16 weeks

Huge. That is all. Huge and my maternity jeans that fit at 9 weeks are now too big at 15.5 weeks. So, it's been determined that the weight I've lost has been in my butt and hips. Thanks for that, Baby.

We spent the weekend in NJ at my in-laws house. My mother-in-law is retiring this year and we drove down to attend her retirement dinner. Jack had a blast, as always. He loves his grandparents so much. I just love seeing him interact with them.

A few times during the weekend I experienced some cramping. I let Todd know, we agreed to keep an eye on it. It wasn't anything debilitating. We weren't too worried because there weren't other symptoms, but discussed the ER (shot down, NO WAY) and I said I'd call my doctor if they continued through to Monday, when we were home and I could go where I was comfortable. Also, in the event that it was something serious, I wanted to be near home. I figured if it was something bad, there's not much that we'd be able to do to prevent it at that point. 

This morning, they continued. I drank a large lemonade from Panera and 1/2 a giant water bottle and waited a bit before calling my OB. I experienced some Braxton Hicks contractions towards the end of Jack's pregnancy, but I wasn't sure if they were something I was supposed to be experiencing at not quite 16 weeks. I picked up Jack from daycare a bit early with high hopes that he'd fall asleep in the car before arriving at the OB's office. No such luck. He stayed awake and was surprisingly well behaved. 

After hearing the reassuring heartbeat, the NP ordered a quick ultrasound to make sure the contractions weren't doing anything to my cervix. Got to see our stubborn cross-legged baby and she's getting so big! If only she'd spread her little legs so that we can officially refer to her by name. ***Reminder--we DO NOT actually know the sex of the baby. We are wishfully thinking it's a girl*** No cervical change, so I've officially been diagnosed with having BH contractions. Joy. 

Every time I start to really feel like things are looking up, this baby throws out yet another curve ball. Every symptom that wasn't experienced with Jack's pregnancy has been unleashed on me this time. I feel like it's karma because I had it so easy with Jack. I wonder what's next! OH WAIT. As I'm resting quietly typing this entry, baby started kicking like mad. Apparently I'm feeling BIG kicks now :)

On the way out of the office, an older couple was on the elevator with me. Jack was sleeping in his stroller as peaceful as any 2 year old could be. As the first floor "pinged" but before the doors open, the man leaned over and mumbled to his wife something along the lines of "*mumble mumble* must not believe in birth control." I was texting Todd, so I can't be sure these were the exact words that he said or that they were directed at me, but he was looking right at Jack when I looked up after he spoke. The couple hustled out of the elevator before I could even form a response. I kind of stood there with my jaw on the floor before realizing that people were waiting for me to leave before boarding the elevator. 

*I have been judged recently for making it clear that we would like a girl. I feel as though I need to add a disclaimer: Despite how much I complain, this baby was planned and is wanted and loved, despite it's gender. The fact that I have to reassure people of this is ridiculous. Yes, I am miserable. But I know that in November, it will all have been worth it. Thankfully, my blog comments MUST be approved. If there is any negativity directed toward me or Todd, I will block readers and make my blog private. Todd and I appreciate all of the positive support and love that we have received during this pregnancy.*