Week 19 

This past couple days have brought with them a host of new symptoms/experiences.  I started getting sharp, lower left abdominal pains, here and there.  Before that, I started experiencing what I can only describe as contractions.  It's all very common, but it certainly scared the heck out of this first-time pregnant lady!  I have a tendency to freak out until I'm sure what I'm feeling is natural.  Then, I can handle it, haha.  At least I now know how contractions are likely to feel.  I'm just hoping they don't come around again for another 5 months!

Another thing that happened this week is that Josh and I got a relatively cheap stethoscope to listen to the baby.

(I couldn't capture a selfie with me actively listening.  I'm sure Josh will take one at some point for me :-))

I was tempted to buy a used Doppler machine, but it's not good for the baby to bombard it with that machine more often than necessary.  So, we decided to go the cheaper, less invasive route.  Downside: We likely won't be able to pick up a heartbeat on this thing for a very long time. Upside:  I can now here the water and kicking sounds Josh can here when he puts his ear to my belly :-).  So, I've been having a lot of fun with it.  

One more week until we find out the gender! Can't wait!! :-)