Pregnancy Journal - Twenty-two Weeks

How far along: 22 weeks

Weight gain, body changes: Maybe I should invest in a scale? Definitely feel like I'm getting bigger...or at least my belly is.

Maternity clothes: My sister, Emily, sent a bag with my mom at Thanksgiving with her maternity coat and more clothes. I've already worn a couple of the tops with rave reviews! (she also is letting us borrow her infant car seat/stroller combo...it was a team effort as my mom and her hubby gate checked it on their flight to bring it to us). OH, and I've been able to wear a belt for a few hours during the day. So, I can finally look like I'm at least trying to be a cute pregnant lady :).

Stretch marks: Nothing new--crossing my fingers. Though my skin is definitely stretching and has gotten itchy.  I'm still liking the vitamin E/coconut oil/grapeseed oil concoction, but I think I need to find something thicker for these dry winter days and nights.

Movement: He is a squirmy one. The Captain has been able to feel his little kicks, which is really fun. He, the baby, did keep me up one night pretty much the whole night with his acrobatics. I didn't think that was supposed to happen until later?? I've found myself rocking like a crazy person when I'm trying to fall asleep at night just to get him to settle down. Is this a foreshadowing of bedtimes to come?

Sleep: Same as my last post, some night I sleep pretty well, usually getting up for bathroom breaks every hour until about 1:30am, then sleeping for a good solid stretch until about 5 or 6am. I'm counting myself lucky.

Best moment this week: Thanksgiving was pretty great! Spending time with family was much needed, as was a break from the city. We could hear birds and no horns honking. Nashville was a blissful break.  We also had our good friends, Ashley (photographer) and Blair Willis (assistant) take some pics for our Christmas cards and that Saturday was the best I have felt yet! 20 weeks was definitely a turning point for the better! (more on this in a bit.)

What made you cry: I have been crying less. I was sad to come back to New York after Thanksgiving. But I've also been able to enjoy being pregnant more. For a while I couldn't sing to the baby, it would make me cry, but I've gotten better about that. Trying to toughen up so I'm not so sappy, sentimental all the time.

Food cravings: Nothing out of the ordinary, just hungry all the time! And so grateful to be able to eat real food again! We've had a couple of amazing meals lately, one at a Cuban place in Williamsburg (the best braised kale you'll ever eat) and one at an Irish pub/Moroccan hybrid that used to be the Purple Plum, now P.D O'Hundley's on the upper west side (my first steak in months!).

Something you miss: Still missing exercise. I just can't seem to get moving more than my walks to and from the subway or corner market. The Captain and I have done a pre-natal yoga video that's on Hulu a  few times and that has felt really good. Bending over is getting harder!

Anything making you queasy or sick: I'm still pretty regular on the Zofran. Man, I never thought I'd be the pill-popping-preggo type, but it really is saving me and my job. I would surely have had to quit or go on disability without it.

How's your mood: Pretty good most of the time! Finally!

Any surprises? Actually feeling better. I really thought I'd be sick the whole time. But there's a least a little bit of light in this tunnel. 

And in case you were wondering, I worked from home today and this was the best I could do...but the other pics are technically 20 weeks...here's your 22 week shot!

Pregnancy Journal - Twenty Weeks

How far along: 20 weeks

Weight gain, body changes: 6 lbs since my last appointment, 5 lbs over my pre-pregnancy weight. I guess that means I've caught up! I definitely look pregnant now with 3 more inches around my middle.

Maternity clothes: I've grown out of most of my regular tops and only fit into pants that have a super low rise--though I would only wear them for a couple hours and not when I have to sit for an extended period of time.

Stretch marks: Nothing new. I've opted for a "smell-free" combination of grapeseed oil, coconut oil and vitamin E. I'm liking that.

Movement: All the time, it's just a question of how intense. He even kicked hard enough that I could see his little foot push my stomach out. At my 20 week appointment today, his head was down. I think he's doing handstands and scissor kicks.

Sleep: I can still sleep on my back some nights, but most nights it's uncomfortable. Getting up more during the night.

Best moment this week: I had a lot of good moments. A highlight was a couple weeks ago when it snowed. For the first time, I got really excited to be having a boy and all the adventurousness that will come with him.

What made you cry: The primary song, "I hope they call me on a mission" came on my ipod randomly and I cried--already a proud mama. I cried when people spontaneously gave up their seats for me on the subway (interestingly, most were women). I cried Saturday when I realized that I wasn't going to stop throwing up. I couldn't keep anything--even water down. The Captain was out of town and my visiting teacher called out of the blue to check in on me. A merciful miracle. She took me to the hospital and waited with me while they gave me a rehydration IV and some anti-nausea meds. I slept so hard that night. I don't think I moved until morning.

Food cravings: Fried chicken. I can finally eat meat again and am really excited about it. I don't love that it has to be well done, but I think I got sick last weekend from something I ate, so I'll be more careful.

Something you miss: Exercise. Crazy me. My midwife told me today that I just need to be grateful that I'm gaining weight and to take the pregnancy I was given. Great advice!

Anything making you queasy or sick: I'm still a little sensitive to smells.

How's your mood: So much better.

Any surprises? How much I missed the Captain while he was gone. It's really good to have him around.