23 Weeks

 

How far along? 23 weeks

Baby size: Grapefruit, 1.10 lb, 11.38 in (crown to heel)

Total weight gain/loss: My last weight check several weeks ago I was up 9 pounds, but I know I am more than that now.  Many people have commented in the last week that I am finally looking pregnant...  I think that is a nice way of saying I've gained weight : )
Maternity clothes? YES!  We left for the beach Saturday and stopped at the Outlet Mall before checking into our rental house.  I was very happy to discover that there was a Motherhood Maternity Outlet there and the whole store was an additional 25% off.  Score!!
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: I have been sleeping really hard and all night lately.  I am able to stay up later at night, but mornings are still my absolute favorite time of the day.
Best moment this week:  I get such a thrill from being able to watch other people in our family feel the baby kick!  This week my mama was able to feel her for the first time.   Wednesday night I was laying on my parents' couch really still trying to get her to start kicking.  She kicks the most when I am flat on my back towards the end of the day.  Mama was sitting in the floor beside me waiting and waiting for her to start.  Finally she decided to show out for her Mimi :)  I love the initial facial expressions and watching the people I love being able to already develop a bond with our baby girl.  Friday afternoon, I was laying on the couch again and my brother was sitting talking away and baby started kicking.  I placed his hand on my stomach in the middle of his talking without him really knowing what I was doing.  He continued with his conversation, and then she let out a big kick for him.  He just laughed and asked if that was her.  Cannot wait to see them interact in person when she arrives!!
Miss Anything? Being able to quickly get up from laying or sitting down.  Daniel has gotten into the habit of pulling me up especially if it is a deep chair/couch that I am sitting in.
Movement: YES!!  She does a little in the mornings, in the afternoon when I get home from work if I lay on the couch, and pretty much every night when I lay down in the bed.  I am sure she is kicking throughout the day, but I do not notice it yet.  It is probably not strong enough for me to realize at this point unless I am pretty still.
Food cravings: I have really been craving healthy foods this week.  I think because last weekend I ate so much "junk," I was ready to get back into some feel better foods.  We have to eat lunch at 10:30 during summer school, so I am pretty hungry when I get home around 3pm each day.  I was just eating carb snacks but they were not filling me until dinner time, so this week I started making yummy smoothies every day when I got home.  I used vanilla yogurt, almond milk, frozen mango, blueberries, a banana, and ice.  They are delicious and perfect for these hot afternoons. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Tomatoes and tomato sauces, onions, mayo, ranch dressing. 
Have you started to show yet: Yep!
Gender: It's a Girl!!
Symptoms: Lower back pain, needing to go to the bathroom very often
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Looking forward to: Spending the week at the beach with Daniel's family!!  I am excited about some quality time with my sweetie ;)  and being able to relax, eat good food, and doze off to the sound of the waves.  I am hoping baby girl will cooperate and let Daniel's family feel her kick some this week too!!