twenty-three weeks

written October 25th

I thought I was being all good remembering to take a picture before Ryann and I headed to my parents house for a bit.  Except I forgot that the gradient layer and 'weeks' heart was only on my main computer, not my laptop.  So I'll have to fix the photo later.  Oh well.

Also, I spent a chunk of time curling my hair because we were supposed to have family photos this morning.  But just my luck it was gray, raining and nasty out.  At least I was taking this picture so it wasn't a complete waste, right?

how far along:  23 weeks (compare to 23 weeks with Ryann)

size of baby:  according to the bump a grapefruit, between 10.5-11.8 inches long and weighing 12.7 to 20.8 ounces.  Basically it lists the same size as last week with a different fruit.  Who knows.  I'm terrified she is going to be huge, for not reason at all of course. 

weight gain:  8.4 pounds.  Considering the fact that I am still obsessed with all things unhealthy (but trying to avoid them, I swear!  kind of...) I'll take a .4 gain this week.

maternity clothes:  As much as I want to be super awesome and wear my regular clothes, maternity clothes are just easier.  Actually sweats are a lot easier.  :o)  I've had some coupons to Destination Maternity, so I've stocked up on some maternity stuff.  It works.

symptoms:  Just lots of movement from the little one, plus the urge to eat everything in sight.  I have been getting what I'm going to probably not so accurately diagnose as restless leg syndrome at night.  If I sit down on the couch for any length of time my legs just get uncomfortable and I want to move or go to bed and sleep so it will go away.  It isn't painful, just annoying and uncomfortable.

exercise:  Only three days of official workouts this week, but one of those was just a half marathon, you know.  :o)  I took two days off before and after the half to take it a little easier on my body.  Tuesday I went on a three mile walk, and Wednesday I went on a 3 mile run/walk.

cravings/aversions:  Still baked goods and Mexican.  A huge thanks to my pal Kenzie for joining me while I indulged in that Mexican craving.  It was so freaking good.  I've decided that I mostly have an aversion to cooking :o).  At home the thought of making anything seems kind of repulsive, and I just want fruit or yogurt or cereal.  But eating at a restaurant doesn't sound so bad.  I think I always have an aversion to cooking though...  Still want nothing to do with olives or pizza really.

movement:  Tons.  Some days are a little slower, especially if she has flipped with her limbs down (I'm assuming).  But a lot of times I am staring at my belly saying 'seriously!  calm down!'  I can't believe how uncomfortable some of the movement is already, I'm scared for when she is bigger...

sleep:  Not too shabby.  Even with Ryann in a big girl bed.  I'm knocking on every piece of wood I see right now.

gender: Girl.  Which is oddly still weird.  I don't know why, but it is weird that there is another little girl in there.

looking forward to:  Nursery decorating.  Being done with the half.  A trip to Georgia in the next month.  The holidays.  My house not being a disaster.  Lots of things.

worries:  That I'm going to be a hot mess with two kids.  I can't convince myself to keep up with everything right now with just one, how the hell am I going to do it with two?  Also Christopher and I are still having a hard time picturing another daughter.  I don't know if it would be different if it was a boy, but I just can't imagine another baby, especially a girl.  I can only picture Ryann.  I know that will change, it is just kind of weird.  Weird to talk about the baby GIRL in my belly, another daughter...

what's different this time:  I'm a lot more active.  That is all I've really got.

milestones:  not a clue

best moment this week:  Finishing the half marathon, and feeling good about it!  I was sore that day (but I think more chafed than anything...) but not really at all the next couple of days.  I kept waiting to be miserable but it never happened.  I trained the right way for this race and listened to my body and am I very proud of it.

To the anonymous commenter who claimed I was being selfish by simply doing the half to say that I did it while pregnant, I understand where you're coming from.  But that is not at all why I ran the half.  I ran the half because I really wanted to, I didn't want to sit out a race season if I didn't have to.  I enjoy running and the feeling of accomplishment when I cross the finish line.  Training for that race kept me active during a time when I easily could have given up and said, "oh I'm pregnant, need to just take it easy."  Thousands of women run while pregnant, and I completely trust my doctor and her opinion.  Between her opinion, my husbands' and me knowing my own body, I knew full well that I was capable of finishing the half without harming the pregnancy.  If for any reason I felt something that had made me think it wasn't a good idea I wouldn't have done it.  I have never once had a contraction, cramping or any spotting during this pregnancy.  Next time you want to call me out on something grow a pair and at least post your name.

To anyone who reads this blog in general.  There is a reason I don't offer advertising, nor am I trying to make a big blog name for myself.  This blog is for ME.  Me and my family.  And for friends and any mama's out there who enjoy this sort of community.  So if you don't like what you're reading, just move on.  I am completely open to a difference in opinions, no doubt.  This is the internet and it is my choice to post stuff for the world to see.  But at the same time I don't need anyone hanging around who will attack me personally.  Opinions on parenting, the best way to do something, things of that nature, products that you think are better, share away.  Opinions on me as a person?  Go ahead and keep them to yourself.

Ok, off my soap box.  Really it was a pretty good week :o).