Hello Baby Bump!

17 weeks and counting!  ... the belly is a-growin'! 

In true Pardue fashion, our baby seems to be most happy when I exercise!  Last Wednesday while my mom and I were on a walk, I officially felt the baby moving for the first time!  I had been feeling little flutters for a few days, but did not want to believe it was the baby until I felt movement that was undeniable.  Sure enough, the babe about stopped me in my tracks when I felt little wiggles in my belly.  I was so happy I happened to be with my mom for this fun moment! 

Everyone says the first baby movements feel like butterflies in your stomach.  Maybe they did at first when I wasn't sure whether it was the baby or not.  Now they feel more like little wiggles or tiny popcorn pops.  Quite a picture, eh?


I am so grateful to have more energy these days.  During the first trimester, I slept... All.  The.  Time.  In the glorious second trimester, I actually get to be productive again!  Perfect timing so I can do a little early Spring cleaning before we start decorating the baby's room!  


FOOD: Surprisingly, I haven't really had any food cravings lately.  I may not have a strong opinion of what I want to eat for each meal, but I seem to know exactly what I DON'T want.  Oh, and I feel quite passionately about it!  Early in the first trimester, I had a strange craving for macaroni & cheese and spaghettiO's.  If you know how much Clay and I like to cook, you might be thinking that I was eating some fancy mac & cheese.  Oh no my friends,  I was extremely specific about wanting the bright orange powder cheese!  I was all about the Kraft.  Dear Baby, I apologize for the processed powdery goodness, but I think you enjoyed it as much as I did.  At least I got "organic" spaghettiO's at Whole Foods.  Yea, baby!  Thankfully, I am finally getting over my aversion to Mexican food, which I am thrilled about since I normally LOVE it!  


Sleeping with a Bump:  I just learned that sleeping on your left side while pregnant is ideal for both mom and baby.  Apparently it has something to do with digestion and getting maximum amounts of nutrients to the baby.  In any case, I have had to learn to accept the fact that I can no longer sleep on my back.  When you're at a certain point in your pregnancy, sleeping on your back can cut off circulation to a major vein that runs from your legs to your heart.  Even sleeping with a body pillow between my legs and supporting my growing belly, my hips have started to ache at night.  So, I am still working on how to get a better night's rest!  I welcome any good tips from experienced prego ladies!  


Still loving being pregnant and loving every phase!  Thanks for reading and I'm so excited to be able to keep y'all updated. :) 


Love,
Diana