18 weeks - Getting things done

Over the past week the number of baby items we've acquired have exploded!  We now have a changing table (no pad), crib, infant car seat, two nursing pillows, a small box of clothes (including some cloth diapers) and a small box of toys.  We bought the changing table and crib second hand and the rest was from Sandra and Matt whose boys have outgrown the clothes.  Right now things are going to go into our storage shed since we'll be renovating the bedrooms over the summer.  We're expecting a contractor to get rid of the rotting floors, putting in screens in the windows, then paint for the baby room, then new carpet. There's a lot to get done this summer!  Jake also has grand plans of putting in a new kitchen sink by himself.  I plan on doing a lot of gestating with my feet up, but I have a feeling that's not going to be allowed all the time!   Other tasks we've completed recently is buying our plane tickets home for August and started making calls about officially going on maternity leave.  Going on leave at this point seems like a bureaucratic mess since I have to apply for disability through the government (!) so I'm still not sure how much time I have off total.  Through work I have 12 weeks unpaid leave but with disability and something called CFRA I'll have a few more months on top of that. 
Otherwise I'm feeling good and trying to get more exercise.  I started swimming with Jake at the UCSC pool which feels great!  However, I am still really really tired all the time and sleep 10 hours a night if my schedule allows for it. 

Here's an updated belly photo (from a week ago though):

And here's a cute video of Turnip's otter-like swimming skills in the river (she's really been enjoying this and we're trying to take her at least once a week):

17 Weeks - or Starting the 5th Month!

I can't believe I'm 5 months already!  Though I still have 5 months to go since I just began the fifth month.  I had a check up on Friday (sans ultrasound) and everything appears to be going along fine.  Lab tests were fine and I wasn't even as anemic as I felt.  I've also found prenatal vitamins that don't make me throw up because they are in capsules instead of tablets and therefore don't have a strong smell.  In other weird pregnancy quirks, I also can't deal with the smell of the dish washer (clean or dirty) and grilled vegetables for some reason.  That's too bad because it's summer vegetable season and grilling season!  Hopefully the grilled veggie sensitivity will end with the pregnancy because I've always loved grilled veggies!  However, I'm gobbling up tons of fruit still and the market now has nectarines, peaches and pluots along with all the berries I still love.  I can't seem to get enough fruit!
The belly is getting more pronounced a little every day and Jake surprised me with this awesome pillow that makes sleeping a little more comfortable.  I'm glad I got this early on because the uncomfortable factor is only going to get worse.  Much worse.  I have a very short torso and am going to be very round and off center!  I'm going to need all the help I can get.
I'm still wishing I was back in Michigan because I such a nice time a couple weeks ago.  In addition to missing family I miss all the summer greenery and the crazy weather.  Unfortunately I didn't get to see a thunder storm but I'll have another opportunity later this summer.  Thanks to everyone at home who housed us, fed us and doted upon us.  We love you all very much!
Here in Santa Cruz, I had a lovely weekend and saw lots of friends I haven't seen in awhile.  However, today it's back to work for three days then I have the rest of the week off to get some regular life stuff done, prepare some baby related things and prepare for a co-worker's baby shower.  Our next prenatal appointment is in 3 weeks when we will have the 20 week ultrasound and will meet with the midwife for the first time.  The midwife is in the same practice as my MD so it's really convenient and all my medical records are available.  My doctor said that if she were to have another baby, she would be comfortable with any of the midwives in her practice (there are 3).  I'm so glad that she said that. 

Happy Father's Day to my daddy (who's on the road today) and to all the other dads in my life!