.

Anticipation for fun things that will happen in the next few months, like going to Bear Lake, and going to BBQ's. Oh, and meeting our baby!

I was reading this blog today, and I came across the most eye opening question that I've seen lately. 

"Have you made your life so secure and comfortable here on earth that you never truly long for heaven?"

I think that's why we have death here. That's why we have hurt, misery, hate, sorrow, and frustration. This is our temporary home, and if we get too comfortable here, then why would we want to leave it?

We also have excitement, joy, love, and success. We have people who love us, because I think we have a God who loves us enough to make this enjoyable for us, and also to give another reason to look forward to heaven. That picture above is just a little piece of what I think heaven will be like.

...

15 weeks.

Tonight, I was lying down on my back with my hand pushed down against my stomach, trying to feel the baby. I could've sworn I felt the tiniest kicks from the outside (but who knows? I've never done this before), so I asked Zac if he wanted to feel. He said he felt something, too. The tiniest, softest kicks from our little babe.

I've been hungry like no other, and the headaches and cramps are getting more frequent and strong. I've had a few cravings for ice cold root beer this week, and I'm still wanting it, but there's still no consistency. 

I'm so excited for when I start really showing, and for when we get to see the babe again on the ultrasound in about a month. The last time we saw it was when it was just a little blob. I'm also really excited for when I can feel real kicks, and be sure of them. That should happen in the next few weeks!

...