17 weeks!

I'm 17 weeks today. The baby is about 5 inches long and 5 ounces. It's the size of an orange! I am so excited to find out the gender, I can't even stand it. I think that will make it seem a lot more real, because I still don't feel like it's really hit me yet. I think it's hard to really grasp that there's a little person inside me when I can't feel him or her kick yet, and we don't know the gender, or have a name picked out or anything. I've been feeling what I'm thinking are maybe tiny little flutters, when I'm laying down after a meal. It's so hard to tell though, because sometimes I can just feel my pulse really strongly in my lower abdomen. But soon I will be able to feel real, unmistakable kicks!

I'm finally feeling great, all the time. There aren't really any days where I feel sick anymore for the last 2 weeks. I'm still really tired all the time, but it's probably just because of my busy schedule. Hopefully I will continue feeling this well for awhile. I'm starting to notice that when I sleep on my back, my feet get a little tingly. They (doctors) say not to sleep on your back anymore after 16 weeks, but I still do, because sometimes I do it in my sleep, and I think my body will let me know when it's time to roll to my side. I'm starting to get a belly, too! I mostly just look chubby, but I am definitely noticing that my stomach is starting to stick out more. My pants that are higher up on my waist are getting more uncomfortable when I'm sitting for long periods of time. I just don't really like anything pressing on my stomach. I'm holding off on maternity clothes for as long as possible, though. I still haven't gained any weight (I'm 12 pounds below what I "should" be, but as long as the baby is growing and healthy, I personally don't believe that being below the suggested weight matters)...I really can't believe it since my eating habits are the worst they've ever been in my life. I know that eating healthy for the baby should be enough incentive, but unfortunately, it doesn't stop me from drinking pop, and eating junk every day. I'm trying to make small steps every day in a healthier direction, though.

This week, I started clinicals at the hospital, and all the walking made my hips and legs so sore! I couldn't believe it. We probably walked at least 5 miles each day, which is a lot more than I'm used to. It's good though - I need any form of exercise I can get.