23 Week Survey

How Far Along: 23 weeks which according to BabyCenter.com:

"Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about the size of a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb."

She is kicking around to John Mayer (her favorite) and DMB right now!

How I'm Feeling: I'm really enjoying this phase of my pregnancy! I feel great physically and I look pregnant but haven't reached uncomfortable whale status. It's so fun being able to feel her move around in there, and I'm usually able to tell when she's sleeping and when she's awake. Emotionally, I think my hormones are starting to make me feel a little "off" sometimes but I think it has a lot to do with Dylan being gone. Usually when I feel sad, Layla will kick around and remind me that life is good and we are blessed beyond belief. 

Weight Gain/Loss: I had gained around 3 pounds from my 18 week to my 22 week appointment. The midwife suggested that I just try and eat more often, even if I'm not hungry. I'm still only up 3-4 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight and should be gaining around 1 pound/week from this point on. (Baby girl is gaining 6oz/week now!).I'm trying not to put too much pressure on myself! 

Cravings: I'm still liking spicy foods and sweets. I feel like I have to have at least one sweet thing per day! My sweet stash is running dangerously low..a trip to the store may be in order!

Gender: Girl. I can't wait to meet her & watch her wrap Dylan around her finger. 

What I Miss: Sleeping comfortably, but I might as well shut up about it since I still have a ways to go! My sweet friend Kelley gave me a gift certificate for a prenatal massage & manicure pedicure @ Natural Body. I am saving the massage for when my hips are REALLY killing me (which probably won't be too far off from now). I woke up early today because of sore hips and stretching pain under my boobs. Minimal complaints for what has been such an easy and healthy pregnancy so far!

What I'm Looking Forward To: I am so anxious for her 3D ultrasound! It feels so far off from now. I'm so curious to see if I can tell whether she looks like Dylan or myself. 

Weekly Wisdom: Ok, my hope in maternity clothes may be restored. Thanks to Pinterest I was lead to ASOS . They offer free shipping on maternity (and non-maternity) clothes that I would actually wear! I think I may have even found a dress for my baby shower. Prices vary, but I have found some really affordable pieces that I plan on ordering soon. (Like, a tunic top for $17!)