Stubborn Babies

I've felt the baby move, but the feelings have been so slight and quick, that sometimes I still question whether it is really the baby or just gas. It's still early in the pregnancy (almost 18 weeks) but it feels different than it did when I was pregnant with Nate. Around this time, it felt like he was lightly brushing up against the inside of my belly. The feelings now are difficult to describe, but more like a light tap against my belly. So I was very anxious for my doctor appointment and when the doctor was having difficulty finding the heartbeat, I was instantly concerned. Of course she made it seem like it was the baby not cooperating, stating that it must be a boy because he's being so stubborn and moving around so much that she can't get a good listen of his heart. But all I could think was that something was wrong, and was really worried when after trying for awhile she told me that we were going to run across the hall to do an ultrasound. My worries were instantly relieved, though, because the baby's heartbeat popped right up, nice and strong. The reason it was so difficult to hear it with the regular doppler was because the baby is facing head forward, with the feet towards my spine. The doctor said of course it was difficult to hear the heartbeat through a skull! I don't know why I worry but I always do and probably will continue to until the baby is big enough for me to feel movements more often.

Are boys more stubborn than girls? I don't know, but Nate is pretty stubborn. He continues to throw his fits when he does not get his way. For the most part, I am letting him throw his fits. It's hard not to give in, but I know it will be worth it in the end. And I know sometimes he is just frustrated because he can't tell us what he wants. I am trying to teach him to sign or say words for things that he wants. He has been whining (eh-eh-eh) whenever he wants something. I've been working on it and today for the first time he started signing "more" for more crackers. Hopefully the talking thing won't be far to follow and he will have less frustrations when communicating with us. He says baba for baby, baba, and ball (ball ball) but I usually can which one he means. He said cookie the other day, which sounded more like coo, but I think he's on his way. His favorite expression is still uh-oh, which he uses a million times a day. He has started playing with cars, pushing them around and making little motor sounds. I think it has to be the cutest thing I've ever seen. So stubborn? Yes. Adorable? Yes. I'll take it.