We got the fetal doppler I ordered online yesterday afternoon. I always get overexcited and have to break it out before Ian gets home...even though I know I should wait. But I guess it wasn't meant to be with big brother trying to help out. He was sliding that thing all over my belly I could almost see smoke! So, I decided to wait it out for dad.

When Ian got home he took one look at the package, smiled REAL big and told me to lay down somewhere. I chose the couch since I figured there would be a lesser likelyhood of William crawling all over me. HE didn't crawl on me, but got so excited listening to the baby's heart beat he decided it was time to jump for joy...on the couch. He was just a giggling and Ian was just a smiling...and Downey girl was just wondering what was going on again.  I made a mental teary-eyed picture in my head at that moment. My family all gathered round listening to the newest members heart beat. It was so sweet.

This weekend I got on a nursery kick. My mother and I glanced over both boy and girl themes from several sites. I have my favorites...but don't know if I've seen "the one" yet. I figured out from finding your heart beat ( we did it again right before bed) that you are a wiggler like your big brother. I could easily tell William's personality in utero with the movement, the ultrasounds and the "games" we played. I wonder if I'll be able to tell with you... Anyway, I think I need to "meet" you again at the next ultrasound to really get your personality...and gender naturally! Can't wait to start decorating for you!

This is just going to be a mish-mash of stuff, so just bear with me as I jump from topic to topic!

I'm officially in the second trimester!!! Woohoo!! It's always a relief to enter that milestone no matter how often you have been pregnant. I am also going to be ordering my month long rental of the fetal heart monitor (like I did last time with William). Just another added reassurance for the time being until I can feel the baby actually move. I keep feeling stuff, but it's not in the area I should be feeling stuff...so it's just gas! But now, I think of gas as baby movements and my hand goes instinctively to my stomach! Ha ha! Just have to be patient...man I hate that!

It does seem I am more impatient this time around. I don't know if it is because of all the things I am looking forward to, or because I everything went so smoothly last time. I'm just itching to find out if it is a boy or a girl too! I think we have our names!!  But I'm not telling until we can introduce you properly. Besides, they are completely "untrendy" anyway, so nothing "cool" to base ideas on.

I tried something new yesterday...a dill pickle spear and honey mustard dressing! Hey, don't knock it until you tried it! It was really good. I'm gonna have to eat another one today. Man, am I gonna regret all this salt come summer when my ankles are twice their size! Hum...better find a better substitute.

Oh well, that's all for now. Ta-ta.

It was a little hard for me to believe the scale when I got on it yesterday morning...I hadn't gained any weight since my last visit! Holy Crap! I guess just being back home and not eating out so often and not snacking late just because it was available helped out a lot! Besides my usualy appointments are right after lunch anyway...that in itself is likely to make it look like I just gained 5 pounds!

The appointment went well, and I was able to hear the heartbeat!! That reassured me as always. She got out the doppler and reminded me that it would depend on if the baby cooperated or not. The baby did! Already well behaved...takes after his brother (at least at that age). They did tell me to go ahead and get a detailed 18 week ultrasound scheduled for more reassurance. Just to make sure everything has done what it was supposed to do. So, I'll call my new place and put in the request.

Last night Ian treated me to ice cream from Cold Stone. I haven't had ice cream in over a month! I've been on a pickle kick...more salty than sweet with this pregnancy it seems. Hope that doesn't make the little ones personality more vinegar-y! William turned out sweet...maybe I should switch cravings again!

Well, that's all there is to report today. Just needed to update about the doctor. It's cold and rainy here...I'm off to veg!

OOPS- forgot to add that I finally had a dream about the baby. It was a boy in the dream...guess we'll find out if I'm correct again at the next ultrasound!!