Today I am...20 weeks pregnant.

I’m halfway there! Or that’s what they say. But that is total b.s. because for the first five weeks, I wasn’t pregnant and didn’t know I was pregnant. So I’ve only been pregnant for 15 weeks. But this whole numbering thing is ridiculous anyways. You’re supposed to be pregnant for 9 months and yet it’s 40 weeks?! Someone explain that please.

I’ve also decided that I’m too much of a nerd for my own good. I am the type of person that will read everything about pregnancy and I have a desk job so I can surf the internet all day, clicking from one story to the next. Well, do you know what stories are on the internet? Bad ones. Worst case scenario ones. Blogs and blogs written by mothers whose babies passed away from SIDS, from a rare heart defect, from meningitis. Support websites for parents dealing with children born with fatal diseases. Terrible terrible things. And these things happen. You can’t say they won’t happen to you because who really knows. But, all it does is make this already hormonal pregnant lady upset and that is not good for me. Better yet, it’s not good for John. He’s forbid me from reading such things. He tells me I have to B Positive (like my blood type. See? Funny joke.) I am trying to listen to him but it’s easy to get caught up. So far though, every appointment has been great and everything is going smoothly.

Here’s the stat update:

How far along: 20 weeks

Baby Development: He’s banana-sized and is now producing meconium which is that gross tar-like substance that newborns poop out the first couple of days. Yay!

Baby Movement: Yes, whoever is in there is moving around now which is great!

Water Intake: I have never drank so much water in my life! John would be so proud.

Best Moment of the Week: Meeting the newest addition to the Lynn family! Little Violet Katherine is absolutely adorable.

Current baby/pregnancy worry: Everything and anything you can think of.

Symptoms: Itchy, rashy skin. Kind of weird pimple type bumps on my arms. And itchy legs. When the itch comes on, it REALLY comes on and I have to scratch for what seems like hours. Usually hits me at the end of the day.

Sleep Quality: Don’t usually have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night so that’s good.

Food Cravings: Breakfast burritos. Is there a more perfect food?

What I miss: Having people not know that I am pregnant. That was a fun secret for me and John to share.

What I’m Looking Forward to: Why did I schedule that anatomy scan for so late!? I can’t wait!

Trying to get done before baby: Do I have to babyproof our kitchen and bathrooms? It’s too early for that, right?

John's POV: "Fighting the pessimism bug is probably the toughest thing we do on a day-to-day basis. Trying to maintain a winning streak when it's absolutely out of your hands is hard to wrap your head around."

Today I am...19 weeks pregnant.

This past week was big. I finally told everyone at work that I was pregnant. I figured I should do it before I hit the halfway mark. And before they REALLY started talking about how fat I was getting. I have to say, everyone took it really well. I expected more a backlash (hey, it’s Hollywood) but everyone was very nice and supportive. I guess I shouldn’t have worried all of those weeks. And I told them just in time because this week I had to switch to maternity jeans. I was really holding on for dear life but I have no idea why. I mean, 19 weeks is a long time. Shouldn’t someone give me a medal or something for fitting into them for this long? Anyways, have you tried maternity jeans? They are awesome! Just jeans with an elastic waistband! Why don’t we wear these all the time? I am extremely tempted to never go back to regular jeans. Who would know? I don’t wear short shirts so my tops would easily cover up the elastic. Anyways, they are the greatest. I am currently sporting a pair from the Gap and I am very happy.

We had a quick doctor's appointment this week and here's the pic of his head.

And, for all of you lucky readers, here are my stats for the week:

How far along: 19 weeks

Baby Development: He (or she…but probably not she) is around 8 ounces and 6 inches. They say that’s the size of an heirloom tomato. Finally a vegetable I can get behind!

Baby Movement: He’s going some more little kicks but I don’t think he has really put his full weight behind any of them.

Water Intake: The work water cooler is suffering because I keep draining it.

Best Moment of the Week: Telling my producer that I was pregnant and having him tear up because he loves being a dad so much. Awww, that’s so sweet.

Current baby/pregnancy worry: Will we really be able to afford a kid? In LA? If I can’t work? Who knows.

Symptoms: I got some serious round ligament pain this week. I think it’s just my belly swelling in size but it is enough to make you pause and double over in pain.

Sleep Quality: I have a feeling it’s only going to get worse.

Food Cravings: An egg mcmuffin from McDonald’s sounds so good right now.

What I miss: Not my jeans!

What I’m Looking Forward to: I need to buy some maternity wear I suppose.

Trying to get done before baby: I should really put all of those old photos in photo albums rather than have them sit in the garage.

John's POV: "Meanwhile, I told my work 5 weeks ago. In those 5 weeks, I thought she was being silly for not bringing it up, but I grew to understand it. And I sympathize. It's all congrats and cigars for the papas-to-be. For mamas-to-be, they can be seen by a pragmatist as a cog that needs replaced. And that can be inconvenient. And in an industry that coddles those that cannot be concerned with the inconveniences of real life, Lisa felt a real fear. Luckily there are as many kind-hearted and generous people in Hollywood as there are scumbags. And Lisa was surrounded by a lot of them on this gig, which was a blessing. P.S. that skull ultrasound freaks me out."

Today I am...18 weeks pregnant.

I get a lot of pregnancy emails. In fact, I’m on so many lists that I probably get 10 a day. Invariably half of them have the nerve to mention pregnancy fitness and exercise. I know it’s great to exercise. It was a great notion pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy. But it just ain’t gonna happen. Luckily, in my case, maybe it shouldn’t happen. Or at least strenuous exercise. They say that you should only do as much as you did before pregnancy. So if I wasn’t jogging two miles a day pre-conception, I sure as hell shouldn’t start running now. Yes! How convenient. But I should probably be walking more. Or swimming. Or stretching. Or, god forbid, yoga. John keeps trying to force prenatal yoga on me. I think it’s mostly a joke because he knows how boring and ridiculous I find such an activity, but I know it would be helpful. I just won’t do it. See that stubbornness? I hope that skips over our child.

But, truthfully, I walk a bit at work since the movie lot we’re on is so big and every thing is so spread out. For the past few weeks I’ve gotten out of breath just climbing the stairs. I know I’m not THAT out of shape so I’m blaming it the kid pressing up against my lungs.

And here are the weekly stats:

How far along: 18 weeks

Baby Development: The little one is the size of a bell pepper this week and is practicing flexing his arms and legs. Turns out that his genitals are formed and you could see them on an ultrasound.

Baby Movement: Definite fluttering. It’s confirmed.

Water Intake: I am drinking water like it’s going out of style.

Best Moment of the Week: Getting my 2^nd trimester blood results back. Combined with the 1^st trimester results, we’re at a 1 in 68,000 chance for Down’s. Woohoo!!

Current baby/pregnancy worry: How big will I really get?

Symptoms: Tight jeans. Is that a symptom? I feel extremely hormonal this week.

Sleep Quality: Did I mention that sleeping on your side kind of sucks?

Food Cravings: The weirdest one yet…orange juice. A previously abhorred beverage.

What I miss: Feeling a little more spry that I’ve been feeling. Not that I was every a woodland sprite or anything.

What I’m Looking Forward to: Hitting the halfway point soon

Trying to get done before baby: I should really be savoring all of these nice long hot showers without any interruptions.

John's POV: "I'm not 'forcing' anything on her. Am I suggesting she try prenatal yoga? Sure. But there's not some ultimatum. Wouldn't something that increases flexibility be an asset in a situation where flexibility is beneficial? I've begun to think about the endgame in this scenario. Somehow, someway, a baby has to find its way out of there."

Today I am...17 weeks pregnant.

This week marked the first time that I felt definite fluttering. It’s such a bizarre feeling. Or maybe not. In fact, it feels like an upset stomach or gas. Just that it happens all the time. But it certainly makes this whole pregnancy thing very real. Still wake up most days and say, “I can’t believe I’m pregnant”.

I’m still undercover at work and, while I assume I look giant, I don’t think anyone thinks anything of it. I have to wear loose shirts so I’ve ditched the tube tops I usually wear to work. (That’s a joke.)

And here are the current stats:

How far along: 17 weeks

Baby Development: He (or she…yeah right) is as big as a turnip. He’s currently developing baby fat. Or, knowing my gene pool, a lot of baby fat.

Baby Movement: Fluttering I think. Such a great and crazy feeling.

Water Intake: People must think I’m a camel at work.

Best Moment of the Week: Hosting my friend Lizzielu who was in town from London. So lovely hanging out with Liz and Phil. They are a delight.

Current baby/pregnancy worry: Will the baby be healthy? I sure hope so.

Symptoms: Nothing too bad. Feel much better than I did a few weeks ago.

Sleep Quality: It’s starting to get uncomfortable to sleep now which is a bummer because I usually sleep so well.

Food Cravings: Mexican food, always.

What I miss: My morning cups of coffee. But I still enjoy the smell. Going to start drinking decaf lattes soon I think.

What I’m Looking Forward to: Looking pregnant rather than bloated.

Trying to get done before baby: More outings, concerts, restaurants.

John's POV: "I don't know what more has to happen for Lisa to not wake up and look at me and say 'I can't believe I'm pregnant.' I don't know what week it will be when it really sets in if it hasn't already. I will set the over-under at 28 weeks. I think it'll be the third trimester before she really believes she's pregnant, or believes it enough so that she doesn't have to hear herself say it out loud."