I am almost through the first week of the 2nd trimester. Hooray! I still get a little nervous every now and then, but I’m definitely more relaxed than I was during the 1st trimester. We decided to rent a doppler, not just for peace of mind but to enjoy hearing Smudge’s heartbeat whenever we want. We tried using my brother’s stethoscope yesterday, but we couldn’t hear much. Joe said he could hear something very faintly that he likes to think was Smudge, but I know most people say they can’t hear anything at all during pregnancy with a regular stethoscope.

I’m still having the round ligament pain. It’s not comfortable, but it makes me think that it means my uterus is expanding because Smudge is just growing away. I also feel uncomfortable every now and then when I bend over or lean forward. And, it’s hard for my to sleep in any position but my left side. My belly aches if I lay on my right side, and I feel a lot of pressure when I lay on my back.

I’m completely in maternity pants now, and I wore my first maternity shirt last week because one of the few regular shirts I can wear no longer fits. It’s the only way I notice my boobs getting bigger! Haha. I’m in that in-between stage now when regular shirts are getting too tight but maternity shirts are still a little too big.

I’m so anxious for what is to come during this trimester. I can’t wait to see Smudge again on June 19 and see how much she’s grown. I can’t wait to “pop” and finally be obviously pregnant to people who don’t know me, and I cannot *wait* to feel Smudge move. I know it’s too early now, but at night when I’m laying down, I like to put my hand over my belly and see if I can feel anything. I don’t, but it’s still fun to do. There’s so much to look forward to, and I can’t wait to experience it all.