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."

Today I am...16 weeks pregnant.

This week I had my blood drawn for my 2^nd trimester blood screening. It’ll be combined with our 1^st trimester results which were pretty good so I’m hoping for good news. But you never know. I do know that I still don’t like needles and needles don’t like me. I have very hard veins to get to and therefore it’s a bunch of trial and error.

This week I had to start sleeping with a full body pillow, loaned to me by my sister. And I have to say it’s the best thing I’ve ever gotten. Having to sleep on my side now, it’s so helpful being able to hug this big pillow. I can only imagine it’ll be invaluable as time goes on.

And here’s what’s happening with the stats this week:

How far along: 16 weeks

Baby Development: Today’s vegetable is the avocado! He’s the size of an avocado which is great because it’s reminds me of guacamole and hey, do you want to go grab some Mexican? He also starting to grow that little downy hair that he’ll be covered in for the duration.

Baby Movement: Not really. They tell me I should start feeling fluttering soon.

Water Intake: I am doing it! Against my will, having lots of water.

Best Moment of the Week: Attending a little baby brunch for Stacey who is getting closer and closer to delivering her baby girl!

Current baby/pregnancy worry: I’m hoping my work doesn’t completely freak out when they find out I’m pregnant and have to leave this movie early.

Symptoms: Feeling pretty good actually.

Sleep Quality: Oddly, I can’t sleep past 4am. Not sure if it’s dreams or discomfort, but I am awake at 4am every night.

Food Cravings: Yogurt and granola

What I miss: Definitely miss sleeping like a rock, sans dreams.

What I’m Looking Forward to: the Emmys are next weekend which means more red carpet fashion!

Trying to get done before baby: It seems so far away at this point I’m not feeling a huge urge to get stuff done.

John's POV: "Meanwhile, the male counterparts of the brunching ladies had their own guys' afternoon out. As one of the boys, Jay, was the sole keeper of the child for those brunch hours, we had to seek out a baby-friendly bar. Not surprisingly, LA has a lot of baby-friendly taverns. This bodes well for my future Frasier Crane parenting style where daily I will duck into a local watering hole with a newborn tucked inside a Moby Wrap for a quick one."

Today I am...15 weeks pregnant.

I think this week I’ve finally sworn off nausea. So far, so good. Haven’t felt nausea on my way into work for a while and no signs of it at night. That makes me a happy pregnant woman. My pants are getting tight and I would describe my belly as getting very big, but, let’s face it, it’s going to get huge. Currently, I wake up without a belly but by the time I get home from work, it's grown in size and I look pregnant. So bizarre. It was a quiet week so let’s get right to it.

The stats:

How far along: 15 weeks

Baby Development: The little guy or gal is about 4 inches long which is light years ahead of the little seed he was a few weeks ago. About the size of an apple, he can now sense light. Hopefully he’s learning when to sleep and when to be awake.

Baby Movement: Nope, not yet.

Water Intake: I can do the recommended water intake as long as it’s icy cold with a straw.

Best Moment of the Week: Hmm…I don’t know. It wasn’t very eventful. Probably finally having John working on the same movie lot as me so I can see him all the time.

Current baby/pregnancy worry: When will I start feeling him? So many other people are already feeling their baby at 15 weeks. What’s wrong with me?

Symptoms: Besides having to go to the bathroom all the time (thank you water intake), I feel pretty good.

Sleep Quality: I’m supposed to start side sleeping. That doesn’t sound fun.

Food Cravings: Breakfast burrito. No surprise.

What I miss: Fitting into my best jeans.

What I’m Looking Forward to: Hope to feel the little guy soon!

Trying to get done before baby: Enjoying all the time I have with my husband.

John's POV: "Now that everyone knows, everybody seems to show wonderful concern and sincere interest. Friends forward me stroller recall news stories, ask to make sure Lisa isn't eating sushi, tell me how awful everything is, but assure me it's worth every second. I haven't gotten annoyed by any of it yet. I think this is part of that glow thing."

Today I am...14 weeks pregnant.

This past week was pretty amazing. Because this is the week we told our friends and family. I have to say, it was pretty incredible. John and I decided it was so much more satisfying and entertaining because no one expected us to be pregnant. There are those couples where you’re just waiting for an announcement. And then there are those couples where you would never imagine it. That was us. I’m hoping it wasn’t because everyone thought we’d be terrible parents. But more so because we have very time consuming, hectic careers that are not very baby-conducive. Either way, it was awesome to shock everyone we told. After pulling a bait and switch on my parents and siblings, we broke the news and the shock on their faces was priceless. And the reeling backwards and the tears. Good times. Then I took my two good girlfriends Leigh and Carolyn to grab a quick breakfast. When I denied the coffee and they commented that that was weird for me, I said I can’t drink it because I’m pregnant. Well, they both thought that was a joke and laughed and went along their merry way. Except, the joke was on them because then there was a pause and look of utter surprise crossed both their faceless. They were speechless. Yes! Another successful unveiling. The week followed like that with phone calls and get-togethers. It was a great time. You only get that celebration and surprise once, with your first pregnancy, and I’m glad ours was so memorable and joyful.

And, because it’s a weekly update, here are the stats:

How far along: 14 weeks

Baby Development: The size of a lemon, he’s not producing urine which is great news. Guess I’ll start going to the bathroom more.

Baby Movement: None. Unless you count my bloated belly.

Water Intake: Doing it.

Best Moment of the Week: Definitely telling my parents and seeing their reaction.

Current baby/pregnancy worry: Trying to quell all of my fears by laying off the internet reading.

Symptoms: Feel great! Riding the high of telling everyone.

Sleep Quality: I’ve started to wake up a couple times a night which I’ve never done.

Food Cravings: Eggs. Breakfast burrito. Status quo.

What I miss: John and I having an inside “joke” if you will. Having no one else know that I was pregnant.

What I’m Looking Forward to: Sharing pregnancy updates with my family and friends.

Trying to get done before baby: Wearing these non-maternity clothes for as long as I can

John's POV: "For a split second, I thought that we killed Lisa's dad. It was like Fred Sanford. As he staggered backwards, I began to think, maybe this wasn't a good idea..."

Today I am...13 weeks pregnant.

This week we got great news that two more of our friends are pregnant, Liz and Cara. Liz is due about the same time and Cara a few months later. So exciting! It’s so nice and helpful to be able to talk about pregnancy symptoms, worries, excitement, with other pregnant women. So happy for them!

Apparently this is the start of my second trimester…or week 14. There are disagreements but I’m going to go with this week. Which is great because I’ve felt less and less nauseous every day. I am really looking forward to this “honeymoon” trimester. Though I have to say, I’ve been pretty damn lucky because the first trimester was easy compared to most. To not vomit a single time? Amazing.

Here are the stats for this week:

How far along: 13 weeks

Baby Development: The little bugger is the size of a jumbo shrimp, or about 3 inches long.

Baby Movement: None. He’s getting bigger though so my belly is starting to pooch out.

Water Intake: 8 glasses a day? No problem. Especially since it’s so hot outside.

Best Moment of the Week: Hanging out with friends who are all sharing the excitement of pregnancy.

Current baby/pregnancy worry: Umm, which should I pick? I guess just general birth health and everything going okay.

Symptoms: Less nausea which is awesome. Nails are growing like crazy.

Sleep Quality: Pretty good. But I’ve always been a sleeper.

Food Cravings: Red meat.

What I miss: All beverages besides water. I would love another option.

What I’m Looking Forward to: Can’t wait to feel the little guy in a few weeks. That’ll be amazing. And weird.

Trying to get done before baby: Think about how we are going to organize our house and make room for baby.

John's POV: "This is especially fun for me since these two other pregnant women are two of my best friends' wives, and I get to tell them in person. Bubba in from Philly, Kyle up from San Diego. We didn't really know about Cara, until about 48 beers into the night at about 3am, when Kyle confessed. Prematurely confessed. I wasn't supposed to tell anyone. That lasted from about 2:55am until 3:25am when I stumbled into bed and started laughing uncontrollably, which was a combo that woke even a pregnant Lisa up. And then I said, 'Cara's pregnant' and kept laughing."

Today I am...12 weeks pregnant.

This past week was absolutely fantastic. We had our first trimester screening for down syndrome and other birth defects and we got good news. We went to a special ultrasound doctor at Cedars for our nuchal scan. What a trip! It was the first time that the little thing resembled a human. And, boy, did it look exactly like a baby. Hands, legs, 10 toes, 10 fingers, a spine, a good nose and nasal bone. It was so great to have John there with me. I think for the first time it really hit us that it was real. They measured the nuchal area behind the neck which is supposed to be an indicator of down syndrome. We got a 1.3 which I had read was good. They took that number and immediately combined it with my blood results and they came back with a 1 in 16,000 odds for downs. That is fantastic! I was prepared for 1 in 1600 or 1 in 3000 because that’s what our friends had been getting. As John and I are pessimists, we asked them 5 times if they were sure that was the right number and they weren’t reading it wrong. Turns out they weren’t! That put our mind at ease for sure…at least for the time being.

And here’s what’s happening this week:

How far along: 12 weeks

Baby Development: He or she (I’m predicting a he) is about the size of a lime and now he has reflexes like a sucking motion. Can’t wait til he uses that to kill my poor breasts.

Baby Movement: I wouldn’t know that he was moving except that he was bouncing all over the place on the ultrasound.

Water Intake: Totally drinking at least 8 glasses and taking all my prenatal vitamins. Haven’t missed a day.

Best Moment of the Week: Definitely getting our first glimpse of the lil’ trickster on the fancy ultrasound. And getting our screening results.

Current baby/pregnancy worry: Well, the screening results made us feel better, although we know that they are not conclusive in any way.

Symptoms: Just feel bloated and it won’t go away. Have also been getting cramps which may be growing pains. But, oh yeah, the WORST headaches. Debilitating headaches that require laying down with a washcloth on my forehead. Luckily they tend to hit at night so I’m at home and can crawl in bed.

Sleep Quality: Good.

Food Cravings: Sour Patch Kids…I’m pretty sure I haven’t seen them on any pregnancy nutrition lists.

What I miss: Fitting into my pre-pregnancy bras.

What I’m Looking Forward to: Telling my family in the next week or so. It’ll be hysterical!

Trying to get done before baby: Trips, nice restaurants, concerts, grown up things.

John's POV: "You just don't know until you see it. Everyone tells you about the impact, etc., but you'll see. I don't think I'm ever going to tell expecting fathers about how I felt or what I left or what I can remember. I remember the tech pushing on Lisa's stomach to try to make him move, and the baby looked like it did a somersault on the screen. This thing that wasn't there 3 months ago. Where there was nothing, there's suddenly everything. Nothing prepares you for it. Nothing anyone wil say. I promise to just say to friends in the future who are at the beginning, 'you'll see.' And then when it seems like I'm wise beyond words, my child will simultaneously poop his pants, break something, and repeat several bad words he learned from me while sitting in traffic."

Today I am...11 weeks pregnant.

A fairly quiet week in our household. I am getting less and less nausea in the morning and night which is great. As I’ve had a pretty easy first trimester, I didn’t have any trepidation about heading out to a concert this week. We went to the Hollywood Bowl to see The Swell Season (the male and female duo from the movie “Once”). It was really a fantastic show and, even though the lil’ guy/gal doesn’t have ears yet to hear the music, I’m sure he would have enjoyed it.

Here’s what’s happening this week:

How far along: 11 weeks

Baby Development: The little one is about 1.5 inches (man that is tiny) or about the size of a fig. Even though that seems small, he now has non-webbed fingers and toes. Oh, and he’s officially a fetus. Though, I’m not sure what he was before now then.

Baby Movement: Nope. As if I could feel a 1.5 inch thing behind all this padding.

Water Intake: Hot summer weeks and iced water? No problem. Gimme a glass with ice and a straw at my desk and I can take water down.

Best Moment of the Week: Enjoying the concert at the Hollywood Bowl. It really is one of the best venues ever.

Current baby/pregnancy worry: Down Syndrome and the screening we have coming up.

Symptoms: Well, my bra is tight…super tight. Maybe time to buy one of those bra extenders. Nausea is lessening I think. But I could be delirious. Can’t believe I haven’t vomited!

Sleep Quality: So far so good.

Food Cravings: Koo Koo Roo’s Mac n’ Cheese….again, not something that’s on the nutrition lists but….

What I miss: Brie and feta cheese. You wouldn’t know it but those cheeses are in everything!

What I’m Looking Forward to: The nuchal scan and getting to see our little one in a fancy ultrasound.

Trying to get done before baby: Not sure I have a specific to do list. It seems so far away!

John's POV: "We're still not telling anyone about the pregnancy. For the Bowl, we spun an elaborate tale of Lisa partying down the night before and being super hung over to avoid people asking questions about why she isn't having wine with her pasteurized cheese. It's probably narcissistic to think anyone would take the time to analyze her passing over Brie and drinking only bottled water. But we won't be the last pregnant couple who go to silly lengths to maintain their identity as childless and fun. Besides, I can still drink cheap wine at the Bowl."