Monday, October 21, 2013

Pregnancy Update: Week 20

This baby deep inside of me, ever so small, is a child of God. A child that God gave to me to take care of whether for a day or for years. That care began at conception. Whether he or she lives or dies each day I am with him or her is a gift and has a purpose with eternal consequences. My baby is now a part of my life, my testimony. -Brenda Rodgers, "New Rules for Announcing a Pregnancy"
How far along: 20 weeks! We're halfway there! (The 20 week mark actually occurred on Oct. 16th).

Baby size:  "size of a small cantaloupe ... about 10 ounces and 6 1/2 inches (crown to rump)" -What to Expect When You're Expecting, 4th Edition

Gender: We'll find out when he/she arrives in March!

Belly: The baby belly is growing! The change is exciting to watch. I had previously said that it "seemed to get bigger every day," and now it actually does get bigger every day! Somewhere after 18 or 19 weeks was the turning point for rapid growth for this little one. I can now feel him/her moving above the belly button line. It's incredible how quickly those changes occur! There's no mistaking now that the belly is because there's a baby on the way! A cashier even asked when I was due, which was the first time anyone who didn't know has said anything. I rather enjoy seeing further evidence each day of this little one that is with us!

Sleep: Sleep has been so much better thanks to now using a body pillow. Oh man, that has been the best $13 spent!

Clothes
This baby and belly are growing fast! Maternity clothes are now a necessity. I went to get dressed one morning, and discovered that the rest of my non-maternity skirts are no longer possible and the shirt selection is getting mighty thin. I really wish I hadn't put off making maternity skirts! The sewing machine will be seeing a lot of attention in the coming week(s)! I picked up a couple of pairs of pants at the store until I can get some skirts and whatnot sewn. I've also added a few new tops, and I must say that It's nice to have pieces that are made to flatter the baby belly. Now I'm just waiting for the maternity lines to shift towards warmer pieces. It's getting chilly, and I'm ready for some sweaters! haha. 

Movement: Okay, so my  Pregnancy Fitness dvd is still sitting. We have at least gone for walks around the neighborhood a few times. It has been way too nice outside to choose a dvd over taking a walk! Now that we're doing the Bradley Method classes, I'm trying to include those exercises into my daily routine. Exercise is a tough habit to establish, but I know (and feel) its benefits for me and the baby. I also know that establishing the habit now will also make picking it back up much easier after the baby arrives. 

Baby Movement- This baby is an active one! It's incredible to think back to just two weeks ago when the kicks felt only as big as the tip of my pinky finger. Now, they're much larger and stronger. At times they will startle me from being so strong. It's incredible every time and I can't help but to pause to lay my hand on my belly and feel them. David mentioned one evening that he can always tell when I'm feeling the baby move because my face will suddenly brighten. It's true. I love the feeling of this little one moving within me, and the joy of soon welcoming him/her into our family!

Food aversions: I don't think there are any anymore. Anything and everything sounds and tastes fantastic. 

Food cravings: It's interesting how  a couple of daily food "fixes" have seemed to switch during pregnancy. Normally, I have a such the uncontrollable sweet tooth and prefer meatless meals to meat. However, during this pregnancy I've definitely been partaking of more meat meals and leaving out the sweets. Even salads have come to need to have chicken or bacon included in them! haha! We joke about this pattern being so characteristic of hubby than me, and so this baby must be a little David. haha!

What I'm excited about: 
      The growing belly and all the little kicks are so exciting to experience. I'm loving each and every moment!
     We started to brainstorm and plan on how we will rearrange the space in our home for this little one. It will be so exciting to see our home transform a bit to now include a little one (and then future little ones)!
      David still rushes over to feel the baby move and remains equally excited about our family now including this little girl or boy. It truly delights my heart that he is already such an amazing Pop. I always wanted a family man, and that's exactly what this little one and I have. I cherish that deeply. 
      We bought our first baby item while visiting our home state recently. Oh my, they are just too sweet! We thought a little TN Volunteer orange was a good start for him/her!  :)
     
Comparison posts/pictures: 
10 Week Post      /      12 Week Post      /      14 Week Post      /      16 Week Post      /      18 Week Post

4 comments:

  1. Oh how fun. :) I always like the 20 week mark, because it all seems on the home-ward stretch after that. :)

    What part of TN are you all from? I spent a good share of my life in a tiny farm community, 1.5 hours north-east of Knoxville. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yay for 20 weeks! This really is a fun stage in pregnancy. I'm feeling bigger each week, and I can feel our baby kick and I'm not so nauseated :)

    Are you thinking of cloth diapering? My husband and I went to a class to look over options and I think we'll try it once the baby's thighs chub up a little.

    Cheers to the blessing of carrying life!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed! It's fun to watch the belly get a little bigger...daily! I love all the kicks and flips he/she does! It all just amazing.

      I do intend to cloth diaper. My current plan is to use disposables for the first week or two so that we can all adjust without the concern of laundering diapers. Then, I'll do prefolds with covers for the newborn stage. When he/she gets bigger we'll probably switch to AIO and pockets. I've been reading and researching cloth diapering as much as I can. A class sounds wonderful! haha

      Glad to hear you're doing well as well! Not too much longer! :)

      Delete
  3. We are doing disposables for the first bit as well since I know we'll both be a bit overwhelmed with finding a routine with a newborn. I'm just so excited about becoming parents and it's amazing what God's timing looks like.

    My friend will be doing prefolds and covers for the newborn stage as well, then switch to AIO's later on.

    I have found a great deal on Cotton Babies with their discontinued BumGenius AIO's with pockets or AIO Freetimes. The Freetimes we bought came out to be $10.72 each when you buy from the deal "Buy 4 Get 2 Free" and then use the coupon code "FREEDOM" which gives you an extra diaper for free. Then also use the coupon code "Newsletter" to get 5% off when you sign up for their newsletter (which I then unsubscribe to right away so I have less junk mail).

    If you're not at the point where you can purchase those (we took from savings for some), no biggie. I just wanted you to know the deal I found. Especially when diapers are $17 or $20 or $24 each. We were concerned about the initial cost.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...