Bumpdate ~ Week 23

Technically, I was 23 weeks along in 2013, but this is my first 2014 bumpdate post! Since I turn the new week on a Sunday, I usually wait until the end of the week to write the bumpdate. That way I can actually write about what happened that week!

23 weeks. It's hard to believe that we only have about 17 weeks left! Little Man will be here before we know it. It's 2014 and we're going to have a baby in about 4 months! This also means that I am 6 months pregnant?! Oh my stars. It sure doesn't seem like it's been that long. I guess that's a good thing, right?

• Week 23
• Baby is the size of an : eggplant (crown to heel)
• Weight :  1.10  lb. / Length :  11.38  in. (from crown to heel)
• In the next 5 weeks, Baby will experience a major growth spurt (oh boy!). Baby will begin to gain about 6 oz. a week!! REM (Rapid eye movements) have begun to occur while Baby is sleeping. Baby's cerebrum is preparing to be able to conduct communication between cells as well. (The cerebrum is a part of the brain that is responsible for memory, motor skills, and intellect.) Baby's hair and skin are beginning to darken and gain some pigment. Facial features are also becoming more distinct.

Gender: BOY!

Weight Gain: Not sure, but I think it must be normal. I just told the hubs that I feel like my belly is smaller than it was 2 weeks ago... He thinks I'm crazy. I don't feel like I'm gaining weight other than in my belly though. My legs and rear are looking pretty trim since I've been running :) success!

How I Feel: Pretty good this week. However, I did a number on my back on Sunday and couldn't stand up straight for about 15 minutes. That was not fun. We both visited the chiropractor the next day. He told me, "I don't know what you did, but you did a number on your lower back. Stay out of the gym for a few days." Then we both laughed and he said, "Ok, try not to lift for a day or two." I said, "Can I run?" He said, "Just do the elliptical. Don't irritate your back or you'll be right back here." Pretty sure we went to the gym that night. What?...I can't help it?!

• Stretch marks: None.
• Belly button: Still in.
• Other: My hair and nails are still nice and thick. That's always nice! I am also STARVING all of the time. I've noticed that if I don't eat asap when I'm hungry, my stomach starts to really hurt. This boy is eating me alive!! Oh, and my boobs are ridiculous right now. I've been putting off getting bigger bras for a few weeks, but it is going to have to happen this weekend! Here we go...

How Daddy's Feeling: Great! The hubs gets to feel his little man kicking quite a bit now. It was so much fun to grab his hand and put it on my belly throughout our break so that he could feel Baby moving around. Daddy and I like to lay in bed at night and feel Baby moving. It makes me giggle. The hubs also keeps asking me when we're going to start the Baby room. He's pretty excited!

Clothing:Maternity clothes. ZuLilly has been great for finding deals. Old Navy shirts/sweaters are nice, but the jean dye gets on everything. I have one pair and I never wear them anymore. Gap jeans and leggings are the way to go! Just spend the money. It's totally worth it.

Cravings: Just spicy, salty foods still. 

Food Aversions: Sweets.

Movement: Lots! In fact, I'm pretty sure little man is standing straight up because he is kicking me really really low and dancing on my bladder constantly. That made our road trip a little "painful." Baby's kicks are super low. It feels kind of weird! He was kicking my right side for the longest time, now it's all down low in the front. Stinker.

Sleep: Sleeping pretty well. I loved all the sleep we got over break!

Best Moment This Week: Daddy getting to feel our little man move around so much. His face and smile melt my heart!

Worst Moment This Week: Having to go back to work?! We had so much fun together on our break! 

Looking Forward to: Our weekend trips planned for January!! and starting the Baby room!

What I Miss: Sushi. I've been craving it a lot lately?! and running for long periods of time. Intervals will have to do for now. Oh, and my lean, toned body. Usually I'm the only girl in the gym lifting, but yesterday there was another girl about my previous size lifting. It made me miss my abs and toned arms... ha!

Pregnancy Thoughts this Week:

•  As of right now, we are pretty sure we are going to hire a Doula. Have you heard about them? They are usually certified nurses, but they also have to hold a Doula certification. They are a "non-medical" person who assists a woman before, during, and after birth. From what we have researched, a Doula is a great help when it comes to assisting a Natural Labor (which is what I'm planning on). The benefits are so great, that some insurances are starting to cover them!
• A friend of ours has a sister who is a certified nurse and Doula and a photographer. If she didn't live in Souix City, I would hire her immediately! I would love to have our Doula double as a photographer and catch all of those special moments immediately after (not during) our sweet man comes into this world. That would be perfect! The photos that I have seen from my friend's sister are some of the most touching I have ever seen. They're just so special and real!

Diet: Now that the holidays are over (although, I was really good during the holidays), the hubs and I are back on track with clean eating. I am reading more and more that supports clean eating - especially during pregnancy. I want my baby to be getting nutrient dense foods. Not crap. We don't eat white breads, sugary foods, unhealthy fats, processed foods, or anything containing added chemicals like aspartame and splenda. Yuck. Now, do we have cheat meals? Yep, sure do. Clean eating is at it's best when you eat clean 80% of the time. Your metabolism needs a change every now and then to function well and keep your body guessing.

Exercise: This week has been great for working out! We have been to the gym every single day this week (except I didn't go on Sunday when I messed my back up). I even got 2 full days of cardio in this week! Now, if I could just work around all the "New Year's Resolution"ers at the gym. Ugh. But...good for them! I'm glad they're getting into the gym!

Please notice the purple and orange...Gooooo TIGERS!! C-L-E-M-S-O-N!!

Inside Pregnancy ~ Week 23

photo from babycenter.com

Happy Week 23 to us!