23 Weeks

How far along: 23 Weeks.

How big is baby: The length of a large mango

Total weight gain:  Close to 20lbs :/ I just keep telling myself that I can lose it just as easy as it came once my little girl is here. I plan on being very strict with my diet and using Isagenix as my main source of nutrition (that will be amazing for not only me, but baby girl too).

Sleep: Well my daughter has decided her favorite time of day is when I decide to lay down to go to bed. I will lay on my side and she will kick off the bed….. While it’s very cute, when I’m rather very tired all I want to do is sleep, not feel my adorable daughter jump up and down for an hour or two.

Best moment of the week: Not going to lie, this week was sort of a letdown. The kids grandparents were in town so they spent it with them at their dad’s house. Ryan went back to work after being off for the last 3 months from getting back surgery, so I was rather alone haha. Apparently the needy pregnancy gene kicked in, cause I was throwing all kinds of pity parties. The best moment this week is today/tonight, while my husband will be away hunting (that sucks a lot since I do enjoy his company), I get to have a special weekend loving on my babies. There will be tea parties, sushi dates, and movies.

Food Cravings:  Maybe bagels? Really I haven’t wanted anything in particular.

Food Aversions:  For once guacamole was sort of gross to me (it was a sad moment).

Symptoms: Permanent stuffy nose, random contractions (more Braxton hicks kind), more ligament pain from sitting or lying in certain positions, itchy legs, lack of sleep….that about covers it.

Mood: Lonely and a little bummed out. I’m hoping to change that this weekend. I think just being around the kids will help lighten my mood.

Movement: Tons of activity for longer periods of time. She loves when I lay down and eat/drink anything. She’s definitely getting bigger. Bella finally felt her move around and she thought it was the coolest thing ever.

What I’m looking forward to: Baking!!! Lots of baking. I’ve been watching way too many baking shows and holiday competitions on TV haha. We are down to 15 weeks now (technically I turned 24 weeks today, so I’m always a week behind when I post) and I’m starting to get a little impatient. 

Ryan and I as children. We've been trying to imagine what our little girl is going to look like.

20 Weeks

How far along: 20 Weeks.

How big is baby: The size of a butternut squash

Total weight gain:  Not sure, I didn’t look at my last appointment and usually tend to avoid scales.

Sleep:  Isn’t great. I wake up every time I have to roll over and keep having awful very vivid dreams. Also I’ve been starting to get uncomfortable lying in bed.  

Best moment of the week: Last weekend Ryan and I got to go to Kellogg, ID on a marriage retreat. It was really nice to get away from our busy and hectic life. The scenery was gorgeous (I’ve never been there when there is no snow) and the actual retreat part was just what we needed to hear.  Of course I missed the kids, but it sounds like they had a very fun weekend with Grandma and Grandpa.

Food Cravings:  This week it has been bad haha. Let’s see any type of Asian food, strawberry pop tarts, a nibble of a brownie, ummmm I think that about covers it.

Food Aversions: I think I’m very over eating Salmon at restaurants. I’m the only person that can actually grill/cook it and make it taste yummy.

Symptoms: Random sciatica pains down my leg, but not very often. 

Mood: Emotional. I started watching birthing videos on youtube annnnnd it makes me tear up and get all excited (and suddenly very impatient). I also may have a bit of a temper, woops.

Movement: She has been kicking and rolling on a more usual schedule. She hates when I cross my legs or when my dog, Mater, tries to lay on my belly. It never gets old. I absolutely love  

What I’m looking forward to: Tomorrow my daughter and I get to go to Pac Con, a comic book convention, and meet Stan Lee!!! If you know Bella and I then you know how excited we are to do this. I’ve been a huge X-Men fan since I was her age (thanks to my big brother Eddie), and that led me down the rabbit hole of the Marvel Universe. I have passed that love down to her and she has become my mini me.