18 weeks and counting

Yikes. I left that picture up of my stomach for way too long. And looking at it, I can see that I have grown a tad since the last photo shoot. Pics to come eventually.

Unfortunately, not all that much has changed. I'd like to buy this shirt...

But I suppose it could be worse! I can still go to the gym and go for long walks when it's not freezing outside. I don't have a lot of trouble sleeping, even though for the most part I'm trying to avoid sleeping on my back/stomach. 

In some ways it's nice to be preggo during the winter, because now is the time to hibernate as the snow falls outside. However, on the flip side I have to wear constricting pants instead of cute little summer dresses. 

Speaking of pants, I am very grateful that Grandma Porton (still waiting to hear what names the grandparents want to use!) took me for a much-needed trip to purchase maternity clothes. She can start spoiling Baby Parker by spoiling this mom to be.

While I can still wear my current clothes there are a few problems:
1. They're not comfortable.
2. I can't button them.
3. When I use the rubber band trick it looks weird.
4. I can combine the rubber band trick with the belly band, but that makes going to the ladies room an annoying experience. And it can be really HOT.

So that means it's time for a shopping spree.

We spent the day driving around from maternity store to maternity store, and I came home with some pants, shirts and a hideous swimsuit with a frilly skirt. I think we may need to revisit the swimwear idea. Also, for some reason the perfect pair of leggings seemed to elude us.

During our travels, we also popped in to Buy Buy Baby, which had me darn near hyperventilating. So much more to think about once this baby actually comes out into the world. But for now, I want to focus on wearing pants that I can button.