One of the problems with pregnancy is that most of the symptoms vary so wildly and widely from person to person.

Morning sickness could be nothing more than an occasional gassy feeling, or it could be months of near-constant nausea and vomiting. Breasts may feel more firm but otherwise fine, or they could feel like they've been hit repeatedly with sticks. Appetite could increase, or it could decrease. Energy levels could go through the floor, or they could go through the roof. Emotions could stay on a more or less even keel, or they could make PMS mood swings seem like a hiccup.

I'm still frequently having trouble believing I'm pregnant. Most of the time, my symptoms aren't highly visible. I've gone through burpy episodes before. I've been tired before (though admittedly not with this sort of relentlessness). Sure, I'm a little "tender" and my appetite is doing weird things and I get weepy at sitcoms - I've been known to have those symptoms with the flu, too.

Going to the doctor didn't help much. I still keep expecting them to say, "Nope, it was all a mistake. You're not pregnant. Go home."

My next doctor's appointment is in a couple of weeks, and it will include an ultrasound. I wonder if that will ring the bell for me, or if it will still be too blob-y and nebulous. The sound of the baby's heartbeat, maybe?

In two months, I should be able to feel it moving. I should also be showing by then. Maybe that will do it.

When Matt and I first moved into our house, we spent months walking around feeling like we were borrowing a friend's place or something. It couldn't possibly be real that we owned a house. I wonder if we'll feel like that with the baby, too - an extended bout of babysitting.

I dunno. I guess we'll see.

It snowed last night - first snow of the winter. My skin is three times as itchy as usual today. I swear, I need to remember to bring a bottle of lotion to work with me and use it, liberally and frequently. Take it to the bathroom with me so I can get my legs.

At least I'm not feeling cold - I have a little heater that I keep under my desk, but, naturally, it dries me out, too. When did this "getting old" thing happen?

I used to love snow. It's beautiful. And, of course, there was the very real possibility that since our county only has two snowploughs, school would be cancelled.

But these days, even if the snow is severe enough to warrant missing work, I just have to make up the missed time, or sacrifice a day of vacation. These days the snow melts onto the windows of my car and then re-freezes, making it a royal pain in the ass to get the car going in the morning. These days I can't elect to snuggle up on the couch all day with a blanket, a book, and a mug of hot chocolate.

It takes some of the joy out of snow.

At least last night's snow didn't stick to the roads

Yep. I'm definitely getting old.

--Liz