22 Weeks

This past week has flown by... just as most of the past 22 weeks has! Hard to believe I'm that far along, but other times I feel I should be further. I'm feeling very well physically, but having some back problems. It's usually when I do a lot during the day and aggravate my sciatic nerve, but this week I hurt a different muscle. It eventually all goes away though. Emotionally, it's always gruelling. Most days I'm super excited to be having a third, but I have my bad days. There was a mom with a son in Carter's swim class with two others. I didn't envy watching her chase two of them (with me only having to chase Lauren), but only thought that would be me next year... Don't get me wrong, I am happy about having a baby -- but it is a lot to deal with. I continually ask my mom how she managed three!

Baby boy has been moving like crazy the past couple days! This morning I felt him from both the inside and out, but most his movements aren't that strong from the outside. I'm excited for Matt and the kids to be able to feel him move. :D Pretty sure that will happen within the next week.

I did gain 3 pounds this week, my biggest gain to date. It only makes it a total of 12.5 lbs, so not bad overall. I am more than halfway done, so at this rate I'm good. You do get a picture this week, and I don't think I look bigger than the one two weeks ago. You can be the judge...

(22 weeks with baby boy; 22 weeks with Lauren -- I'd say pretty much the same!)

Here's what's going on with baby: "At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily."

And with Mommy: "At this point, you may find your belly becoming a hand magnet. It's perfectly okay to tell folks who touch your tummy that you'd rather they didn't. And if people are telling you that you look smaller or bigger than you should at this point, remember that each woman grows — and shows — at her own rate. What's important is that you see your practitioner for regular visits so she can make sure your baby's growth is on track."