Signs of Spring
April 7, 2009
If spring is about signs of life suddenly emerging into view, then spring has indeed come to my body. In the last week or so, I have started to see outward signs of the life that’s been growing “underground” up to this point. Normal movements like leaning forward and curling up in bed at night have suddenly become rather uncomfortable for me as a weird pressure now presses back against me. My abdomen and back have been sore as they presumably are stretching to accommodate the growing mass inside. I hear the second trimester is a major growth spurt for the baby so I’m expecting my belly to start growing exponentially in the next couple of weeks. I also hear I should start feeling the baby move anytime now so both Andy and I eagerly await that day. We should find out the gender of the baby in 3-4 weeks so that is also a day of great expectation for us.
I have finally deciphered the code behind the “how far long are you?” mystery. Between my midwife, our pregnancy book, and my own mental calendar, everyone has a different opinion about how far along I am. I am proud to say that I can now declare with confidence that I am officially 16 weeks along (I think). I’m actually in my 17th week, but they only count how many weeks have fully passed since the first day of your last period. (Kind of like how I’m only counted as 29 years old even though I am 3 months into my 30th year. This is a very important distinction for me personally at this particular juncture of my life. I’m still officially in my 20s.)
Symptom-wise, I am feeling much better than I did in the first trimester. Within the last couple of weeks, I have really noticed a drop-off in the nausea and headaches, though I still battle the occasional headache. Craving-wise, Chipotle has seen a dramatic increase in my patronage. For some reason, I keep dreaming about that fresh tomato salsa and yummy mix of spicy barbacoa, rice, beans, sour cream and cheese. (I actually had it for lunch today.) I’m considering asking for Chipotle gift cards at my baby showers.
Well, that’s about all I have to share until next time. I have to run now to pick out my Easter dress and hat and new patent leather shoes before Sunday. 
