22 weeks

So I'm a day late and there is no picture this week basically because I can't remember anything.  I think I look pretty much the same, though.



How far along? 22 weeks, 1 day.


Maternity clothes? I had to put one dress away.  I'm thinking I can wear it after baby, though.


Stretch marks? Nope.



Sleep? Still sleeping really well.  Everyone keeps asking me if I use the bathroom a lot at night, but I never do.


Food cravings: None, really.


Gender: I have pretty much convinced myself it's a girl!



Belly button in or out? In.



Movement? Maybe feeling some taps the last few days?  I hope so, this is getting ridiculous.


What I miss? My short-term memory.


What I'm looking forward to: V-day in a couple of weeks.


Milestones: Ordering the crib!  I cashed in a bunch of American Express points and got this one (Pottery Barn Kids Kendall Fixed Gate Crib, plus the conversion kit), for free:
 

Our colors are green and yellow as well and I think it will look really cute!

21 week appointment - scared straight!

So I gained 8 lbs in the last month.  Not so good.  I have also started getting some swelling and leg cramps at night.  Not pleasant, but normal, or so I thought.

My midwife had the following to offer: 

• Leg cramps can be a sign of calcium deficiency, especially combined with the little bit of muscle twitching I have had that I didn't think was a big deal.  I drink plenty of milk, but apparently some people don't absorb calcium well from dairy.  She recommended getting calcium from a variety of sources: leafy dark greens (spinach, kale, collards), other veggies like broccoli and brussels sprouts, and foods like almonds and white beans.  She recommended not relying on just one of these foods, either - there goes my idea for a daily spinach salad!

• For the swelling she recommends nettles, and more than I get from the tea mix.  She said that I can take a supplement and a large dose won't hurt me or the baby.  I am already walking and swimming so that part is covered!  She also recommended nightly foot massages, which I am all for...She also mentioned a chiropractic adjustment may relieve this issue, which is something I had not considered. 

• She also noted that pre-eclampsia is usually a result of poor nutrition and hydration.  If that's not motivation to drink my water, I don't know what is!

So, bottom line is I need to drink my water, eat my veggies, and take care of myself.  Hopefully that will slow down the weight gain as well as solve some of these other issues.

20 weeks!

It looks like my ankles are not the only thing that are puffy - nice elbow!

How far along? 20 weeks. I can't believe I'm halfway!

Maternity clothes? Oh yes.  Luckily my sister sent me home from Vermont with a suitcase full!

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep? I'm embarassed about my apparent snoring but I'm sleeping just fine!

Food cravings: Still milk, and occasionally potato chips.

Gender: I'm thinking girl.

Belly button in or out? In.

Movement? Still waiting...

What I miss? Normal ankles.

What I'm looking forward to: Midwife appointment next week.

Milestones: Anatomy scan, of course.

Anatomy scan tonight

We really had a great scan.  The baby was moving all over and we got some great shots.  I thought it was especially neat to see the heart beating with all four chambers visible.  All the measurements were normal and I think the baby looks pretty cute!

We also got this cool shot of the foot:

We also found out that my placenta is anterior, meaning that it's attached in the front of the uterus instead of the back.  It's not a problem, but is probably why I haven't felt the baby kick yet.  So, I'm staying patient!

A pregnancy milestone...

My rings do not fit.  Somehow, I was hoping to escape this fate.  I have a ring I can wear but it's just not the same.  See you in the spring, rings!