18 weeks

I went to the doctor for my 18 week checkup and everything looks good. The baby's heartbeat is 152, the same as four weeks ago. I have my ultrasound on September 8th and hopefully we will find out the gender. I am carrying completely different this time around than with Matthew. I have only gained 5 pounds, something I am very proud of. Chasing and running after Matthew has kept it to a minimum. I just started wearing maternity clothes, many of which are way too big still, but I know I will grow into them.

Matthew is doing well too. He has now cut the two bottom two-year molars at the same time and on top of that pulled one of his tubes out, which was not a pleasant experience in the least. He goes back to the ENT next Friday for another check-up and hearing test. While I started working on my room, Matthew went back to daycare for a few half days. The first few were challenging for him when I left. Deah had to basically pry him off of me, but by the time I was in my car at the end of the driveway he was done crying and playing with his friends. Oddly though, when I went to pick him up every day, he ran and gave me a hug and kiss and went about his business playing with the other kids. He is over the separation anxiety now, which is a good feeling. This was the first time in two years that I have had him react this way while dropping him off, but I know that it comes with the territory of a two year old!

I am eagerly awaiting next week as I go back to work. I have been working very hard the past two weeks getting my room ready and set-up and am about 98% complete. Each year I set up it gets easier than the one before. I still can't believe this is my seventh year! I will have another intern this semester, which always is a neat and challenging experience. Our new school is coming along nicely too. The construction is literally right outside my door, which will make for some distracting few weeks, but we will get used to the noise and traffic.