Week #21 Update

I am sooooo thankful I've been able to take such a long time off of work for the Holidays. I did work Christmas Eve (only a half day really because nothing was going on) and then I've been off work since. I don't have to go back until January 2nd and even then I'll only be working that one day. I decided to take Friday, the 3rd off of work because that is the day we have our ultrasound! Up until now I've been very patient about it and not getting myself too amped up for it, but....it's hit me over the past few days. I REALLY want to see the baby in there and make sure it's OK. It will just be a bonus if it cooperates and allows us to see if it's a boy or a girl :) I'm super excited and anxious for it all at the same time.

I even had my FIRST baby dream since getting pregnant (I think that's rather weird considering I dreamt about having a baby many times while trying to get pregnant). I remember in the dream that Ramin and I went to the ultrasound and I said to him something to the effect of "Well, I guess this means we're going with Leila!" ....this clearly means that in my dream we found out we were having a girl. I don't know though, most people tell us we are having a girl but I still don't have a feeling either way. I'm trying not to get my hopes up either way...I'm just anxious to find out. I think I spurred on the dream because before going to bed I remember feeling my belly and realizing how clearly I could feel my uterus and how hard it was...I then grabbed Ramin's hand and made him feel it so he could see what I was talking about. That was the last thing we did before falling asleep so I'm sure that's why I had the dream that I did. :)

I feel bad for not posting a lot of pictures of me and Ramin on here...I just don't take a lot of those types of photos. Perhaps I will while we're at the ultrasound appointment (we'll see). What I CAN post, however, is all of the neat stuff we keep getting for the baby! This week's awesomeness was the 4Moms play yard (called the Breeze) that I WON from CelebrityBabyScoop.com (yes I browse that site weekly because it's fun). I entered the contest they had in early December and I won just a few weeks later! The Breeze showed up on December 23rd! I feel pretty lucky to have won it and I'm excited to use it! We'll most likely use it mostly downstairs in the area that will become the "play area" - near to where I have my craft/office set up.

And these are literally the only other two pictures I took this week - Dingo eating his Ginger Bread Man treat :)

Next post I'll FINALLY be able to post up the stats about the baby as well as what we're having (hopefully). Let's all hope for good news all around.

How far along: 21 weeks, 6 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I know I'm up A LOT this week....I even exercised more than usual (lots of cleaning, walking and workout DVD)....but I just think baby and me are going through a growth spurt, as is also evidenced by my lovely face breaking out right now.

Maternity clothes: I LOVE maternity clothes, I don't know why people whine about them. I think they make me look cuter!

Major Symptoms: Pretty much every night this week I've experienced the hip pain while sleeping. It mostly results on the side on which I'm sleeping, so I have to flip over multiple times a night. I have a feeling it will get harder to do that as time goes on. Sometimes the only relief I can get is to either lay on my back and stretch my legs out OR just get out of bed altogether and walk around. I may need to replace the mattress pad we took off a while ago...it may help with cushioning more.
Stretch marks: Actually, I think a few are starting to sprout...but can't be sure yet. 
Sleep: I looooove sleeping. I've even been able to get in a few naps as well. 
Best moment last week: Receiving our Breeze play yard! So awesome.
Movement: Yes....I think they're becoming more distinct now and I can tell when they're happening.
Food cravings/aversions: More cereal and LOTS of Halos (small oranges)

Belly button - in or out? Still in and moving outward.
Labor signs: Nope
What I miss: It's getting harder and harder for me to get up from the couch multiple times, especially our couch downstairs. While I wouldn't say I actually "miss" it....I am starting to feel like it's harder for me to remain as flexible/mobile as I was before.
What I am looking forward to: ULTRASOUND!! 
Milestones: Nothing specific this week, other than getting a play yard :P