I know 23 doesn't come after 19, but the past four weeks have been VERY busy around here! We finished and moved into our new house (post and pics to come), survived the stomach virus, and celebrated Christmas and New Years...WHEW! I didn't have time to blog at work and we were without Internet access at my moms and our new house for several weeks, so I'm going to pick up with week 23 and try my best to not miss anymore weekly updates!
Baby Growth: This week Baby A is measuring 11 inches and weighs just over a pound, similar to the size of a large mango! Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and he can hear the sound of my voice and other loud noises (i.e. Maggie and the vacuum cleaner). I've been trying to be more mindful of things I talk about and say; mainly because the Lord has been convicting me about being more positive and having a "gentle and quiet spirit." I also want to make sure that our sweet baby is hearing his mommy and daddy's voices with love and kindness!
My Symptoms: The Sunday before Christmas I woke up with my stomach feeling unsettled. At first I thought it was because I had put on a clinic the night before at Outback, and then it hit me! I started vomiting around 8:30 a.m. and finally stopped around 9:15 p.m. Not to mention the continuous diarrhea that was going on as well. It was the sickest I have ever been, and pray I never feel that bad again. I must say, Brian took it like a champ! He did a great job making sure I was ok and had what I needed (cold rag, ice chips, and Tylenol). It made me feel more confident about how he will be in the delivery room.
Other than the stomach virus, the only other real pregnancy symptoms I've had are tiredness, low back pain, and what I think is round ligament pain/stretching. The gag reflex has subsided, hopefully for a long time!
Weight: At our 23 week appointment I had gained two pounds for a total of 10 pounds; I ended up losing four and a half pounds with the virus and couldn't eat anything at any of the Christmas gatherings. I'm sure it would have been way worse if I'd been my normal self. Dr. Little assured me it was completely fine and that the baby would get whatever he needed from me as long as I was drinking plenty of fluids. I may be malnourished, but according to him, the baby pulls nutrients from my bones, blood, etc. to make sure he is healthy so it was ok that I wasn't eating or taking my vitamins.
My belly has for sure grown the past couple of weeks and I feel like I finally look pregnant! When I eat I can only eat small amounts because I get full so much faster. If I try to eat more I feel terrible immediately. My boobs are also growing...whoo-hoo! And my veins are very visible.
Maternity Clothes: I wore my two pair of maternity jeans pretty much the entire Christmas break, and now that school has started back I'm into my black cords and khaki dress pants. I would like to get one more pair of pants to get me through. As soon as I get home I change into sweat pants. Brian bought me my favorite brand for Christmas, Starter men's from Walmart- ghetto I know, but they are AMAZING! I wish there was a way to make them look a little dressy so I could wear them to work! I'm wearing most of my shirts still; they really make my belly noticeable and I love having people comment about me being pregnant. People sure do treat you differently when you are expecting!
Movement: We may have a wild child on our hands! He is moving all the time and I LOVE it! I've been trying so hard to get Brian to feel but everytime he puts his hand on my belly the baby stops...I think he's already being mischievous and playing tricks on his daddy! At our doctor's appointment, Dr. Little put the instrument on my stomach to hear the heartbeat and he immediately punched/kicked him. We all cracked up, it was like he was saying get that off of me! BTW he found the heartbeat immediately and said it sounded "perfect," what a blessing!
Sleep: The only complaint I have is that it's so hard/uncomfortable to roll over in bed. I'm loving my body pillow and have had to add another pillow under my head because I start coughing at night. I'm getting up at least once every night to pee, so I usually turn over then. I feel way more comfortable laying on my left side, and wake up a lot on my back.
Cravings: Reese Cups, Coke, Sweet Tea, cheese pizza, grape kool aid, oranges, and date nut balls. I've been craving spinach dip and sausage balls too, but haven't had a chance to make any (or talk my mom into bringing me some)! I cannot stand the smell or taste of bacon or steaks right now. All the foods at Christmas looked awful to me; it was really sad because this girl loves some dressing, ham, and holiday desserts. Oh well, I guess I'm better off not having indulged!
Best Pregnancy Moment This Week: Brian and I bought Baby A's first lovie this week! It is SO adorable I know he is going to love it! It's also the inspiration for his nursery. The brand is Maison Chic and they sell the products in a local boutique.
They also have a head rest that I want for him, but were sold out after Christmas.
Brian works with some of the nicest most thoughtful people, and one of the sweet ladies gave us two gifts for Christmas. One gift was in a bag that said "To: Little Pat," her name is Pat and Brian told her that we were going to name the baby Little Pat! Brian wanted me to open it since he knows how much I LOVE Christmas and presents, and it was Baby A's first toy and outfit...I burst into tears when I opened it! There were three onesies: light blue, navy, and gray stripes and puppies with two pairs of matching pants- adorable! It was so thoughtful and really hit me that it won't be long before our son is wearing these clothes; so exciting! Thank you Miss Pat!
Questions/Concerns: My next appointment (3 weeks) is the test for gestational diabetes. My sis-n-law failed hers the first time and had to do the three hour test! She said it was awful and I am really praying that I will pass the first one with flying colors.
Even before we started trying to get pregnant I was certain that I wanted to do whatever I had to in order to deliver my babies naturally, without an epidural. Huge needles freak me out and so does the thought of not being able to feel my lower half. I want to be able to walk around during and afterwards and I do NOT want a catheter (although Dr. Little assured me you do not have to have one with an epidural). My mom delivered both me and Clay with only two Tylenol and that has been inspiring for me to do so as well. However, I am having anxiety about both ways. I talked it over with Dr. Little and it alleviated some fears, but I'm still torn as to what I want to do. One of my best friends had an epidural and it only worked on half her body, so she felt basically everything! I've heard that from multiple people, so to me it doesn't make a lot of sense to do it. But then others say all you feel is a little bit of pressure and it's over. I know everyone is different so I'm going to continue praying about it and researching. I really want to talk to my primary OBGYN too, as he has known me since I was 19 and would shoot me straight.
Goals: Since I was so sick it's been hard to get down veggies, fruits, and water so I really want to up my intake of all three. I need to start exercising, walking at least! Register at Babies R Us and Target. Pick out fabric and paint for the nursery. Read "Baby Wise" and "Happiest Baby on the Block."
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