23 Weeks

9 August 2013

How far along: 23 weeks

How big baby is: At yesterday’s appointment the doctor said she weighs 1 lb, 3 oz and is in the 47th percentile for her age - perfect! She should also be about 11 inches long, although he didn’t say anything about her length.

Baby is the size of: a large mango

Baby’s development: Blood vessels are developing in her lungs to prepare her for breathing. Her sense of hearing is improving as well as she can hear sounds outside of the womb.

Mommy’s weight gain: 1 pound this week, 13 pounds total

Mommy’s belly:

Baby’s movements: She is very wiggly several times a day now. I feel her movements all throughout my stomach, not just high or low, but everywhere! It was fun to watch her at the ultrasound yesterday and find out how she was positioned at the time. She was lying sideways and all scrunched up and I could tell that she still has plenty of room to twirl around in there. Here is a photo of how her little legs were crossed. I wish we had gotten a good shot of her face, but the doctor was in a hurry and I didn't get to ask for one.

Symptoms: No symptoms to speak of, really.

Food cravings: Sweet tea - I can’t get enough! What a terribly unhealthy craving! I have also really wanted corn dogs a lot lately, with lots of mustard. Why can’t I crave healthy things?

Emotions: I’m still pretty sensitive. It’s frustrating because I know that I’m more emotional than when I’m not pregnant, but I still can’t do anything about it.

Sleep: I’m so tired all the time! I just want to lie around and doze off and on all day, but that’s not an option.

Anything unusual: I’m not feeling as well as I would like to, and I know that’s because I’m not really getting any exercise. It has been so hot that I have avoided spending too much time outside. But I think it’s time that I start walking in the evenings. It won’t be much, but it will definitely be better than the “nothing” I have been doing. If I can just burn a few extra calories each day that might help me keep my weight gain in the right range too. (Well, maybe!) So I just need to get motivated and get started!

What I am looking forward to: We ordered Penny’s new bed this week, so hopefully within the next month or so we’ll get her room painted and converted to a “big girl room.” Then we’ll be one step closer to putting Ariana’s room together.