20 Weeks - Baby 2

Pregnancy Update February 8, 2014

Bryson did not want to be left out

So he smiled nicely :)

20w3d 2-10-14

Will not be taking the picture in this shadowy spot again

How far along: 20 Weeks! Half way already. Due June 28, 2014.

Size of baby: 6.5 inches, 10.6oz. A small cantaloupe.

What developed this past week: Baby 2 is starting to use his digestive system and produce meconium. Lovely. His skin is being covered in vernix to protect him from becoming chapped or scratched.

Weight Gain: 13 pounds

Maternity clothes: Pretty much all maternity. Some shirts are still long enough to cover this belly, but most work-appropriate ones aren't. Unfortunately I was big pregnant in the summer/fall with Bryson, so most of my maternity shirts are not suitable for this below freezing winter we've been having. I've purchased a couple more sweaters to get me through because I can't stand the thought of wearing a 3/4 sleeve shirt every day {shiver}.

Gender: Another boy! :) 

Movement: Baby moves all the time. Baby isn't big enough to be sharp/painful, but he lets me know he's there for sure! Sometimes it almost tickles and I have to put my hand on my stomach (or where the feeling was) to "relieve" the sensation. Weirdest sensation of baby movement has always been down low - Bi.Zarre. to feel something moving behind your pelvic bone...  The baby is now about to my belly button, so I'm starting to feel more movement up higher sometimes too. 

Sleep: I sleep pretty well as far as being comfortable goes. What makes me feel less well rested is actually the overactive dreaming I do! I can't believe how often I have crazy dreams. It's got to be at least 5 of 7 nights (though I have a hard time remembering when the last dreamless night was). I even wake up to move or roll over only to go back to the same dream when I fall asleep again. I don't know where my brain gets this nonsense....

I haven't broken out the body pillow yet. I can still be comfortable with a throw pillow between my knees (when I'm on my side) and hugging another throw pillow in order to keep my "top" shoulder from slumping forward too much and causing back pain. I also still can sleep in any position - back, stomach, or sides. As long as I put a knee up so that my lower abdomen (where the baby is) is not flat on the bed, I actually still love to sleep on my stomach. Going to miss that when it's gone... Living it up now! :)

What I miss: Nothing yet.

Cravings: Same as last pregnancy - not really any cravings, but when someone talks about a certain food, or I see a commercial/picture of something, I usually can't get it out of my head until I have some. Even if I have to wait weeks (which I've done... ahem, donuts!). Otherwise, this pregnancy I feel like I'm wanting and eating a lot more fruits and vegetables, and not so many sweets. I still love my can of coke that I began craving in my 3rd trimester with Bryson. 

Best moment this week: This has been a pretty low key week since Bryson is fighting croup and a double ear infection, so I'd have to say that shopping online and buying a few cute outfits from Baby Gap (thank you, gap cash!) was a highlight! Caleb is going to die when he sees that I bought our son colored jeans! LOL Seriously - stylin'...

Bryson Update: He is starting to say a few words on command. Mama, Dada, WOAH!, and Ba[ll]. He also LOVES to plug his nose when we say "P!U!" and pretend to pull the horn on a train when we say "choo choo!"  He is obsessed with any kind of ball.... football, basketball, soccer, golf, plastic, nerf, whatever! And he never has less than 2 in his hands at one time. One is never enough!
He also LOVES to read. He will bring book after book to us to read and usually sits and listens to all of them! Even if he's upset and crying about something, if I suggest reading a book he immediately stops crying and goes to pick a book! The other thing that keeps him occupied and happy is singing. He loves it and usually joins in - with singing, clapping, dancing, etc... he's all about music! Makes him happy, just like it makes me! The ONE good thing he got from me. Speaking of what he got from me - he's showing his stubborn side and forming opinions. Sometimes it's a battle, but we're trying to get through this testing and setting boundaries age with as much grace as possible (literally and figuratively). Overall, he's very well behaved - listens to our instruction, signs please and thank you to ask nicely for things, signs "I love you" and blows kisses... he's an angel! :)