Your pregnancy: 21 weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like he's practicing martial arts as his initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. [I swear I felt him move on the outside twice two days ago, but I might have felt it inside and thought I felt it outside. I think it is a little early for external movement] You may also discover a pattern to his activity as you get to know him better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now.
How your life's changing:

You're probably feeling pretty comfortable these days. [overall, I'm doing good, still a little tired, but the extra sleep from no job sure helps!] You're not too big yet, and the usual discomforts associated with early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. If you're feeling good, relax and enjoy it while you can — the third trimester may bring with it a new crop of complaints. [Oh joy, I can't wait!]
That's not to say you won't have some minor glitches to deal with now. For example, increased oil production may contribute to the development (or worsening) of acne. Don't take any oral acne medications — some are very hazardous during pregnancy — or use any topical acne products without first checking with your practitioner. [Hasn't been a problem so far, I'll keep my fingers crossed]
You're also more prone to varicose veins now. As your pregnancy progresses, there's increasing pressure on the veins in your legs; higher progesterone levels, which may cause the walls of your veins to relax, can make the problem worse. You're more likely to get varicose veins if other family members have them. [a few family members have them, so I'll have to be careful] Also, they tend to get worse with each successive pregnancy and as you age. To help prevent or minimize varicose veins, exercise daily, prop up your feet and legs whenever possible, sleep on your left side, and wear maternity support hose.
You may also notice so-called spider veins (a group of tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin), particularly on your ankles, legs, or face. [nope, nothing yet!] They may have a spider- or sunburst-like pattern with little branches radiating out from the center. Though they may be a bit unsightly, spider veins don't cause discomfort and usually disappear after delivery.

For the record, my belly button has not popped yet. It is getting flatter, so I'm sure it is just a matter of time before it pops out. Renae calls it a "snooze button." Swelling/water retention has not been a major issue, either (other than when I eat too much salt, of course). I can still wear my wedding band, but not my engagement ring (both rings were uncomfortable). I know swelling gets worse the further along you are, so I'll have to keep any eye on it.