You are more than 18 weeks along now. It’s really crazy how big you’re getting and how quickly this is all going along. We’re almost HALF WAY there!! Can you believe it?! I can feel you every day now. I really love it, sometimes you kick harder and longer than other times… Like when I’m at work and reading the news. I’m not sure if you really hate my voice or really like it but you kick a lot when I’m doing that. I laugh to myself when I think about what you must be thinking.
I can’t help but wonder if you’re strong cause of the vitamins I’m taking. I’ve been taking them since before I was pregnant with you so I could get my body to stock up on the goods for you. Maybe that’s why I can feel you so much already.
Monday your daddy and I find out if you’re our son or our daughter. We’re very excited to know… Especially me. I can’t wait to go out and buy you a little sporty outfit, or a dress. I think I’ll go straight to the store after we find out to celebrate.
I already feel a little bad for your siblings after you. I’m so excited and I love you so much already I just feel like you feel complete our family! I hear the first pregnancy is the most exciting. It’s hard to imagine being this excited every time. Don’t tell your future brother or sisters how excited I am about you ok? They may get jealous!
You are on my mind ALL of the time now! I think about what you’re doing, how you’re feeling, what I’ve been feeding you, what you’ll look like, how big you’re getting, if you’ll get here ok… It never ends! I’m just SO EXCITED to meet you and hug you and kiss you, and I can’t believe you’re actually MINE! It’s really crazy to think about it. I love your daddy a lot and it’s so cool thinking about you being exactly one half of me and one half your daddy. I hope you get his good looks.
Spawnie, I’m getting huge! I guess that means you are too, but more on that in a moment.
We already have plans for the three of us! Next year, when you’re over a year old we want to take you to a football game… BYU vs UT. It’s gonna be AWESOME. And we’ll get you all dressed up in BYU gear. You need to watch the game if you’re going to play it (assuming you’re a boy).
You’re about 5 inches long now, and you’re flexing your joints more, you’re also forming this weird skin stuff around you this week to keep you from getting all wrinkly while you’re floating around in there.
You’re making mommy have to go to the bathroom a lot, and I’ve been very faint when standing for a long time… I’ve blacked out twice at work in the past few weeks… But that’s another story. The doctors say we’re ok, I just need to drink more water and sit down when I feel the symptoms coming on.
(Photo from Baby Center)
You’re also taking up a lot more space in my stomach now. Last night my stomach was hurting REALLY BAD and I wasn’t sure if it was because I was having Braxton Hicks contractions or if you’ve just pushed my stomach way up to my chest and it was hurting from all of the moving. When I took a picture of my stomach this week I noticed my bump got more stretched out, and it looks like I’m carrying you higher now. According to the wives tales that means you’re a girl! We shall see in just 5 days!
I love you Spawnie, keep on growing strong!
Love,
Mommy
***
A word from a sponsor: Learn more about being 18 weeks pregnant from Pregnancy Corner.
Question of the day: Did you feel like your stomach was squished up into your ribs? What did Braxton Hicks contractions feel like ot you and when did you get them?
I didn’t get the “ribs in lungs” thing so much.. But Nellie did like to put her feet against my ribcage and push a lot. The only time I ever noticed what I guess could be considered Braxton Hicks contractions was actually the day I went into labor. I was having contractions at my appointment (they hooked me up to a monitor) and I didn’t feel them. At all. I started paying attention, and it made my stomach tense up. I always just thought it was Nellie rolling and pushing in there.
I am tall so I really never got to the point that I felt like I couldn’t grown anymore!! I never felt like my stomach was squished against my ribs. Brady just kicked me all the time in my ribs!! Man it hurt!! The bigger they get the harder the kicks!! I had a few BH contractions around 28 weeks basically it felt like my stomach was as hard as a rock and almost like you were flexing your stomach muscle. You look great!! I am so excited for you about Monday!!! I think I will be just as excited for the 2nd pregnancy!! I am already looking forward to it and can’t wait!!
Everyone thinks that about their first,but really it’s the same for all of them. I’m that way now guessing if it’s a boy or girl and who it might look like and if it will act like it’s brother or sister or what …I ask my husband everyday..do you think it’s a boy or girl..haha and this is my sixth(last) !
I know your super excited for Monday to come thats so awesome I love reading about your Pregnancy, It makes me want one so bad but I’m waiting another year or two hopefully…I hope you have a wonderful day..
I got that squished up feeling the most when I sat down, and sometimes was lying down in bed. It was super uncomfortable. It made it hard to sit still for long periods of time some times. The braxton hicks weren’t really very bothersome. They weren’t painful either. They were, however, really annoying. During my first pregnancy, I didn’t notice then until I was about 32 weeks pregnant. My last two pregnancies, I started to notice them at about 20-25 weeks, but they say that the more pregnancies you have, the earlier they start.
I am actually getting that squished up feeling right now. He loves to my ribs lately. It’s definitely not a comfortable position. It might be for him but not for me. I usually feel short of breath when this happens. I don’t think I’ve had BHC yet. If I have then I didn’t know it. This is my first so I’m not really sure what to check for or how it is supposed to feel.
I never got BH contractions… I went into preterm labor instead, which was NO fun. Your tummy gets hard as a rock and it feels like someone is choking your uterus. That’s the best way I can describe it. From what others have told me, BH feel pretty much like that, only not nearly as painful. I remember how exciting it was finding out what we were having… have fun and enjoy it!!!
The pain you’re feeling is probably your stomach muscles stretching because the Spawnie is getting bigger and needs extra room to move around. I felt like my stomach stayed in my chest throughout the entire pregnancy. And the heartburn was the worst. But it was all worth it when I saw my little angel for the first time. Be sure to drink lots of water and sit down like the dr recommended.
I just found your cute blog through my niece in law’s blog (Danielle Craig). Such an adorable post. Takes me right back to my first pregnancy – I’m working on #5 now! I’m a few weeks behind you though (14 as of yesterday). Enjoy this first one. Each pregnancy is wonderful, but there’s nothing quite like experiencing it all for the first time….not to mention by the time the next one comes along you’ll be chasing after the first and it just speeds up the process somehow, really makes it fly by. BTW…you look fantastic @ 18 weeks. I’m twice that size and not as far along!!!!! :o)
Sometimes I feel like my stomach is squished, but not always. I suppose it probably depends on what position Baby is in. I seem to notice it more dependent on what I eat.
I think I for sure felt a Braxton Hicks contraction yesterday. It suddenly felt like I was flexing a muscle in my abdomen. It didn’t hurt, but there was a noticeable tightness. It just lasted momentarily, then subsided. I get a lot of cramping, but I don’t think those are BH.
I never felt my lungs in my ribs…just feet, shoulders, or whatever else she could jam in there. It was almost unbearable. Braxton Hicks aren’t really painful. If you put your hand on your stomach when you have the “feeling” you would feel your entire stomach become hard like a rock, then soft again after a minute or two. I had them a lot third trimester. I’m excited for you. Looking back, I think I enjoyed my pregnancy more than I thought I did. Sigh, I miss it.
First off, you look great. I am now 20 weeks and I am huge! I had the same problem with my daughter and son with the kicking early, and yes, braxtons can start this early. Mine are already in full motion. It’s scary sometimes, but they don’t last long so that’s how I know. And sometimes, it feels like a braxton, but then I feel it, and it’s just the little munchkin curled up in a ball. If I tap, it moves and the pain stops. Hope you are feeling well. Hugs to you. We found out what ours is, but this time around we have decided to keep it a secret. I can’t wait to see what you are having. I voted a girl, but I have been known to be wrong.
See yay you Are getting bigger! I just found today that I am having a boy and I am carrying high so it really could be either. You will love the ultrasound mine was so exciting today. I got stomachs too in the beginning it’s normal they told me it’s just your uterous growing. I hear Braxton hicks feel like the tightening of your stomach. I also hear they don’t happen until towards the end so no worries!
You look AMAZING!!! I’m thinking you are having a boy because you are so put together! (girls make more of a wide belly, so they say) CONGRATS to you! At 18 weeks I looked HORRIBLE!! Keep up the great BLOG I LOVE reminiscing my pregnancy through you; the good and the bad! LOL
Well that was just the cutest thing! Very happy to have stumbled on your blog, especially as my husband and I are planing on getting pregnant later this year. I’ll definitely be subscribing! 🙂
Congrats, you are so close to finding out if you will be having a boy or girl! So exciting! My stomach started feeling really squished towards the end of pregnancy but braxton hicks contractions started around weeks for me. My stomach would just become tight but they would cause no pain. Dehydration can cause braxton hicks, so can holding in your pee! I can’t wait to find out what you are having!
I am 15 weeks pregnant sitting at home & found your site on pregnancy…I am happy to know about you & the way how the people are giving comments is honestly great…its really coooolll….
I am 15 weeks pregnant sitting at home & found your site on pregnancy…I am happy to know about you & the way how the people are giving comments is honestly great…its really coooolll….
Well that was just the cutest thing! Very happy to have stumbled on your blog, especially as my husband and I are planing on getting pregnant later this year. I’ll definitely be subscribing! 🙂
I just found your cute blog through my niece in law’s blog (Danielle Craig). Such an adorable post. Takes me right back to my first pregnancy – I’m working on #5 now! I’m a few weeks behind you though (14 as of yesterday). Enjoy this first one. Each pregnancy is wonderful, but there’s nothing quite like experiencing it all for the first time….not to mention by the time the next one comes along you’ll be chasing after the first and it just speeds up the process somehow, really makes it fly by. BTW…you look fantastic @ 18 weeks. I’m twice that size and not as far along!!!!! :o)
The pain you’re feeling is probably your stomach muscles stretching because the Spawnie is getting bigger and needs extra room to move around. I felt like my stomach stayed in my chest throughout the entire pregnancy. And the heartburn was the worst. But it was all worth it when I saw my little angel for the first time. Be sure to drink lots of water and sit down like the dr recommended.
Everyone thinks that about their first,but really it’s the same for all of them. I’m that way now guessing if it’s a boy or girl and who it might look like and if it will act like it’s brother or sister or what …I ask my husband everyday..do you think it’s a boy or girl..haha and this is my sixth(last) !
Congrats. I love detailed progress posts and yours with the love letter to baby! Very sweet. Helpful for other moms and such a great way to journal your memories. I've read some week by week books and looked up blogs because I love the baby bonding/developmental information. I just started reading a book I think blows all the others away, and great for every pregnancy, not just the first. It says at 18 weeks that taste buds cover the inside of the baby's mouth. Very cool. It has a section in it where you can journal and write letters to baby just like you are doing on your blog. It's called “The Wonder Within You: celebrating your baby’s journey from conception to birth” by Carey Wickersham. It’s an awesome combination of week-to-week pregnancy information, what’s going on with the baby, “Did you know?” plus health advice about what to eat, cravings, nutrition, etc, BUT also with awesome 3D/4D pictures and videos you can link or QR with your phone to and see what your baby looks like at each week stage. Even better than the typical week-to-week books, and so personal! It’s got mom stories, too. The pregnancy information is as up-to-date as it gets and it’s such a great keepsake. I want to get one for everybody I know who is expecting! I highly recommend it! TheWonderWithinYou.com.
I'm a former journalist, and lifelong creator striving to make the world a better place. This is the space where I share my journey in making the most of every day by cherishing our individuality and celebrating our differences.
I didn’t get the “ribs in lungs” thing so much.. But Nellie did like to put her feet against my ribcage and push a lot. The only time I ever noticed what I guess could be considered Braxton Hicks contractions was actually the day I went into labor. I was having contractions at my appointment (they hooked me up to a monitor) and I didn’t feel them. At all. I started paying attention, and it made my stomach tense up. I always just thought it was Nellie rolling and pushing in there.
You look great! I take those vitamins, too! 🙂
I am tall so I really never got to the point that I felt like I couldn’t grown anymore!! I never felt like my stomach was squished against my ribs. Brady just kicked me all the time in my ribs!! Man it hurt!! The bigger they get the harder the kicks!! I had a few BH contractions around 28 weeks basically it felt like my stomach was as hard as a rock and almost like you were flexing your stomach muscle. You look great!! I am so excited for you about Monday!!! I think I will be just as excited for the 2nd pregnancy!! I am already looking forward to it and can’t wait!!
Congrats on the next milestone! I can’t wait to hear what gender you’re having! 🙂 I’m leaning towards boy!
Everyone thinks that about their first,but really it’s the same for all of them. I’m that way now guessing if it’s a boy or girl and who it might look like and if it will act like it’s brother or sister or what …I ask my husband everyday..do you think it’s a boy or girl..haha
and this is my sixth(last) !
I know your super excited for Monday to come thats so awesome I love reading about your Pregnancy, It makes me want one so bad but I’m waiting another year or two hopefully…I hope you have a wonderful day..
I got that squished up feeling the most when I sat down, and sometimes was lying down in bed. It was super uncomfortable. It made it hard to sit still for long periods of time some times. The braxton hicks weren’t really very bothersome. They weren’t painful either. They were, however, really annoying. During my first pregnancy, I didn’t notice then until I was about 32 weeks pregnant. My last two pregnancies, I started to notice them at about 20-25 weeks, but they say that the more pregnancies you have, the earlier they start.
I am actually getting that squished up feeling right now. He loves to my ribs lately. It’s definitely not a comfortable position. It might be for him but not for me. I usually feel short of breath when this happens. I don’t think I’ve had BHC yet. If I have then I didn’t know it. This is my first so I’m not really sure what to check for or how it is supposed to feel.
I never got BH contractions… I went into preterm labor instead, which was NO fun. Your tummy gets hard as a rock and it feels like someone is choking your uterus. That’s the best way I can describe it. From what others have told me, BH feel pretty much like that, only not nearly as painful. I remember how exciting it was finding out what we were having… have fun and enjoy it!!!
The pain you’re feeling is probably your stomach muscles stretching because the Spawnie is getting bigger and needs extra room to move around. I felt like my stomach stayed in my chest throughout the entire pregnancy. And the heartburn was the worst. But it was all worth it when I saw my little angel for the first time. Be sure to drink lots of water and sit down like the dr recommended.
YOU ARE THE CUTEST PREGNANT MAMA EVER!!! NOT BIG–ADORABLE!
I bet he/she know how much you love them already. Stopping by from SITS!
I love that you are so excited! My pregnancy was the most exciting time of my life. And like you, I worried about EVERYTHING!
I never had Braxton Hicks but I did feel like the baby was squished against every internal organ!!!
You look beautiful 🙂
I just found your cute blog through my niece in law’s blog (Danielle Craig). Such an adorable post. Takes me right back to my first pregnancy – I’m working on #5 now! I’m a few weeks behind you though (14 as of yesterday). Enjoy this first one. Each pregnancy is wonderful, but there’s nothing quite like experiencing it all for the first time….not to mention by the time the next one comes along you’ll be chasing after the first and it just speeds up the process somehow, really makes it fly by. BTW…you look fantastic @ 18 weeks. I’m twice that size and not as far along!!!!! :o)
My stomach is totally squished up to my ribs.. espeically if I am not sitting up straight.. oh boy.
So excited to find out what you are having!
Exciting! This is going fast!
Shane
Sometimes I feel like my stomach is squished, but not always. I suppose it probably depends on what position Baby is in. I seem to notice it more dependent on what I eat.
I think I for sure felt a Braxton Hicks contraction yesterday. It suddenly felt like I was flexing a muscle in my abdomen. It didn’t hurt, but there was a noticeable tightness. It just lasted momentarily, then subsided. I get a lot of cramping, but I don’t think those are BH.
I never felt my lungs in my ribs…just feet, shoulders, or whatever else she could jam in there. It was almost unbearable. Braxton Hicks aren’t really painful. If you put your hand on your stomach when you have the “feeling” you would feel your entire stomach become hard like a rock, then soft again after a minute or two. I had them a lot third trimester.
I’m excited for you. Looking back, I think I enjoyed my pregnancy more than I thought I did. Sigh, I miss it.
First off, you look great. I am now 20 weeks and I am huge! I had the same problem with my daughter and son with the kicking early, and yes, braxtons can start this early. Mine are already in full motion. It’s scary sometimes, but they don’t last long so that’s how I know. And sometimes, it feels like a braxton, but then I feel it, and it’s just the little munchkin curled up in a ball. If I tap, it moves and the pain stops. Hope you are feeling well. Hugs to you.
We found out what ours is, but this time around we have decided to keep it a secret. I can’t wait to see what you are having. I voted a girl, but I have been known to be wrong.
First off, you are the cutest little preggo ever. You are NOT huge, in fact unless you turn sideways I’m sure people can’t even tell!
18 weeks, time is flying. Almost half done!! Yay for your Monday appt, I don’t think I could sleep I would be so excited. Have fun!!
Your bump is so cute!!
After this photo I can definitely say that Spawnie is a BOY. The stomach is nice and high. Have a great time of Monday,
xxx MsBabyPlan.
Oooh, look at that cute bump!!! *squeals* It’s so big now!!!!
See yay you Are getting bigger! I just found today that I am having a boy and I am carrying high so it really could be either. You will love the ultrasound mine was so exciting today. I got stomachs too in the beginning it’s normal they told me it’s just your uterous growing. I hear Braxton hicks feel like the tightening of your stomach. I also hear they don’t happen until towards the end so no worries!
How exciting! I miss looking at those Baby Center pictures every week to see how big my little girl was getting. It’s so fun!!
Stoppin’ by from SITS!
You look AMAZING!!! I’m thinking you are having a boy because you are so put together! (girls make more of a wide belly, so they say)
CONGRATS to you! At 18 weeks I looked HORRIBLE!!
Keep up the great BLOG I LOVE reminiscing my pregnancy through you; the good and the bad! LOL
Well that was just the cutest thing! Very happy to have stumbled on your blog, especially as my husband and I are planing on getting pregnant later this year. I’ll definitely be subscribing! 🙂
– JeLisa
Congrats, you are so close to finding out if you will be having a boy or girl! So exciting!
My stomach started feeling really squished towards the end of pregnancy but braxton hicks contractions started around weeks for me. My stomach would just become tight but they would cause no pain. Dehydration can cause braxton hicks, so can holding in your pee! I can’t wait to find out what you are having!
GO COUGARS!!!!
I am 15 weeks pregnant sitting at home & found your site on pregnancy…I am happy to know about you & the way how the people are giving comments is honestly great…its really coooolll….
I am 15 weeks pregnant sitting at home & found your site on pregnancy…I am happy to know about you & the way how the people are giving comments is honestly great…its really coooolll….
Well that was just the cutest thing! Very happy to have stumbled on your blog, especially as my husband and I are planing on getting pregnant later this year. I’ll definitely be subscribing! 🙂
– JeLisa
I love that you are so excited! My pregnancy was the most exciting time of my life. And like you, I worried about EVERYTHING!
I never had Braxton Hicks but I did feel like the baby was squished against every internal organ!!!
You look beautiful 🙂
You look great! I take those vitamins, too! 🙂
I just found your cute blog through my niece in law’s blog (Danielle Craig). Such an adorable post. Takes me right back to my first pregnancy – I’m working on #5 now! I’m a few weeks behind you though (14 as of yesterday). Enjoy this first one. Each pregnancy is wonderful, but there’s nothing quite like experiencing it all for the first time….not to mention by the time the next one comes along you’ll be chasing after the first and it just speeds up the process somehow, really makes it fly by. BTW…you look fantastic @ 18 weeks. I’m twice that size and not as far along!!!!! :o)
The pain you’re feeling is probably your stomach muscles stretching because the Spawnie is getting bigger and needs extra room to move around. I felt like my stomach stayed in my chest throughout the entire pregnancy. And the heartburn was the worst. But it was all worth it when I saw my little angel for the first time. Be sure to drink lots of water and sit down like the dr recommended.
Everyone thinks that about their first,but really it’s the same for all of them. I’m that way now guessing if it’s a boy or girl and who it might look like and if it will act like it’s brother or sister or what …I ask my husband everyday..do you think it’s a boy or girl..haha
and this is my sixth(last) !
Congrats. I love detailed progress posts and yours with the love letter to baby! Very sweet. Helpful for other moms and such a great way to journal your memories. I've read some week by week books and looked up blogs because I love the baby bonding/developmental information. I just started reading a book I think blows all the others away, and great for every pregnancy, not just the first. It says at 18 weeks that taste buds cover the inside of the baby's mouth. Very cool. It has a section in it where you can journal and write letters to baby just like you are doing on your blog. It's called “The Wonder Within You: celebrating your baby’s journey from conception to birth” by Carey Wickersham. It’s an awesome combination of week-to-week pregnancy information, what’s going on with the baby, “Did you know?” plus health advice about what to eat, cravings, nutrition, etc, BUT also with awesome 3D/4D pictures and videos you can link or QR with your phone to and see what your baby looks like at each week stage. Even better than the typical week-to-week books, and so personal! It’s got mom stories, too. The pregnancy information is as up-to-date as it gets and it’s such a great keepsake. I want to get one for everybody I know who is expecting! I highly recommend it! TheWonderWithinYou.com.
Thanks for your kind words and for sharing Heather!