Second Trimester!

I am finally in my second trimester and it feels great!!! My energy level is definitely on the rise and although the nausea is still here, it is getting less frequent. I don't know if it is my return of energy, the spring weather, or my nesting instinct kicking in early but I have been on a cleaning spree the last week! It feels so great to actually want to start a project and then have the energy to finish it. I spent two days alone on completely emptying and reorganizing our master closet- something I haven't felt like doing since we've moved in. It's huge (10'x15') and was stuffed full of unpacked boxes and clothes we don't wear. Now it looks great and is my favorite room in the house! :) My next big project will be getting Ellie's big girl room ready. Right now the room is full of all her old baby equipment and clothes so this will be a big project. I have some really cute furniture picked out, though, so I can't wait to do it! I'm really thankful that Ellie plays so well by herself and still naps 2 hours a day. These are the times I'm able to get things done. (I still, of course, play with her and take her to our play dates and toddler classes. She's not always playing by herself... Sorry, a mother will always find something to feel guilty about but I think I'm okay here. Talking about it gives me doubts though!) Moving on...
I had a doctor’s appointment on Thursday and all is well. Baby's heartbeat sounded great! We scheduled my next ultrasound for April 12th and this is the one where we will find out the sex. I can't wait!
I have officially grown out of my regular clothes last week and made the switch to my maternity clothes (this is what started the closet project). It happened a lot sooner this time! I think I was 17 weeks last time before I bought any maternity clothes. A lot of the clothes I already have are fall/winter so it will be fun to buy a few new summery pieces.
I think Ellie has got the hang of it that there is a baby in her mommy's tummy. She will point to my belly when we ask her where the baby is. More specifically, she will put her finger in my belly button and say "there!" so maybe she doesn't completely get it or just thinks the baby is very, very small...but she is getting there! :) We have also been reading a couple of books called "Waiting for Baby" and "Bringing Home Baby" and I think they are helping. Whenever someone asks her if she is going to have a little brother or sister, she always answers "SISTER!" so it will be fun to see if she's right! I secretly want her to have a sister too. Of course all that matters is that the baby is healthy but...if it were a healthy baby girl...I think it would be pretty neat. I grew up with all brothers and I just think it would be nice for Ellie to have a sister. We find out in a few weeks!
The next big thing I'm looking forward to with this pregnancy (besides the ultrasound) is feeling the baby move. I read that it can happen anytime between 14 and 26 weeks but I'm pretty sure I was 16 weeks with my last pregnancy. My book also says that for second pregnancies you might feel it even earlier than the first time so I 'm just waiting for that first "flutter". Gosh, being pregnant is so great! Yeah, I wouldn't have said that a few weeks ago but I really feel that way now. It's amazing how much better you feel in that second trimester. I'm going to go clean something!