Pregnancy Fun Facts
Okay, Rachelle and Lisa, here is the belly post you two have been relentless after.
Some fun facts:
*First photo: my belly five and a half months.(Sorry my camera is messed up! I think the blurriness makes it look like I put moose in my hair like girls did in 1992.)

• *Second photo: my belly just two short months ago. No one actually requested this one but I like looking at it and remembering. It reminds me that I might feel light and springy on my toes again at some point.
• *weight gain: 16 lbs.
  
• *pregnancy symptom at this moment: acid reflux...the burning in the throat and chest...the regurgitation of food (swallowing just doesn't do the trick like it used to)...oh, such fun.
  
• *how often I wake up in the middle of the night to eat cereal (or on those extra special nights, tacos/mexican food): 3 - 4 times/week.
• *Week 20: the first time Rob felt the baby move. I got his hand on my belly at just the right moment.
• *I can now: visibly see my belly twitter when the baby is really active. It's usually fun, and even sometimes when the kicking is a little obnoxious (like when I am trying to sleep) it still makes me glad to know my little critter is growing strong.
  
• *Exercise: generally about 8 hours/week. (For any nay-sayers, it's not only half the volume but also less intensity from what I used to do, I listen to my body, and I listen to my doctor!) I currently mix biking, running, tennis, and a little strength work into my week (low weight, high reps). It usually feels GREAT. Especially during my first trimester it was the one time of day I could find relief from feeling nauseous and listless. A lot of times I wasn't in the mood, but I know myself well enough to know how good it would feel once I got going, and I was right. I've learned so much about all the awesome benefits of exercise for a both the pregnant woman AND her baby from this awesome book called Exercising Through Your Pregnancy - I highly recommend it. There are a lot of misconceptions out there that this book helps debunk - especially the one about keeping your HR under 140 bpm.
  
• *Energy level: high again - yay! I used to feel so drained all the time.
• *Birth plan: natural. I've talked to enough women to feel confident that a natural birth is the option that fits me best (hopefully no complications!). I'm still curious to talk to someone who has had a water birth (anyone out there???). That's still one option out there I'd like to learn more about. I doubt I'll go that path, but I am curious.
  
• *Proof of my ignorance about childbirth: I am actually kind of looking forward to it in a strange sort of way. I am fully aware that it is going to hurt beyond belief, but I'm just so curious. And eager for my baby.
• *Biggie Smalls: the nickname Rob has already started using for our boy. Inspired by a Notorious BIG song.
• *Mr. C: the nickname I like to use. Rob thinks it's ridiculous (isn't that the whole point of a good nickname? Makes you laugh.) It's from the initials MRC of the baby's actual name.
  
• *Things Rob and I have bought so far for the baby: only two things - a stroller/carseat thingy, and a carrier that converts for running/biking/xc skiing. I guess this says something about us. We're probably a bit ignorant, but we like to picture ourselves out and about a lot with Biggie Smalls.
• *What makes me go gaga: baby clothes. I've already gotten some from some family and friends. SO cute!