23 (and 22) Weeks!

Another combo post this week. I've been super busy at work with our transition to J&J and generally just tired and busy in life, so apologies for the late update.

At 22 weeks, baby was as big as a coconut and is about 10.9 inches long (from the crown of the head to the heel of the foot) and 15.2 ounces. Now that baby's eyes and lips are more developed, he is looking even more like a newborn. Baby's sleeping in cycles—about 12 to 14 hours per day.

At 23 weeks pregnant, baby is as big as a grapefruit (are grapefruits bigger than coconuts??) and measures 11.4 inches from head to foot and weighs 1.1 pounds. Baby is forming little nipples (yeah, really!) at this stage. And his face is fully formed—he just needs a little extra fat to fill it out. Baby's entertaining himself by listening to my voice and heartbeat, and can even hear some loud sounds like cars honking and dogs barking.

How far along? 23 weeks

Weight gain/loss: No idea. 2 weeks ago it was 17. I actually don't feel like I've gained much weight recently so maybe just 18 (or maybe that's wishful thinking).

Sleep? Okay. This has gone downhill in the last few days. Nothing too disruptive but I am waking up uncomfortable more often. Luckily I am really great at falling back asleep quickly.

Best moment this week?We went to Joaquin's elementary school silent auction gala last weekend. It was a prom like event for parents with a Great Gatsby theme. We rented costumes and looked the part and had a fun time. It was much more fun this year than last year, partly because it was just a better event and partly because we are starting to get to know other parents. I am really happy with our school and so grateful to live where we live with other supportive (and generous) parents. I am looking forward to many more of those (and OMGosh, I am realizing there will be a LOT. Like 14 years in a row of being parents at this school - WHAT?!?!). Good thing we like it!

Movement:Tons and I even saw my stomach move one time. He's not kicking hard yet and I'm definitely not at the point of seeing my stomach move like in the movie Alien but I definitely know there's a baby in there. Jay gets to feel every now and then but it's hit or miss. It will be fun when he's kicking enough for the kids to feel him.

Food cravings:Cuties. I'm eating at least two a day. They are tasting really good right now and bonus points for being healthy! This is much preferable to the period of time when I was craving almond twists from Pain du Monde (which are delicious but not exactly nutritious).

What I miss? My clothes and shopping for normal clothes. This is the time of year when everything in the stores is my style. I love the vacation/summer style and it is hard to have to wear the same old (mostly second hand) maternity clothes. On the bright side, I guess it makes it easier to save some money. I did, however, just get two new bikinis for our vacations and am considering some other accessories (shoes, jewelry) that work whether pregnant or not.

What I am looking forward to? Joaquin's closet. The guys came and removed all of the old stuff in the closet today so this weekend Jay has to patch, sand and paint to get it ready for Monday. Then we have the installation of his custom closet. It is exciting because I've been waiting for this to get all of the old baby clothes out and start actually prepping for the little guy to arrive. I am fairly sure Jay is not going to know what hit him after this week, because I am going to go all Melissa on him getting the baby stuff in order (yes, I just said that, and yes, you probably have a good idea what that means ;-)

Milestones: At this point, every week I can check off feels like a milestone. I LOVE my kids but oh man do I NOT love being pregnant. 17 weeks to go!

What I'm nervous about: I have a lot going on in the next month or so. It's Spring Break next week and I am taking Monday off to hang with the kids and because of the closet install. I'll be at work on Tuesday and Wednesday and then we are off to Ojai on Thursday. And it's super busy at work, so it may be difficult to manage everything - people are not used to me being out of the office that much (HA! They'd better get used to it!). Then I have a normal week followed by a trip to NJ for work for 4 days and then two weeks later we are off to Hawaii. So it's going to be a lot of hectic work stuff mixed with these vacations, which is great but can be stressful. I am sure everything will be fine in the end, but it would sure be nice if coffee was allowed!