The 2nd Trimester

HOW I'M FEELING:
I am officially into my second trimester!!!  So excited to be feeling better and not gagging every time I get a whiff of Chris's deodorant :)

I am officially finishing my 16th week.  I have gained 7 lbs already since my pre-pregnancy weight...YIKES.  It's been a long time since I have seen such a high number on the scale and it is scary despite the fact I'm pregnant.  I am no longer unsure if my stomach looks bigger, it definitely looks bigger, but not really to the point where I could show it off and people would assume I was pregnant.  I am starting to feel like Tweedle Dee...

Exactly...if he wears the waist line on his pants below his tummy they may fall completely off.  Are you understanding my dilemma?  My church skirts are becoming very tight and again not sure what the solution is, I need help in this arena.

CRAVINGS:
I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from pregnancy cravings.  I mean, who doesn't want to eat chicken nuggets, pizza, coke, or chocolate cake for breakfast when given the option?  However I think I am definitely starting to experience some more intense food cravings than before.

Craving #1:  Olive Garden Salad
I'm usually opinionated but not too picky when it comes to going out to eat.  However last week I was unable to get Olive Garden salad off my brain...it's was like a plague upon my mind.  I was thinking about it daily.  I decided I must give in or the temptation would never go away.  Chris and I finished off the first salad bowl together.  I then asked the waitress for another.  Chris started in on his entree and I tried a bite or two of the chicken I had ordered but just could not get enough of that salad.  By the time we got dessert on the table I still had my salad plate in front of me.  Pretty sure the waitress thought I was insane when 45 minutes into our meal I was still eating salad while my entree remained virtually untouched and my dessert was pushed off to the side.  I let Chris finish my dessert while I helped myself to more salad.  By the time we left I had almost eaten the entire second salad bowl myself!  It was just so good.

Craving # 2:  Kraft Mac-N-Cheese
That's right, mac-n-cheese.  I probably haven't eaten it in about 15 years but it just popped into my head one day and I have been obsessing over it.  Chris swears I would NEVER let myself succumb to such a processed high calorie food in the past and he is 100% correct.  So yesterday after I finished working out at the gym we headed to the grocery store and I indulged myself yet again...and I must say I was NOT disappointed.  YUM...again, felt like I couldn't get enough.  Tasted just like I imagined and remembered.

UPDATE ON MY GOAL:
I'm happy to report I have gotten back into exercising and it feels great!  I started trying to jog about 4 weeks ago and it was pretty tough.  I mostly walked with intermittent jogging at 5 mph on the treadmill for about 2 miles.  I wasn't really expecting or aiming to gain much endurance since I knew I would be growing in size but none the less I have surprised myself.  Last week I was up to 3 miles jogging consistently at about 5-6 mph the whole time and feeling awesome!

NEW GOAL:
I have a second ultra sound this week as part of the research study I am participating in so we should be able to find out the baby's gender on Thursday!  We are pretty excited and I have decided to try and make a blessing outfit for the baby when I find out if it is a boy or girl.