I've been trying hard throughout this pregnancy not to get my expectations too high.  It all started with the test at the very beginning.  First test was negative and I had to wait a whole week before trying again.  It was a very long week, and we gave up on the cheaper "generic" brand test and dove into the full fledged Name Brand pregnancy test.  A week later, it was hands down positive - yay!  I say that lightly though.  Of course we were excited, but I have to admit that the negative test was a bit of a momentum-breaker on the giddy exuberance we had anticipated.  Then came the long wait to the midwife visit where we might hear the heartbeat - actually, I do think we heard it, but it was difficult to find - so that was actually a pretty positive experience.  But the ultrasound we were so anxiously awaiting was yet another build-up that ended with a technician saying we were "developing slower than normal" - so although very exciting and interesting to see, our mood wasn't as ecstatic upon leaving as we had imagined.

Now we've been at the "was that a kick?" stage for a long time.  I've heard of women feeling it at 15-16 weeks, so I've been patiently and impatiently waiting...waiting...trying...concentrating...forever.  Finally, last week we felt it!  Now, pretty much every time I eat something I can feel little pings in my abdomen where the baby is.  The movements are subtle, but definite, so we're sure they're for real.  I'm at 24 weeks now, so it's been a long time coming.  The little guy/gal is squirming around in there, and appears to be growing strong.  Apparently a placenta that is "anterior" (front) and a set of strong abs makes it more difficult to feel the baby kicking, so at least we have an explanation.  I've gained about 15 pounds so far, and I've started eating 2 eggs with my breakfast every morning for the protein.  There have been a couple mornings when I wake up hungry and have to eat before I can get back to sleep, but for the most part, I'm comfortable and feeling great.   I've been running once a week for about an hour in the hills, although that is definitely getting harder and I'm getting slower.  I'm going for more walks, still lifting twice a week, and continuing to mountain bike on the weekends.  So although my intensity has slowed, I haven't changed that much of what I'm doing.

We just had another visit to the Birth Center, and were yet again anticipating being able to hear a heartbeat-with a stethescope this time.  But, alas, to no avail.  We busted out the doppler again and were able to hear a strong beat using the ultrasound waves.  She said that next time we'd definitely hear it, and that between now and then, we might even be able to start feeling around and recognizing body parts by touch!  This Memorial Day weekend, we're off to pick paint colors for the new room, do some fun yardwork in the sun, and work on the attic some more (finishing up with the electrical so we can have lights up there).  It's time to start making room on the outside for this little being coming our way!