Bumpdate 2.0 {23 Weeks}

 

How far along? 23 Weeks
Weight Gain: 11 lbs !!!! To say he (and I) have had a growth spurt seems like an understatement.

I.feel.huge.

At our appointment this week, he was measuring nearly a full week ahead, size-wise, so at least I know it's not just me! Evie was just so teeny the whole time, that this is new territory for me. I feel like I'm the size of being 7 or 8 months pregnant with her! I went back and found my 23 week picture with Evie and the difference is insane. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when I saw my little bitty burrito tummy in a swim suit.

 

How Big is Baby? A large mango. Yum!

Maternity Clothes? Still just the one pair of jeans. Not sure how long that will last!

Stretch Marks? Nope, praise Jesus. I've been freaking out about them with this growth.

Sleep: Eh. I'm currently hating my preggo pillow. And Evie's had a pretty good cold, so that has interrupted sleep for everyone lately.

Best Moment of the Week: Seeing our boy again! We get to have an ultrasound each time and our doc will switch it to 3D, which is awesome. I think the little guy is already sporting daddy's profile! Especially in the upper lip and chin region. Just like Evie. :)

Movement: Oh yeah. An all night dance party went down Saturday night!

Food Cravings: No. Just food.

Gender: BOY!

What I Miss: Nothing right now!

What I'm looking forward to: Sweet baby snuggles.

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks and just general aches and growing pains. Sometimes after I eat I feel so huge and full and uncomfortable. 

Emotions: Good! I can still cry at the drop of a hat, but, you know. :) I'm feeling good.

Some mama encouragement

I have read a number of really good blog posts and articles in the past week, that have spoken to me as a mother. Motherhood is so amazing and rewarding. And HARD. I think we moms are the hardest on ourselves and it's so easy to get consumed with whatever tough phase is currently going on at home. 

So if you've already exceeded your "yell quotient" for today (a friend on FB posted about this recently!), or are struggling through potty training or sleeping issues or back talk… grab a cup of coffee and lock yourself in the bathroom to read through some of these. And I hope you're as encouraged by these sweet women as I have been… to be present, to love our little ones well and to give ourselves a much needed break sometimes.

And then watch the video at the end. You'll most certainly cry and it's a beautiful depiction of a mama's love.

Motherhood Refines via The Tiny Twig

Authentic & Mindful {An interview with Dr. Barbara Sorrels} via Under the Sycamore

The Joy of Learning Contentment via Emily A. Clark

Faithfulness in the Mundane via The Anderson Crew