happy new years!

Well I am 17 weeks today :) I just came back from Miami/cruise and Los Angeles, had a total blast! I tried to not overexert myself there and eat healthier (Cali is a good place for that) and get rest. But it was a bit hard, but I think I did okay :) I think that was my last plane ride while I am preggers- better to stay on the ground for a while. I think the more preggers I get, the more I am adjusting to some of the things I have been fighting or really just learning that this is the way its gonna be for a while. It's a compromise so-to-speak. I am eating less salt, striving to get more bedrest, just overall not pushing myself- in effect making this pregnancy everything I had always wanted it to be- a peaceful one. I had some tough times during the beginning of the pregnancy, but now that I am nearing the middle of my pregnancy (wow huh???), I think I can kinda just go with the pregnancy flow-so to speak..

So the next big steps are I have an AFP test next week in which I will be getting some genetic tests along w/the Downs Syndrome test and making sure all is well w/bebe. I go for the test on Wednesday and I am thinking its going to take a week to get me the results, so thats gonna kinda me nerve-wrecking so I will do my best to keep myself busy during that time. Maybe I will make a list of things for me to do during that space. Then after that I get another sonogram where I find out the gender of the baby! :) :) I'm not supposed to have that sonogram until at least 20 weeks so I have at least 3 weeks before that and its only if I can make an appt. If I had to guess I won't be finding out till end of this month, but thats okay.. I'm not in any rush.

Also in terms of labor and delivery, I think I am gonna start prenatal classes when I move back to Atlanta around week 25 or so. That way I will be local and get to know the people there. The more I think about it- I am not really nervous, b/c I know it has to happen, I just want to feel prepared w/a birthing plan- and I want a doula, for sure, no doubt. But I am always trying to find out what a midwife does and how its different during the labor/delivery process...

In terms of pregnancy symptoms, I bleed more when I blow my nose/brush my teeth b/c I think that its b/c of a higher blood flow, I have occasional "hits/stabs" of gas in my stomach, I am still slightly in the tired phase- but overall I am doing well. This 2nd trimester is supposed to be the good one and thus far I am going out it :) The hormones balance themselves out a bit and your body gets more used to it.

I will let everyone know when I feel my first kick! Although I also don't think that will be till later this month! :)