Eighteen!

A full 18 weeks and starting week 19, Peanut!  This week you will grow to a half-pound, and six inches long--about the size of a large mango.  You are growing a white, greasy covering called vernix that will protect you from the amniotic fluid you're living in.  If you're a girl, your uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in the right place.  If you're a boy, your genitals are now noticeable.  I really hope you make it clear what you are at our next ultrasound!  We love you very much.

I got sick twice this morning--I got sick last Thursday, too.  It's still happening once every 7-10 days, and I'm still tired of it!  I have some aches in my abdomen and I get headaches.  It takes more effort to get out of a low car or to walk quickly.  My balance is off, too. 

We had a monthly appointment this week, and Peanut's heartbeat was between 120 and 130 beats a minute.  The midwife said Peanut was "bouncing around", which is also good.

Jared and I started asking for guesses on Peanut's gender today.  About 80% of people seem to think they are a girl.  Most of the little "old wives' tales" and "predictor tests" would claim I'm having a boy.  I hope we'll find out at the ultrasound and not have to continue waiting.