12 weeks down, 28 to go

This past week I went in for my 12 week appointment. The ultrasound pictures were SO much more exciting than the 8 week pics (thank goodness). It actually looks like a baby now! And hearing the heartbeat was surreal but amazing. Little bean is 2 1/2 inches long and the size of a lime now. There was so much growth in the last month - I could see the arms and legs, the brain, the umbilical cord, etc.



It was bizarre to see the little bean moving around when I still can't feel anything. I tried, of course, to see if they would give me any indication as to what they think it is without any success. Too soon to tell. Boo.

The next ultrasound will be at 20 weeks, so if baby cooperates, we should know if 2 months. It feels like forever from now, so let's hope these next 2 months stay busy and go by fast!

Other than feeling my normal tired self (except for waking up at 8 a.m. this morning - what is that?!?), I have also started to experience lower back and hip pain. Not terrible pain, but it's there. I might "have" to start getting massages regularly soon! :)

The nurse has forewarned me that as I approach the second trimester I may experience heartburn and acid reflux-like symptoms. My baby book also says that it's normal to gain one pound/week from here on out. Ewwww. The one thing that I haven't quite come to terms with is my new size. Not that I'm huge or anything, but I just don't like not being able to wear the majority of my clothes because of growing body parts. I better just learn to embrace it because there is still a long way to go and, I'm sure, more pounds to pack on!