Pop!  Goes the belly.

14 weeks IMG_5961

Getting bigger every single day.  Most baby websites compare the size of the baby to a fruit, which can be fun but also a bit silly – baby is currently a sweet potato but sweet potatoes can be small or big!  So I like to look at this fetal weight and length chart and then find a common object the baby is the same size as… This week, he/she is about the length of a dollar bill, if you include the legs.  Crazy!

United_States_one_dollar_bill,_obverse

Here’s what’s going on with BabyHTP this week.  “He weighs almost 7 ounces. He’s busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you’ll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead… Plus, he’s developing yawning and hiccupping skills (you may feel those soon, too!) and his own unique set of toe and fingerprints…  The baby can hear sounds and may be startled by loud noises.” (Source, Source, Source)

 

I’ve been able to feel movements for about three weeks, and I try to ‘make’ the baby move by pushing on my stomach or talking to him/her, but no dice.  Baby just moves when she/he feels like it. 

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I continue to feel pretty good… I’m realizing that I am getting off really easy as far as pregnancy goes.  Sometimes I have aches and pains, sometimes I feel short of breath (the bump is definitely compressing my lungs in certain positions)… but generally, I feel normal.  And trust me, I am grateful!

 

This week, I thought I’d share three fun pregnancy gadgets, gizmos, and websites that I’ve been using:

 

Kegel Camp:  I downloaded the Sex with Emily Kegel Camp app, and I love it!  Kegel exercises help you ‘prevent or control urinary incontinence’ by ‘strengthening the uterus, bladder, and bowel.’  The exercises aid in childbirth (and recovery) and result in stronger orgasms (Source, source).  Um, win-win!  I always try to remember do do kegels but fall off the wagon after a few days.  I like the app because, if you turn off the sound, it vibrates for every tense and release.  I just sit on the couch while watching TV and do my kegels… no one will ever know!  Well, now you all do.  You know what I mean.

kegelcamp

Mama Bee Belly Balm:  I understand that stretch marks are most hereditary, but you can definitely minimize them by eating right, gaining an appropriate amount of weight, and staying hydrated (Source).  The jury is still out on whether balms or creams can prevent them from occurring, but I figure that it can’t hurt.  I like the Mama Bee balm because it’s SUPER oily and greasy… I know some people wouldn’t like that but I feel like it’s actually working as a result.  Hah.  I rub it into the bump at night, kind of like a bump massage.  Actually, now that I think about it, I like the Belly Balm more because I use it as an excuse to feel the baby moving around (he/she is most active at night).  I can feel the movements better when my skin is slippery.

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However, if I do end up with stretch marks, I will be okay with it, because I’ve been reading….

 

Shape of a MotherPregnancy is awesome, but it’s a big change in terms of body image. On one hand, my evolving self-image is mostly positive – I can’t believe my body is doing something so awesome, and I love to feel the baby move, etc.  But it’s hard in some ways, too.  Being very active is a huge part of my identity, and I love to participate in sports, and I just can’t do that right now.  My clothes and underwear don’t fit very well, and that is always a bit frustrating no matter what the reason.  I’ve been reading entries from Shape of a Mother (warning: lots of nudity so not safe for work) every night before bed.  It reminds me that moms come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and no matter what my naked stomach or breasts or butt ends up looking like, it’s okay.  When I look at images of moms and read their stories, I can’t help but think how awesome, inspiring, beautiful, and BRAVE they all are.  I really love this site; it’s so positive and affirming.  I think all women – not just mommas – should check it out!

shapeofamother

Here are my Babble posts from this week:

Your guide to those exciting nine months

 

Here’s Week 18, neatly summarized:

 

  • Total Weight Gain: Unknown, no weigh-in

  • Workouts:  1000 yard swim, 3 mile walk, 1000 yard swim + 1 mile walk

  • Baby Items Purchased:  None.  Saving $$ this week!

  • Current Worry:  Our anatomy scan is coming up next week, and I am very nervous.  I’m trying not to think negative thoughts but since we opted out of all genetic testing, this feels very important. 

  • Gender Suspicions:  I’ve decided that I have no idea and won’t ever feel positive about whether it’s a boy or girl until I have a screaming infant on my chest in the delivery room.

  • Cravings: None… just eating normally.

  • Nursery Ideas:  Wouldn’t a gray and yellow nursery be cute?

  • Laziness:  Moderate.  I am definitely turning a corner.

  • Name Battles:  One.  We are still undecided on a boy name (well, we have a contender but we are only 90% sure, so we’re thinking of alternatives).  I really like the name Elliot but the Husband has shot it down.  He just looks at me and says, “Elllliiiooot” like E.T.  Hah.

{ 126 comments }

 

  • Jessi @ Quirky Cookery January 11, 2012, 5:45 pm

    Aww, you’re actually really showing now. You make such a cute pregnant woman!

    And the Kegel app seems really good, although if you forget to turn off the sound, that could cause some problems, ha.

  • Alice January 11, 2012, 5:45 pm

    My brother’s name is Elliot! I think it’s a really great name, and it definitely doesn’t have any weird nickname options. I think it just sounds really classic and timeless.

  • Rachel January 11, 2012, 5:51 pm

    Hehe Elliot is totally out for a name in our family – since it is our last name!

    Happy 18 weeks! I’ve been obsessively refreshing your blog for about 4 hours waiting for this. Truth.

    • Caitlin January 11, 2012, 5:51 pm

      Aw thanks for waiting! I had two meetings that ran wayyyy over.

  • Laura January 11, 2012, 5:52 pm

    I love the gray and yellow idea! I might steal that for my spare bedroom 🙂

    Seriously, between you and the Fitnessista, I’m getting “the fever” over here.

    • Suzanne C. January 12, 2012, 5:50 am

      AGREED!!!

    • Brigid January 12, 2012, 5:46 pm

      Yes! So much this!

  • Lee January 11, 2012, 5:53 pm

    I think the name Elliott is really cute. It’s also one of my best friend’s maiden name.

  • Rachel Starr January 11, 2012, 5:54 pm

    I used that belly balm during my first pregnancy & got ZERO stretch marks :). This time around I’ve opted for a more budget friendly option; coconut oil! Only $10 for a giant tub that I got back in June! I slather it on my belly & boobs every night before bed. I only have 5 more weeks to go & again no stretch marks! But then again, maybe I’m just genetically blessed like that?

    And I love the idea of a gray & yellow nursery! Very chic & modern while staying gender neutral.

    I think the whole name debate is what would drive me nuts about not knowing the baby’s gender. I’m such a planner!

  • Kristy @ KristyRuns January 11, 2012, 5:55 pm

    Look at that adorable bump! And I love the name Elliot!

  • AmandaonMaui January 11, 2012, 5:57 pm

    I adore classic names. Victorian/Edwardian era especially. For a lot of European boys that meant biblical names, but there were others as well. Though, I really loved my grandfather’s name. Jule. His middle name was Vernon. I feel like his parents must’ve been fans of Jules Verne.

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb January 11, 2012, 5:58 pm

    awww i think elliot is so cute!!

    you can really see the bump this week… i love it!

  • Lori January 11, 2012, 5:59 pm

    You look absolutely beautiful and happy!!!

    • Caitlin January 11, 2012, 5:59 pm

      Thank you Lori. This was just a really nice comment that made me smile!

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife January 11, 2012, 6:04 pm

    Awww fun–you popped! SO cute 🙂

  • Natalie Rae January 11, 2012, 6:13 pm

    LOVE grey and yellow! Check out the grey and yellow sheets, bumpers, etc at Pottery Barn Kids. They just launched them this month and I bought grey polka dot and yellow with white elephants organic sheets… even though all my other bedding is Black and White Missoni Baby for Target (online right now) 🙂 Something else- Martha Stewart paint at Home Depot has a low VOS (sp?) paint in a great grey called Bedford Grey.

  • Kelley January 11, 2012, 6:14 pm

    I love the idea of Grey/Yellow. Very chic and modern. =) We have our anatomy test next week too! I think I’m most excited just to see the baby so that’s what I’m focusing on (not the science stuff we’re ACTUALLY there for lol).

  • sara January 11, 2012, 6:16 pm

    I’ve got a Bennet and a Jude. If we have another boy, he’ll almost certainly be Elliot! Keep fighting for it!

    As far as yellow and grey, yes and yes! Gorgeous color scheme!

  • Sarah @ w30 January 11, 2012, 6:24 pm

    Cute bump! Love the yellow and gray nursery idea! Very sweet for a boy or girl.

  • Marci January 11, 2012, 6:41 pm

    I am doing grey, white and green. It is going to be super cute! My bedding has arrived, but I have nothing else in the house so no pics yet to share. But it’s going to be great.

  • Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama January 11, 2012, 6:54 pm

    I love yellow and grey for a nursery! Or any room really. It’s a great combo.

  • jane January 11, 2012, 6:59 pm

    holy crap girl where did that bump come from?! 😉 there’s no denying it, you look like a pregnant lady!! so cute! im not pregnant and havent been yet, but i hear a lot of people talk about how nice it is when you finally look pregnant so that others a) don’t just think you have put on a little chub, b) because it makes it all feel so real!! so exciting for you. also, love the name elliot, but after reading the ET thing I could not stop laughing…

    • Caitlin January 11, 2012, 7:00 pm

      I think the bump is kind of like growing out your bangs… For a while you just look awkward and in between 🙂

  • Linz @ ItzLinz January 11, 2012, 7:05 pm

    i really really really love your weekly updates! and i might just download that app! 😉

  • Katie @ Katie Without Restrictions January 11, 2012, 7:08 pm

    Woo, look at that belly pop! You look gorgeous. I LOVE the gray and yellow combo ~ I’m currently in the process of doing our bedroom in those colors 🙂 I do have a question for you: what is an anatomy scan? Clearly I have not yet been through this process!

  • Amy@ahealthyandhappyheart January 11, 2012, 7:14 pm

    Yellow and gray would be so adorable! I love those colors together! I am glad my husband and I were not the only couple to not get the genetic testing done. Good luck with everything 🙂

  • Angela @ Happy Fit Mama January 11, 2012, 7:30 pm

    I used Mama Bee Balm for my entire pregnancy and did not get one stretch mark! Love that stuff!

  • Julie January 11, 2012, 7:36 pm

    I also love the name Elliot, but my husband shot it down too. We settled on Elias and we mostly call our son Eli.

  • Rebecca @ Naturally Healthy and Gorgeous January 11, 2012, 7:38 pm

    Congrats on being so accepting of the changes that are happening to your body. That is something I bet a lot of fitness-oriented women have a hard time with.

  • Anna January 11, 2012, 7:45 pm

    I love your blog and have been reading for a while! My baby boy (born 8/1) is Elliot and I loved the name and my husband would always say “Ellllllliotttt” from ET. I ended up having a C-Section and when I was on the table and they were lifting him out and asked his name I said “Elliot” (I was, sadly, pretty out of it) and who was my husband to argue with me once I had been sawed in half. Now we both love the name and the baby. The comment I get the most is “cute name.” Go for it! Wishing you a healthy, happy, easy rest of your pregnancy.

    • Caitlin January 11, 2012, 7:46 pm

      Thank you for reading!

      I LOVE this story 🙂

  • lindsay January 11, 2012, 7:56 pm

    i know i don’t comment regularly…but i have been reading your blog for years. and you look amazing!!! i can’t believe you are already 18 weeks. you look fabulous and i wish nothing but the best for you both!

    • Caitlin January 11, 2012, 7:59 pm

      thank you so much my dear!! for reading and for such a nice comment.

  • Ursula January 11, 2012, 8:03 pm

    Great job…you work out WAY more than I do, and I’m definitely not pregnant.

    There was a report on the ABC evening news about the rising crisis in women’s sleep…millions of women suffering from chronic inability to sleep and exhausted because of it…I didn’t catch the end of the report , but maybe its on their website to offer solutions???

  • colleen January 11, 2012, 8:31 pm

    You definitely ‘popped’ but look amazing! Definitely need to look into that app! Been slacking in the kegel department.

  • Kath January 11, 2012, 8:32 pm

    I always feel so lame commenting on pregnancy posts that are full of information with responses like “Whoa! Look at that belly!!”

    But I’m gonna just say it. You’re so cute!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) January 11, 2012, 8:34 pm

    Kegels are a must! I swear by them and at almost 11 years after my last birth, I still do them! I used cocoa butter when I was pregnant and got one stretch mark. I wear it like a badge of honor thanks to my youngest, Max. It was a horrible pregnancy, but it was worth it! You look great and I love the little bump! You wear it well!

  • Ashley January 11, 2012, 8:52 pm

    Wow we must have similar tastes! I’m due June 15th so I love reading your updates…our nursery will be yellow and gray and Elliot is one of our top boy names!

  • Kate S. January 11, 2012, 8:53 pm

    I LOVE gray and yellow for the nursery!

    You look so beautiful!!

  • Ashley @ Cooking for John January 11, 2012, 9:03 pm

    Two things…

    1) ooooMYgoshyourBELLYISsoCUTE!

    2) Gray and yellow would be adorable! We are actually considering a gray + yellow wedding theme, but haven’t decided yet.

    🙂

  • TeenyLittleSuperChef January 11, 2012, 9:08 pm

    You look like an adorable little pregnany lady. Other than the belly, no one would even be able to tell you were preggers. Good luck with everything. Can’t wait to see you when you’re at month 9. That’ll be fun! Baby HTBowling Ball

  • Ashley January 11, 2012, 9:26 pm

    Your bump definitely popped out! I think a gray and yellow nursery would be great, I mean, that is what I did my daughter’s nursery in :). But really, I think that would be an excellent starting off point, because depending on boy or girl you can easily swing it more girly or a little more boyish.

    Here is a link to my nursery. I’m pathetic and haven’t taken pictures of it since then really, but you get the gist.

    http://thedomesticwannabe.blogspot.com/2010/02/nursery-progress.html

    Good luck with the anatomy scan! Think happy thoughts, I’m sure baby will be just great!

    • Caitlin January 12, 2012, 9:23 am

      It is looking so pretty Ashley!

  • Kristen @ The Concrete Runnee January 11, 2012, 9:34 pm

    Yes, I’d say you’ve popped! And if we hadn’t found out we were having a girl, I was totally going to do the nursery yellow and gray!

  • Jennie January 11, 2012, 9:38 pm

    I love yellow and gray and think those are awesome colors for a nursery <3

  • Lesley January 11, 2012, 9:42 pm

    You look great!

  • Marlène January 11, 2012, 9:45 pm

    When I was pregnant, my husband and I were 99% sure our baby boy would be called Vincent. But when he was born, every time I tried to call him that, I would trip up on the name. The baby just wasn’t a Vincent. So after two days of just being called “Baby”, we finally went with my husband’s second choice (and my third choice) Nico. And man, my baby is SUCH a Nico. IMO you just don’t know till you look in the baby’s face.

    • Caitlin January 12, 2012, 9:24 am

      We have talked about this too! That we can think of options but we dont know for sure until we see them.

  • Jen January 11, 2012, 9:45 pm

    I loved Mama Bee! I used it religiously every night when I was preggers and have zero stretch marks. 🙂

  • Dominique January 11, 2012, 9:46 pm

    My fiance thinks the exact same thing when he hears the name Elliot. It doesn’t help that E.T. was on TV a couple of weeks ago.

  • Lindsay @ FuelMyFamily January 11, 2012, 9:49 pm

    That kegel app is great actually. Keep those up, especially if you want to run again post-partum without peeing yourself! I have a 5 month old so trust me, they’re crucial!
    Your belly is adorable by the way! I loved being pregnant, probably the most confident in my body I have ever been!

  • Leah January 11, 2012, 9:58 pm

    My nursery is grey and yellow…and I think it’s pretty awesome! 🙂

    http://www.lovingdangerously.com/2011/09/baby-cases-finished-nursery/

    • Leah January 11, 2012, 9:59 pm

      p.s. we just named our little girl Elliot! 🙂

      • emily January 11, 2012, 10:46 pm

        That is awesome! Elliot is one of the girl names we’ve been throwing around too*. (way way in advance!)

    • Caitlin January 12, 2012, 9:25 am

      It is beautiful Leah!!! I love grey and yellow.

  • Lindsay January 11, 2012, 9:58 pm

    Just wondering when the Healthy Living Summit weekend is going to be posted with location and dates? 🙂

    • Caitlin January 12, 2012, 9:32 am

      Hi Lindsay! No idea. I am not going to be involved in planning this year because of the baby. But I will definitely announce to help promote it.

  • Sarah January 11, 2012, 10:02 pm

    I just love your growing belly! I cant wait to see you in a few weeks!

  • Jen in LA January 11, 2012, 10:08 pm

    I love it! Isn’t it fun to feel the baby!!! Two things to hopefully make you smile: 1.) I can relate to the exercise/body image feelings. I am a marathoner and it was EXTREMELY hard and frustrating at times to not participate last year when I was pregnant ( I still ran, but it’s not the same as, well, training and endurance sports/speedwork, right). And don’t feel guilty for feeling that way. It’s just who you are and someday your baby will know you and appreciate that you are an active mom, not a sloth. 2.) I didn’t get any stretch marks at all! It’s totally possible! My baby was born on 12/12. He’s awesome. Enjoy your pregnancy!

    • Caitlin January 12, 2012, 9:32 am

      🙂 Aw congrats on your baby!

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen January 11, 2012, 10:16 pm

    A kegel app…what else will they think of?

  • lynne @lgsmash January 11, 2012, 10:31 pm

    LOL I love thinking of your husband’s British accent quoting ET.

    PS. THanks for sharing your pregnancy journey with us – I look forward to your weekly updates! Glad everything’s going smoothly so far!

    • Caitlin January 12, 2012, 9:33 am

      Thanks for reading!

  • Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs January 11, 2012, 10:32 pm

    Wow, you can really see a difference in your belly now! You look great!

  • Sarah January 11, 2012, 10:33 pm

    I think a gray/yellow nursery would be super cute! I love reading all the fun baby facts, even though hubs and I don’t plan to have kids, it’s just such an amazing thing o think about, a real person growing and changing at a crazy rate each week. Awesome!

  • Suzanne January 11, 2012, 10:35 pm

    hello.

    congrats on your baby… thought you might enjoy this… snow patrol.

    http://www.cbs.com/late_night/liveonletterman/snow_patrol/video/

    since you like snow patrol. it’s a live concert they did after their Letterman performance. it’s about a 45 mins live show. it was incredible. highly recommend especially since you love the new album! 🙂

    • Caitlin January 12, 2012, 9:33 am

      AWESOME. Thanks!!!

  • Keri January 11, 2012, 10:42 pm

    You look beautiful! And I must admit, I’m a little jealous 🙂 I just got out a dollar bill, and I really think it’s such a miracle how something that size can be living within you right now. I just know your baby will be healthy and happy–can’t wait to read about baby HTP. Also, thanks for sharing The Shape of a Mother. How inspiring—and how amazing what our bodies are capable of. Beautiful!

  • Jen January 11, 2012, 10:59 pm

    Oh, yeah…you are definitely getting “bumpy” now…you look beautiful!!!

    • Caitlin January 12, 2012, 9:33 am

      Thank you so much Jen 🙂 I appreciate it a lot.

  • Katie of Cabbage Ranch January 11, 2012, 11:44 pm

    I LOVE The Shape of a Mother. One of my friends posted to it to remind herself how worthy her body was after bearing several children, and losing one. It helped her be proud of her body for producing the children she loved so much, and comforting the daughter she lost. It’s a wonderful site and so incredibly validating. So glad you found it.

  • Rebecca January 11, 2012, 11:51 pm

    Gray and yellow is actually my roommate’s wedding color scheme! 🙂 I think a gray and yellow nursery would be lovely!

  • Lexi @ Cura Personalis Foodie January 12, 2012, 12:13 am

    Love the neat summary! Such a type A right here haha…

  • Liz January 12, 2012, 12:30 am

    Grey & yellow would be adorable for a nursery – very ‘gender neutral’ and grey is my favorite color 🙂 Oh, & tell Kristien he’s nuts – Elliot’s an adorable boy’s name!

  • Jen January 12, 2012, 12:33 am

    Look at that adorable little bump! What about a brown & turquoise nursery? I think those are gender neutral colours…you can do so many shade variations. Plus, I happen to love brown & turquoise together, lol.

    • Caitlin January 12, 2012, 9:34 am

      Those are very pretty colors, I agreee!!!

  • Lauren M January 12, 2012, 1:37 am

    You look gorgeous Caitlin! And your bump is perfect!

    We didn’t know the sex of our son either so when writing a reference to him I just used s/he 🙂

  • Kate January 12, 2012, 2:20 am

    I love the grey and yellow idea! Of course, I’m partial because those are the colors of my bedroom as well. I never thought I would like grey walls, but I ended up loving them.

  • Suzanne C. January 12, 2012, 5:47 am

    That’s exactly how I say Elliott too!!! haha. Nobody else ever seems to get it.. even my generation… and I always end up explaining that’s how E.T. says it in the movie. I am very pleased I am not alone anymore in doing this. HAHA.. and btw.. you look great! Good luck on the scan1

  • Katie January 12, 2012, 6:36 am

    This is unrelated to this specific post, but thought you’d like to see this commercial (about advertising/photoshop/and the ideal body)

    http://vimeo.com/34813864

    It’s really good.

    • Caitlin January 12, 2012, 9:34 am

      Isn’t that great? SO creative.

  • Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) January 12, 2012, 6:44 am

    You look awesome. Thanks for the great app recommendations. I am going to check them out.

    I have been using Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Tummy Butter and love it. I think you would like it as it is oily and feels so good massaging on my tummy at night.

    I was also nervous going into my 20 week ultrasound. Just try to remember that worrying doesn’t prevent anything and doesn’t make the situation any better. I am sure your baby is just fine and you will get a great report! Excited for you!

  • Andrea January 12, 2012, 6:53 am

    I’m so glad you posted about the shape of a mother! I have never heard of that site before, but I went to it and it is such a good site for moms! I just had my second child 10/14/11, so visiting that site and seeing other mothers like me made me feel much better, and not so alone.

    Hope the stretch mark balm works for you. I applied stretch mark creams religiously during both of my pregnancies, ate very healthy, and stayed very active doing prenatal yoga, pilates, swimming, etc., but I STILL got a TON of stretch marks (every where!) I also had reealllyy bad swelling, which made my stretch marks worse. But I really don’t mind them or think about them much, cause my kids are my world and every single stretch mark was worth having them.

    • Caitlin January 12, 2012, 9:36 am

      They are pride marks 🙂

  • AmandaRunsNY January 12, 2012, 7:45 am

    Hahahaha, I like the name Elliot too!

  • Kristen (inspiredbydooce) January 12, 2012, 7:53 am

    Your little bump is adorable 🙂

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin January 12, 2012, 8:25 am

    You’re really starting to show now! That’s so exciting. 😀

  • Dana @ the Big Fat Skinny January 12, 2012, 8:35 am

    Great bump!! Glad you are feeling well — I was able to REALLY start feeling a lot of bigger movements in week 18 – and the Hubs was able to feel it too. I look forward to that for you this week!

    I read The Shape of a Mother during and after my last pregnancy a few times and it definitely is inspiring. The bravery of the women that show their bodies is awesome, and the realization that we are all beautiful, no matter what shape, size, weight, stretch marks or not. I agree – its for all women – not only mommas and mommas to be.

  • Sophie @ threetimesf January 12, 2012, 8:53 am

    Aaaaahh, I can’t believe how big you’ve gotten since I last caught up on your posts! Eeeek, so exciting!

  • Katy @ HaveYouHurd January 12, 2012, 8:54 am

    OMG YAY! BUMP ALERT!

  • Nikky January 12, 2012, 8:58 am

    Offbeat Mama just ran an entry (http://offbeatmama.com/2012/01/loving-self-while-pregnant) on feeling great about your pregnant body that I thought was awesome, the comments especially are such a pick up! It’s so easy to find “How to cope with weight gain.” type advice… but I’m LOVING the extra roundness! I’ve never felt more beautiful in my life.

    You look amazing! And I just had my ultrasound… it was a bit scary, but I’m sure everything will be fine.

    • Caitlin January 12, 2012, 9:36 am

      This is great. Thank you so much!

    • K January 12, 2012, 9:44 am

      I saw this the other day too (love the Off Beat sights) and I agree – pregnancy has been just amazing for Improving my odd image. I did really love and appreciate my body before this, but I’ve never felt more beautiful than I do now that I’m carrying my child. I hope that whether or not women feel that way, they all have a safe and judgment free place to discuss how they feel.

      • K January 12, 2012, 9:52 am

        *Off Beat sites!
        *Body image!

  • Crystal January 12, 2012, 9:02 am

    teeny reminder… SEX not Gender! Also, you look beautiful!

    • Caitlin January 12, 2012, 9:37 am

      Ahh Crystal! You are so right. I’ve been so good with it too 🙂 Really trying to make an effort to keep sex and gender straight in my head because I TOTES agree with you.

  • Mel @ Post Grad Mel January 12, 2012, 9:31 am

    How very exciting, you look like you’re definitely starting to show. I was wondering though how you and “The Husband” plan to approach the subject of religion/spirituality with BabyHTP. I know you’ve said in the past that you’re not very religious (in the going to church every Sunday sense at least), but will you have the baby baptized?

    • Caitlin January 12, 2012, 9:38 am

      No, neither of us are Christian in our backgrounds so we wouldn’t get him/her baptized.

  • Ashley January 12, 2012, 9:34 am

    I am also expecting, also choosing to be surprised, and have also been shot down on the name Elliot! Ahh darn husbands, they are crazy. That name is awesome!

    • Caitlin January 12, 2012, 9:38 am

      We are twinsies!

  • Heather January 12, 2012, 9:38 am

    I agree with your hubby on the elliot name. I immediately said it in my head as ET would before I even read that he did it, too! haha

  • Courtney January 12, 2012, 10:08 am

    You look so great!! I love bright green/grey for a nursery. Green is definitely gender neutral and is supposed to promote a calm feeling. Can’t hurt for momma or baby! Good luck on deciding!

  • Carlee January 12, 2012, 10:10 am

    Looking Great!!

    We’re thinking something with grey and yellow as well, or at least grey. My MIL found us these very sweet vintage squirrel drawings and I think we want that to be part of the nursery’s theme.

  • Jennifer January 12, 2012, 10:14 am

    Ha ha!! I totally say Elllliootttt (in my head) when I hear that name. I love the name but it will forever remind me of ET.

  • Ambre January 12, 2012, 10:44 am

    I love the idea of gray and yellow nursery! Very gender neutral 🙂 that would be so cute! Then after the baby is born you could add blue or pink to it 🙂

    You look SO cute pregnant 🙂

  • allpointswhole January 12, 2012, 11:17 am

    I love that you are showing now!! Congrats!

  • Ali January 12, 2012, 11:20 am

    you are so cute!!!

  • Lauren January 12, 2012, 11:38 am

    I just had a baby this past July and we named him Elliott. I was hesitant because of the ET thing, but only one person has mentioned it. Congrats to you both, no matter what the gender or name it will be a very lucky baby to have you two as parents!

  • Aundra Weissert | Fit for Life January 12, 2012, 11:51 am

    Looking great, Caitlin!!

    I love the idea of gray and yellow…neutral colors, and they go together beautifully! A room in my house is all gray and yellow.

  • Allison January 12, 2012, 11:59 am

    You look adorable! Yellow is def a very neutral color [probs what I would do if I didn’t want to know the gender but doubt I’ll be able to wait :P]…

  • Reenie January 12, 2012, 1:08 pm

    Oh….you look so cute with your baby bump 🙂

  • Amber K January 12, 2012, 1:51 pm

    LOL – I never would have connected Elliot and E.T., but now that’s all I can think about! I think gray and yellow could be really cute, depending on how it’s done. When I first thought about gray I though “oh, that’s kinda drab”, but actually, it’s totally doable.

  • KlarZ January 12, 2012, 2:13 pm

    Now that babby can hear, are you pumping any music into your belly?

    • Caitlin January 12, 2012, 2:14 pm

      I play her lots of classic rock 🙂

  • Carina January 12, 2012, 2:56 pm

    Elliot makes me think Smelliot. He’d have to shower regularly to avoid every having kids give him that nickname. My college roomie and I used to call a guy named Elliot “Smelliot” behind his back. Not nice at all. But he saw college as a break from hygiene.

  • Joey January 12, 2012, 4:47 pm

    LOVE!!! I love watching your belly grow and reading all these updates!!

  • Brigid January 12, 2012, 5:48 pm

    Your belly is so cute! Elliot is a nice name, but ha at the Husband.

  • Jenn January 12, 2012, 9:52 pm

    My son is now 11 weeks old and his nursery is grey and yellow. It’s a beautiful combo, if I do say so myself. =)

  • Eliza January 13, 2012, 12:02 am

    I loveeeee the name Elliot. And the grey and yellow nursery idea sounds so modern, I like!

  • bonnie January 16, 2012, 12:52 pm

    Aw, Caitlin! I’ve been out of the loop and didn’t know you were pregnant. Congrats! <3

  • Jessica January 18, 2012, 9:33 am

    I opted out of the genetic testing as well and when we had our 20 week ultrasound, they did find a small marker. We were so upset and tried to read everything we could. We had to wait 3 weeks for another higher level ultrasound…when we went to that one the doctor explained that one marker doesn’t mean anything. The only way they can tell you anything for sure was if we had an amniocentesis done and I wasn’t about to do that so we just decided to let it go and what would be would be and then in July we had our baby and she was perfectly healthy! So what I’m saying is don’t stress out about it, more likely than not even if they see something your baby will be perfectly fine. You and your husband are young and healty, I’m sure you baby will be the same way! Congrats!

    • Jessica January 18, 2012, 9:35 am

      Oh and I really wanted to name my daughter Adrienne…and my husband shot it down right away. He said everyone will says “Yo, Adrian!” like Rocky. I was kept saying no one will say that…then I told my brother I liked the name and the first thing he said was “Yo, Adrian!”

    • CaitlinHTP January 18, 2012, 10:12 am

      I am so glad everything ended up being ok. Our appt is tomorrow and I’m glad you told me this because it will help calm me down.

      • Jessica January 18, 2012, 11:31 am

        I hope it helps, the last thing I wanted to do was worry you more! I will be thinking about you tomorrow! Are you so excited!? You get to see your baby!

        • CaitlinHTP January 18, 2012, 11:34 am

          Very but nervous, too. Mostly just happy!

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