Shock and Awe

I am now into my 19th week of pregnancy and I actually feel pretty good. I have discovered that I am no longer a chicken eater. I started to notice that whenever I would have it I would get sick, so I am sticking to red meat (mainly bison) and turkey. With so many rules about what fish you can and can't eat, I have just given up on the idea of fish at all. I noticed that I now have a bit of a sweet tooth, which of course is never good for anyone......pregnant or not. The thought of a Jolly Rancher, Skittles or Starbursts makes me so incredibly happy!! I really hope that goes away after Buttercup gets here because that would not be cute after pregnancy.

My sleeping positions have changed so much. I can no longer sleep on my left side mainly because the baby gets mad if I do. My right side is a lot more comfortable. My husband sent me a link for this pregnancy pillow called a Snoogle and OMG that is the best thing that has happened to me!! I love it!! It's basically a whole body pillow and I can't imagine not having it. My friend Alissa suggested I name it and her name is Betty! She is named after my favorite Golden Girl because when it's time for bed, I always am watching them on T.V.! LOL!! I have also be reduced to using a step stool to get in bed at night. Having a high bed was a cool idea when Buttercup was not chillin in my belly.

There really isn't much of a hair update except that under this weave, it's growing!! I still use natural products, especially shampoos and conditioners. I am really curious to see how long it is when I stop using protective styles in October (my 1 year anniversary since my Big Chop).

As I stated in my previous post, we were going to find out the sex of Buttercup. Well we did and it was complete SHOCK AND AWE for me. We are having a little girl!!!!!!!!!! Yep, a little Nikki running around.......the world is not ready and neither am I. I was so surprised, a girl, really? I swore up and down I was having a boy! The Chinese Calendar even predicted a boy ( yes, I believed the calendar). My hubby was not surprised AT ALL!! He has been saying it since day one that we were having a girl. After my initial shock, I started to cry because I think deep down I may have really wanted a girl. The thing with them is that they are so precious and I truly believe that a mother has to face and come to terms with her own issues to be sure not to pass them down to her daughter. Girls are fragile creatures and I am happy that I have come to a place in my life where I can now see and speak my Truth and pass it on to my daughter.

Buttercup Update

23 more weeks to go until little Buttercup arrives! That seems so close and I have nothing purchased and I really haven't been looking. Does that make me a bad mother already? I think I am still in disbelief (despite the fact that my belly is growing leaps and bounds) about there being a baby on the way. I think I have to admit that I am nervous and scared because I want this baby so badly and I have no control………..just a little…….of what happens. Nature is happening inside of me and it's all so unreal and beautiful.

I can honestly say that as women, especially pregnant women, go through so much. As a non-pregnant lady for 31 years and some months, my body was so much different than it is now. My pregnant body is amazing and beautiful (if you over look the fat rolls and dimples). Things are growing, stretching, and pulling in all directions. What an interesting journey this has been so far!

So what has my baby been doing???? Well, I think I felt a flutter on Monday night!! I was out with the hubby at Hooters………….say what you want, they have great wings…………and felt this little pop/tickle sensation and at first I thought it was gas, then I realized…….it was a flutter!! It was ever so light, but I am convinced that's what is was. I just turned 17 weeks, so I think I am right on track to feel my baby move, even if it's a little. ;-)

People say that morning sickness is a sign of a healthy baby, well this baby will be doing push ups when he/she comes out. My all-day-sickness has gotten worse during my second trimester. As soon as I eat, it comes right back up. Do you know how frustrating that is for someone who spent money on a nice lunch?! The good thing is that my body is working for the baby (thanks, Alissa for that bit of wonderful info) and could give two craps about me. I'm cool with that because my Buttercup needs everything!

I decided to do a protective style again this year and I went for a straight plain Jane look. Nothing fancy, just something to do while my hair takes a break. I got a sew-in and braided all of my hair up so that I wouldn't have to put any heat on my own hair. The look is cute and some say I look younger………..WINNING! I think I may do another protective style in May for my trip to Florida! This time it will be more of a curly/wavy look, perfect hair for Miami!

Hopefully next post I will be revealing the sex of my little one. We go to the doctor on Friday, so wish us luck!