Papaya "Punch"

So I'm 23 weeks today.

Exciting!!

I just can't believe how close I'm getting to holding my lil man in my arms. I feel him all the time now and it is the most wonderful sensation I've ever felt in my life. All the kicks are really evident now and it's beautiful.

But, are they kicks?

I went in to have a follow up NT Scan last week so I got a chance to see my baby again. Long story short, the tech took all of the measurements again and everything looks great. As I was looking at the screen I noticed the baby was throwing his fists around like crazy. Seeing this prompted me to ask the tech where exactly the baby was situated. He told me that he's head down and staying mostly on my left side. That's when I realized he hasn't been kicking me, he's been punching me!!

I couldn't believe it! All this time he's been punching me?! I couldn't help but laugh. It just goes to show you how little you know until you know it, you know?

In other news, nesting has become a way of life for me. Because hubby & I live in a loft, there's very little room for storage. So, I've been busy cleaning out cabinets and drawers, getting rid of things we don't need, to make room for baby. The process has turned into somewhat of a hobby but it's also been really cathartic.

"Out with the old, in with the new", as they say.

I'm cleaning out the closets and cabinets of all the old stuff that's become clutter in our lives and with every bag I fill for Goodwill, an actual weight is lifted off my shoulders. A certain lightness of being settles in and my mood lifts as well because I know I'm clearing the path for this next part of our journey. I'm getting closer to the horizon I spoke of very early on in my endeavor to become "mommy", and closer still to the realization that all of my struggles have been worth it. I appreciate this opportunity. I treasure this opportunity. I have earned this opportunity and I will not squander it.


xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox


Weekly Update

How far along? 23 weeks
Stretch marks? Nope, not yet
Sleep: Actually sleeping better but I'm still struggling a lil bit with acid reflux
Movement: I feel him all the time now!
Food cravings: Does FOOD count?Gender: A BOY!!
What I miss: Still missing my knees & ankles
What I am looking forward to: Having him!!

Milestones: I think I felt baby boy kick on the outside!

A Papaya

Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

I Say Ba-Nah-Nah

So I'm 21 weeks along. I can't believe how far I've come and yet how far I still have to go. The crazy thing is that, even though it seems like a long time to me, it's such a short time when I think about the fact that I'm creating a human life.

I mean,

WOW.

Right?!?

Something else to be wowed by - I finally felt my boy move! Up till now I'd only felt some bubbles here & there. And though I was aware that these bubbles were probably kicks, they didn't feel like kicks. But then Saturday night I felt what I knew were kicks.

3 in a row.

And just like that I fell in love.

(swoon)

Now I just sit around waiting for him to kick again. He has kicked a couple more times but there's no definite pattern or routine that I've been able to discern quite yet. I'm sure there'll come a time when I wish he'd let up a little but until then I'm just going to savor every poke, prod, kick and hiccup I can.

")
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How far along? 21 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Is that a serious question?
Stretch marks? Nope, not yet
Sleep: Yeah, right
Movement: Definitely felt him Saturday night...YAY!!
Food cravings: Does FOOD count?
Gender: A BOY!!
Labor Signs: None
What I miss: Having knees, oh yeah, and ankles
What I am looking forward to: Finalizing his name

Milestones: I started my registry

A Banana
Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you want your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.