Dear Baby: (18 1/2 weeks)

( 18 weeks: Hanging out in the car after Daddy and me played a little tennis.)

- We had our monthly checkup 2 days ago. Your fast little heartbeat is 145 bpm. It was 160 in December and 140 in January.

- You have grown a LOT in the past two weeks. Last week (On Jan 31st to be exact) was the first time a stranger acknowledged that I was pregnant. He asked "so, are you having a boy or a girl?" I thought wow, I must actually look pregnant- and was all smiles the rest of the day.

- Aunty Nikki recently lent me some of her cute maternity clothes when she and (your) Grandma came over to make lasagnas- perfect timing. I have outgrown pre-pregnancy clothes!

- The constant sickness phase ended about week 16. I'm pretty grateful. :)

- I am constantly touching my belly. This pregnancy experience is such a blessing and I am fascinated by it all. I think about you all throughout the day.

- Your cousin is expected to be here soon! Nikki is feelin' the pressure and hoping she won't deliver for another week or two.

- The past week, especially when laying in bed at night, I am pretty sure I have felt some of your first tiny movements.

- Now that I'm feeling better, I've been able to exercise more. Our workouts have included speed walks around the neighborhood, tennis, and Billy Blanks TaeBo videos (Let's get ripped edition...)

- In just a week and a half we will get to see you and find out whether you are a little boy or girl!

(Around 16 weeks: first "belly shot!")

- We love you! So. very. much.

xoxo.