So several strangers and acquaintances have noticed I am pregnant just by my belly. I think I just look like I drink a lot of beer but apparently that is not the case. Beth has been telling me for weeks how round I am, and I guess she is right. I always pop out early so to all those who keep saying twins to me, it's not. It happens every time and earlier with each pregnancy for everyone. I took a picture today, it's not great, my face isn't even in it but you can see what they are talking about. I haven't gained as much weight this time as I did the first 3 times during the first trimester. And boy am I excited to be finishing the first trimester!!!! Pregnancy tip, for anyone that wants to know, and I will warn you this is a little TMI. Constipation is a normal part of pregnancy, and I am no exception. Although this time, it was the worst case of constipation I have ever had. I was miserable! Anyway, my midwife recommended 2tbs of flax seed meal every morning in a fruit smoothie. It took four days but finally worked! Yay! Now I take it everyday. So for anyone suffering from constipation and looking for a natural remedy, there ya go!

So I have been thinking a lot lately about how different my two girls are. I didn't think they looked alike for a long time, but Sammi looks more like Emma everyday. Even the kids in Em's class notice. They always comment that Sam looks just like Em when we go visit for lunch. I guess if kindergarteners see it it must be there. Last week at the store the cashier told me Sammi looked like me. "Really?" I said. "Not just looks like you, but really looks just like you!" she said. I have heard that for years about Emma but never Sammi before. I don't see it but...I do see some of Dave's features in both girls. Emma's face is shaped just like his and they both have his eyelashes (thank goodness!) and teeth. Emma's smile looks a lot like his as well. Now they don't act alike at all! Emma is just like her momma, high strung, emotional. She is a very serious kid most of the time. Sammi on the other hand is laid back like Dave. And she is the funniest 3 year old I have ever met. She is funny on purpose. She likes to be the clown and make silly faces and do silly things! I know you are saying, "Hey, I thought this blog was about the pregnancy?" Wait for it! So why am I going on and on about the similarities and differences of the girls? It is just amazing to me how genetics work. Which traits they get from which parent and how they combine. If you think about it, it is amazing thinking there used to be just two of us and now we have made brand new people! OK, here is how it ties into the pregnancy. I am very curious to see what traits this baby will share with us. Will we finally have a baby that looks like Dave? And will it be another laid back kid or another high need baby? We have one of each so what will we be blessed with this time. I think that is one of the most exciting parts of being pregnant, wondering what kind of personality baby will have!

Yeah, a baby!

So we heard the heartbeat on Monday, which was very exciting! Thanks to Amelia for suggesting I ask about B6 for the nausea. It seems to be helping. I don't feel great but I do feel better and I think I am feeling better everyday. Hips are still sore but not as bad. My biggest complaint now is my shoulder. I hurt it somehow and it feels awful! Can't do much for right now. Emma is very excited to be a big sister again. Sammi doesn't really understand yet. If you ask her if she is going to be a big sister she usually says no, she will be the daddy! Silly kid! I am especially excited to have a birthday in Sept. The only other bday we have that month is Jenn's so it will be a nice change from all the winter bdays. And with Emma at school I will still only have 2 at home during the day. Although I will miss having my big helper home to help with the baby. Emma is very motherly and likes to help. I am not sure that Sam will take to the baby as well as Emma did her. We shall see!