Halfway There!

So here we are at 20 weeks! I can't believe it! The past 4 and a half months have really flown by. Other than the remnants of that darn cold, I'm feeling great! Here's the lastest picture of me and Baby Fisch. The kid looks good in stripes huh? I'm still able to squeeze into my favorite pair of jeans with the help of the Bella Band-an amazing little piece of spandex that holds up your pre-preggy pants with the buttons undone. I'm just not ready for maternity jeans yet...they're not the most flattering things ever! I am so glad that I don't have to look nice for work. Sweatpants have been my best friends for the drive until I can get into my uniform at the Zoo! So comfy! You'll be happy to know that I have been able to feel the baby on a few occasions so far. The first actual 'kick' was on Christmas Eve when I was feeding the squirrel monkeys. It was definitely a baby-no mistaking it! Apparently, my placenta is located in the front (they can also be in the back) so for me, it acts as an extra layer of padding making it more difficult to feel smaller movements. Every once in a while though, that little Fisch gives it all he or she has and lets me know they're in there! It's a pretty cool feeling. I can't wait until Josh will be able to feel it. Every night he puts his hand on my belly while he falls asleep waiting to feel something. It's super adorable. He's so excited to be a dad! We've begun trying to navigate the world of baby furniture, gear and supplies. I found a great book called Baby Bargains that's been really helpful in giving ratings on different brands and what you really need versus what Babies R Us wants you to THINK that you need. We plan to register in the next few weeks! I also signed us up for childbirth classes at the hospital. I am also going to try and get into a class at the Wilmington Birth Center called 'Planning a Natural Birth in a Hospital Setting'. It's supposed to tell you how to attempt a natural childbirth experience while being hooked up to monitors and all that crap. I have not completely abandoned the epidural option because I obviously have no idea with labor is like, but I'd like to at least try the natural route. I'll get back to you in about 20 weeks with the outcome!