Weeks 22-23 Update

Today -- 23 weeks 4 days!

 

I felt Baby Boy briefly at week 13.5 and 18. I started feeling a little impatient until I started feeling both babies at about 21.5. Lately, it is Baby Girl I seem to feel the most, down low and to the right of my abdomen. It is a strange sensation, mostly like gurgles and bubbles. Abe was able to feel a little something once but I look forward to those kicks that will make those babies seem even more real for both of us. I still find myself talking to them (is that weird?), asking, "Hey, are you guys in there?" or, "What are you doing in there?"

week 23+

I celebrated 22 weeks and my 32 birthday by going out to dinner with friends and a lunch potluck at work. It was my first birthday where I didn't open a single present, have anyone sing to me, or blow out candles (Don't worry, Abe and I did a little shopping the weekend before and I received a few present in the mail, later, so it wasn't like I was forgotten, really). Abe had to work so it was so great to have friends to spend that time with to make an otherwise lonely day fun. I was surprised by cupcakes from multiple friends and some at dinner from Abe for my friends and I, delivered by my MIL.
*I used to say I wanted to be done with having babies by age 30, but I guess 32 isn't such a bad time to start!*

Abe and I spent Independence Day weekend in Des Moines. We both had a three day weekend, a rare treat! We visited the much talked about Zombie Burger where I had to try the "Walking Ched" -- a mac'n cheese burger (fried macaroni and cheese buns topped with more macaroni) which sounded kind of disgusting (at least from a cardiac standpoint) but tasted amazing!

Abe's more boring but delicious burger

I can't resist Macaroni & Cheese -- even that bun is made of it!

We spent Thursday evening in the park listening to the Des Moines symphony followed by fireworks. Friday, we went to a movie, did a little shopping for our Anniversary, met up with some Iowa City friends now in Des Moines for dinner and went to the race track for a horse race and more fireworks. Saturday we went to the amazing Des Moines farmer's market, relaxed at the park, and had dinner at Fong's Pizza, a local favorite where they make pizza with a strange and delicious Asian twist (Crab Rangoon pizza, anyone?). Sunday we went to church and took it easy, met up with our friends again who provided us with dinner and me with a much needed pedicure. Thanks Meg!

Feeling puffy at our first horse race

23 weeks

Our Anniversary was the next week, as well as my 1 year anniversary at my practice. Abe had to work again so my in-laws took me to dinner. I think the servers were a little confused when they asked if we were celebrating anything special and they all said, "Yes, her anniversary." But what better way to celebrate 8 years than with 8 great people! We have never celebrated an Anniversary where at least one of us did not have a work obligation. So, unfortunately this was nothing new. Abe surprised me with flowers and balloons on our big day and we went to dinner at the Iowa Chop House yesterday when we were finally able to celebrate together.

As for this pregnancy thing, I am finding it harder and harder to move. Getting out of bed has become literal rolling. Even repositioning is difficult. Bending over to put on socks or shoes makes me pretty short of breath as I compress on my lungs to reach. My right arm has been a little more bothersome this week (I forgot to sleep with my brace one night and it seems I have been paying for it since) but my left arm is also getting a little numb and painful so I may need to get a second brace.

I did find omeprazole. Hallelujah! My reflux has been much more tolerable if not absent most days. I've started taking my unisom sleep aid again as the insomnia has been hitting hard and the nightly bathroom trips are quickly adding up again. I feel like I cruised on through the happy and pregnant stage to the "getting uncomfortable stage" quickly, but I'd say over all things are still going well!

My doctor wanted me to shoot for 35 pounds of weight gain. Looks like I am well on my way to overshooting that, unfortunately! I've tried to cut back and be a little more careful (and have noticed my appetite has slowed down quite a bit -- no room as the babies get bigger?) but it seems like I still have spurts where I gain multiple pounds overnight. My hands and feet are becoming much more swollen and the heat makes a big difference. I am understanding the phrase "barefoot and pregnant" as most of my shoes don't fit anymore. At least sandals are appropriate summer wear as I can't seem to fit in much else.

 
                        It's hard to find shoes to wear with fancier clothes! (week 21+)

Week 22 day 0: Weight: 170.5 lbs -- the day after my birthday! I must have eaten a lot of salt in all the goodies I ate because I gained like 4 pounds overnight! (I did lose about 1.5 over the next day or two)
Total Weight Gain: 28.5 lbs

 

Week 23 day 0:

Weight: 171.0 lbs

Total Weight Gain: 29 lbs

 

Week 23 day 4:

Weight: 171.5

Total  Weight Gain: 29.5 lbs

 

Symptoms:

evening tiredness

arm/hand numbness -- worse this week

hand and foot swelling -- thank you compression stockings!

discomfort -- it's getting hard to move!

insomnia

mild acne flare up

no leg hair! I've gone weeks without shaving

feeling movement

left TMJ popping -- I guess all those joints are loosening up!