Helen is getting stronger (and bigger!) every day. She is very active, and I think I'm just not used to it yet, but a couple times in the last week, she has kicked so hard, I have been slightly alarmed! She sure is partying in there or working out or something! Ben (and others like her Auntie Andrea) have already been able to feel her kick as well for the last couple weeks now. The first time Ben felt her kick, I've never seen him smile so big. His face lit up like a Christmas tree, it was so adorable. We love feeling her kick and punch and it never gets old (well so far it doesn't keep me up at night or anything so that is good, but maybe that will change soon!). She likes to be especially active when I'm in meetings at work, so most of the time I entertain myself by feeling her kick rather than listening to the meeting, it's way more fun!! Once I even saw my belly move, it was crazy!
So, I am starting to feel more and more pregnant though. Besides my growing belly, my body has just been feeling the effects of everything. I had a leg cramp last week that lasted 4 days, and it gets uncomfortable sitting all day at work now so I have to get up and move around or go to the gym at work in the middle of the day. My hips and my legs get really stiff and tight and sometimes my belly gets a little sore. One girl at work even told me I was waddling already the other day! Haha! I just get so stiff I can't walk right for a little while after I've been sitting. And I've had some mild back pain and heartburn, but it all come with the territory! I remind Ben all the time now that I'm only a little person so it's not easy for me to carry all this around...and we still have 117 days to go!
Some big non-baby related news Ben and I found out 2 weeks ago is that he will be in Command of a cutter in New London, CT starting in August and we'll be moving to RI most likely shortly before then. We're excited for the change and looking forward to having my family around to help with the baby once I go back to work. Hopefully I'll just be transferring to the Raytheon office in Portsmouth, RI.
Yesterday Ben and I spent the day registering for gifts. It was a lot of fun, but after many hours of looking at hundreds of bottles, blankets, onesies, etc. we were beat...and maybe more confused!! There is so much we apparently need and so much to choose from, it's a little overwhelming! Luckily, we have some good books and friends and family to help guide us through it! And we still had enough energy after to go out for our Valentine's date night last night. Ben has been away so much for work, it was so great to spend some quality time together, and I even stayed awake for the movie we saw. I think Helen liked it too because she was kicking like crazy!
Next up on the baby agenda is another ultrasound on March 3rd, my mom's bday. My mom is actually coming down for it so she can see her granddaughter in action on her birthday! They didn't get a good look at the spine in my last ultrasound because of the way Helen was lying, so they just want to get a better look and make sure her growth is on track. I will be posting more pics of Helen after that appointment. Enjoy a recent pic of my belly below...this was just taken today.
Love,
Tara, Ben and "Helen"
xo
