Ok, let me start off by saying this week is already off to a better start than last week.  And I know it is only just Sunday now, but last week Sunday, I was dealing with nose bleeds even before we left for early church services.  We were late because I was trying to keep my nose to stop bleeding.  I had several nose bleeds while we were sitting in service.  Of course, several older "mothers" noticed and had to ask me what was going on with me.  So that was Sunday.

In the middle of the week, Wednesday, I was having problems standing, walking, and finding a comfortable position while sitting.  Peanut was causing so much discomfort.  I was telling my mom that I was trying to figure out a way to get him/her off of my sciatic nerve and to keep my ribs from aching.  I guess everything was adjusting or making room for the baby, but it was killing me.  I remained on the heating pad for hours.  I tried walking and stretching and nothing seemed to help.  Hopefully, I won't feel like that again anytime soon.

Towards the end of the week, I wasn't sleeping well.  Since reading some material about what's best for the baby, I have been trying not to sleep on my back because I don't want to cut the circulation off from him/her.  Seems like every time I turned over, Brandon was asking me to get off of my back and turn on one of my sides or I was waking up to make sure I wasn't on my back. 

Just want to end with asking you to keep me in your prayers for a better week each week until Peanut gets here.  Thanks.

During this prenatal visit, we finally got to hear Peanut's heartbeat.  It sounded like a helicopter because of the rate it was beating.  I think Bran and I were so excited to hear it. And just to give you an update on how I'm doing, I found out the sharp, spasm-like pain I am feeling in my lower back is sciatica.  This is caused from Peanut resting on my sciatic nerve, so the phrase "on my nerve" could apply here. (I'll try not to say that at all during the pregnancy.)  My nasal passages are dry which is why my nose starts bleeding for no apparent reason.  It was suggested for me to buy/use a humidifier and a saline mist to help moisten the passages.  After thinking that these items would solve my nose bleeds, the doctor broke the news that my nose wouldn't really stop bleeding until after I have the baby. So, why spend the money, huh?

Now we start the countdown until my 20^th week appointment.  We will have the big ultrasound where the sex could be determined.  Don't worry!  We haven't changed our minds. We still don't want to know the sex of the baby, so you will have to wait as long as we do (actually longer - heehee) to find out if Peanut is a girl or a boy.

Well, we made it safely to and from West Virginia during the past week.  Peanut and I made it carefully down the slopes of Snowshoe several times during our ski excursion.  No damage was done to either one of us.  I can't say the same for Peanut's daddy.  He was more adventurous than I was and took a hard tumble on his shoulder, but all is well.  I did exactly as the doctor ordered.  When I felt like I was out of control or like I was going too fast, I laid down, literally.  I must admit that I wasn't as comfortable skiing this time as I had been previously...you know when I was only worried about myself and not a little one growing inside of me.  But all in all, the trip was very relaxing, when I wasn't on the slopes.

On a different note, the nausea is gone (thank God), but I lose my breath easily when I bend over or walk a pretty good distance or climb steps or attempt to tie my shoes, etc.  The list can go on and on, but you get the picture.

I'll add the pictures from the trip as soon as I get them.