Teething Jewelry

I was checking out today's Zulily deals and found this idea to be pretty brilliant.  I wish I would have thought of this...and marketed it...and made some pretty $ :)

Sonny & Reed has created some beads for moms to wear while giving the baby a chance to teeth instead of gnawing on the GOOD jewlery!  The cool thing is...I think these pieces can pass as real jewelry instead of teething necklaces or bracelets.

Bracelets: $11.99, Necklaces: $17.99

THIS Zulily sale ends on 11/20/11

18 Weeks Pregnant {Sweet Potato}

The little "sweet potato" has made it to 18 weeks!  It's about 5.6 inches and weighs about 6.7 oz.

• I went for a walk down a steep hill...and then of course to get back, up a STEEP hill.  This was really hard for me, I could feel a sharp discomfort in my chest and my body struggled most of the way.  The next day, I had lower back pain for a few hours when I woke up, that shot down my leg also.  I iced it when I got to work.  I'm betting I bothered a pinched nerve that I got when painting a fence a few months ago.  Just great...I'm sure this nerve will only get worse as I grow bigger.  Oh what fun to come.
• I've started applying Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula to my breasts, stomach, lower back, thighs, and any other area that I think might stretch...hopefully minimize the stretch mark side effect of pregnancy.
• I'm feeling increasingly HEAVIER.  Although I have much of my energy back, I still feel sluggish and clumsy-like.  I need to start moving around more, going on walks or checking out the pre-natal Yoga DVD that I have.
• I'm beginning to feel the need for maternity pants.  Using a hair band or rubber band to fasten the button to the hole isn't cutting it anymore on a few of my pants.  I don't like any added pressure or tightness around my stomach.
• I'm anticipating our next doctor's appt. in a few days on Monday.  We'll be having a 3-D ultrasound done and we SHOULD be able to find out the sex of the baby!  FINALLY :)

Photo via www.babycenter.com

My phone's BabyBump app says, "Many of the bones in your baby's body are starting to harden.  Among these first bones to develop is the inner ear which is part of the reason why your baby might e able to hear sounds such as your heart beating or your tummy growling.
As you settle into your second trimester you'll likely gain your appetite back.  Eating healthy and getting enough protein is important at this stage as your body needs approximately 300 extra calories to help your baby develop.  Equally important is continuing with exercising; keep moderation in mind and do not begin any new, strenuous workouts."

17 Weeks Pregnant {Onion}

My baby and I have completed 17 weeks together (last Friday...super late post, oops).

• Our last doctor's visit did NOT reveal to us the baby's gender.  The doctor had a hunch, but said it was too early and that she didn't want to give us a false prediction.  BOO!  Patience just isn't my thing.
• I've had a few more "episodes" with my "fiery nipples."  I don't know what it is, but it's so painful!  It makes me worry that I'll be extremely sensitive to nursing the baby.  Ouch :(
• According to the doctor, everything is moving along accordingly which is always great news.
• I've gained 4 lbs.  I still don't look obviously pregnant.  There is a pudge that I can tell is slowly growing.
• It's been suggested to me that I start trying to lay on my left side when sleeping, as this helps to better circulate more oxygen to the baby.  
• Food and I are great friends again!  Such a relief.

Photo via www.babycenter.com

My phone's BabyBump app says, "This week your baby has mastered some simple reflexes such as swallowing, sucking and blinking.  Your baby may even have a bout of hiccups.  Fat is also forming underneath your baby's skin and will continue to do so in the later months of your pregnancy.  This will help prepare your baby for the temperature change from inside your womb to the outside world.

In the 2nd trimester many women notice more significant growth in belly size.  And if you haven't noticed round ligament pain before, you're likely to feel it now as your uterus continues to increase in size and push your intestines upward.  You may have also noticed that you've started to shift your weight to help balance your belly."