4 Months Down - 5 to Go!!!

So today I'm officially 4 months pregnant. It's so exciting to be getting close to the half way point. This time I actually got my protein checked in addition to the normal weight and blood pressure check. The nurse said I have gained a total of 7 pounds thus far. I'm thinking, "Oh help me God!" But she kept saying that it's normal and I'm fine. Doug did his calculations and decided that I was on track to my goal of only gaining 20-30 pounds. I'm just thinking 20-30 pounds can look bad on a short woman. But I'm going to try and stay positive. I was able to hear the baby's heartbeat also. My placenta has moved up, as you can tell from the picture, so I didn't feel like the nurse had to go hunting for it this time. :-) The best news of the day was when I found out that I don't have to wait until Feb. 3rd to find out the gender. She said I can come at 18 weeks instead of 20 weeks, which will be Jan. 20th. I couldn't resists the opportunity to come 2 weeks early. Now I just have to decide who I'm going to invite. You know I have to have a plan. So I was thinking about if I wanted to plan some special way to share the news. It could be so much fun! Here's my next belly pic. (Soon this belly will be clothed at all times.) So, I know what you're thinking...."what a difference a month makes, huh?" I have officially started wearing maternity shirts. I like the fact that they are longer. I don't have to worry about my belly falling out. I have about 3 "normal" pants that I can still wear. And since I need more than 3 pair, I have started wearing some maternity pants too. People kept telling me how I look bigger than 4 months. Well, I don't know if that's something nice to say but I've heard it several times. "Stop it rude people!" One nice lady told me that my torso was just short and my baby has no where to go but out. I like that explanation so I'm going to start using it. Of course, all the books you read tell you how every woman is different and carries differently. I can accept that too.