Week 22~

It’s the end of week 22. I would have to say that this week I have really started to grow, or so I thought. I woke up on Sunday and thought my tummy had doubled in size since Jake took my week 21 picture on Friday. He even came home from work and was shocked at how much larger it had gotten over night. He then again on Tuesday asked me if my tummy had grown over night. I guess that it’s finally the time for me to start growing. It’s now the end of the week and I think my tummy may have shrunk or maybe I have just grown used to it. I decided that I was not going to post any more belly pictures for a few weeks. The reason is that I want people in Washington to be surprised to see me and my growing belly. I figured if I kept updating it every week that when I get to Washington in a few weeks then people would not even be surprised. I will update the blog with pictures from each week after my trip to Washington. Then those of you who won’t see me in Washington can see how large I have gotten.

This week I met with my family doctor on the base because he got the letter about my kidneys and referred me out in town. I was very surprised that I was able to see the specialist the following day. I guess it was lucky that I was home when they called to see if I could make it to the 5pm appointment. The good news is that my kidneys are great. He could see a little stuff from what looks like the infection or maybe the kidney stones (healing). He said that was probably the reason for the excess blood in my urine. I will go back and see the specialist after the baby is born to make sure that my kidneys have healed themselves. He just told me that being pregnant puts a lot of extra stress on your kidneys. I have not completely decided yet, but I might just see my family doctor the rest of this pregnancy. I hate to say it’s because he is American, but it makes things a bit easier when we are planning on having our baby in an American hospital. Due to the fact that we are having the baby in an American Hospital there are just different tests that they do vs. if you have you baby in a British Hospital. I have not fully decided if I will do this yet, but I’m starting to lean this way.

I’m still doing well on my weight. I’m right on track for my weight or that is what they doctors tell me. When I was in the doctor’s office this week both times the nurses told me how small I am. I have finally decided that I will just answer people with, “I’m just a small person.” I know they are trying to be sweet, but all pregnant women are different. Some are going to be bigger, while others are going to be small. I try not to let it get to me. In all the books it talks about after you have your baby you will leave the hospital still looking 5-6 months pregnant. I guess if I’m going to look like I do now when I have her then it will be that much easier to get back to my pre-pregnancy size. This makes me feel a bit better about not having a beach ball under my shirt. I know it sounds silly, but sometimes you need little things to make you feel better even if they won’t be true. I’m feeling really good. I’m no longer putting on any of my pre-pregnancy close. I can fit into some of my tops still, but don’t want to stretch them out. I also have some pants that work and others I can use the belly band with. I have to say that my maternity jeans for the Gap are the best jeans and most comfortable.

I have also been pretty emotional this week. It’s pretty surprising because I have not been really emotional this pregnancy. I guess it’s all about the massive hormones going through my body. I guess that about wraps it up with my pregnancy this week.
I’m getting very excited about my trip back to Washington. I can’t wait for my baby showers! It will be so great to see family and friends! I have started to get more excited about coming back to Washington since people have started getting my invites to the showers. I’m not looking forward to leaving my hubby, dogs or the 14 hour flight. I now just have to get through my whole week of work next week. Wish me luck! I’m sure it will go great, but praying that the kids are pretty healthy and no kids’ get me sick. I know this is off the subject sort of but I think that 2010 is the year to have babies.

~Candice