18 weeks

I had a follow-up doctor's appointment this morning and everything looks great!  I reviewed the ultrasound pictures with the doctor and confirmed that baby girl is healthy.  And apparently she's a happy little acrobat - when we were checking her heart beat, we heard a lot of extra "noise" which turns out to be her moving around in there.  I'm going to have my hands full if this is any indication of how she will be post-arrival.  I can actually feel her on the outside, as well as the inside, these days.  Every time I call Derek over to feel, though, she sits completely still. The doctor suggested this morning that I get comfy on the couch after a bowl of ice cream and let Derek rest his head on my belly.  She said that may be the key to Derek getting a little nudge or kick out of her (while nudging and kicking are still cute, that is :) ). 


I have only gained about 5 lbs. so far, but my appetite is quite healthy these days, so bring on the Christmas food.  Baby girl is 5 1/2 inches and weighs 8-oz. this week.  She's the size of a bell pepper!

And the most exciting news, we have finally chosen a name!!!  Our little sweet pea will be Madeline McNeel Beavers.  We both love the name Madeline and McNeel was my middle name.  Let the monogramming begin!