Week 20

Baby is the Size of a Banana

Holy [insert explicative of choice here]!  We are halfway there.  When, why, how did this happen!?  I am beyond thrilled to be halfway there because that means I'm that much closer to holding my sweet baby boy and a glass of wine, but I'm not sure where the time went.  Some days it feels like I've been pregnant forever, but most days I look down and am confused about whether I ate too many Chipotle burritos or if there is actually a tiny human inside of me.  

This week we had our 20 weeks check-up and I am so grateful that all is well in the world of Baby Hall.  I was nervous going into this appointment because all three of my apps kept emphasizing that this would be the appointment where the doctor could really see if something was not developing correctly.  I know that a majority of people have normal, healthy pregnancies, but there is always a chance that something could go wrong so it was such a relief to know that he's healthy and happy in there.    

20 weeks, 4 days
Harrison's first trip to Disney World! 

Harrison is becoming more responsive and aware as his nervous system becomes more developed.

Harrison Updates:

-Harrison is currently 14 oz.  My app says he should be about 10.4 oz this week.  The ultrasound tech said his weight is healthy and means he's doing well in there.  Harrison- please don't be a huge baby; we have some seriously cute newborn clothes I need to squeeze you into.  Also, I'm not sure if my body can handle anything over 8 pounds.  I'll slow down on the donuts to help you out. 

-The ultrasound tech also commented on a feature Harrison must be getting from his father- LONG LEGS!  Those most certainly did not come from me.    

-I'm still in the process of meeting all of the doctors at my practice, and every time we meet someone new they all have the same comment for Harrison- "He's SO active in there!"  What I'm gathering is that my son is going to be a mini-me of his dad- busy!! His heart rate was 155 bpm, which is still so awesome to hear!  Mike bought me a heart rate monitor for my birthday, which we can start using at 26 weeks- can't wait to listen to Baby H at home! 

-My due date has been officially changed. My doctor changed my due date on paper last time, which I didn't know, to January 29th.  This time the doctor said she was moving it to January 27th.  I told her I was still under the impression that it was February 3rd, so she changed it to February 1st to meet in the middle.  I know that most first babies come late, so I'm going to stick with the 3rd, and if he comes before that I'll be one happy mama.  Unless it happens at work- that is my worst nightmare.  No offense to my students, but the last thing I want to see as I go into labor is my classroom.  

How far along? 20 weeks

Maternity clothes? Of course.  I bought myself some new jeans and work pants this week.  I'm concerned I may never go back to regular pants.  

Stretch marks? Not at the moment.  If there is a stretch mark god, thank you and keep up the good work.  

Sleep: It is what it is.

Best moment(s) this week: 

1) Hearing our baby is happy and healthy and seeing his cute little nugget self move around in there.

2)The kicks-- I just adore them!

3) Spontaneous trip to Disney World.  I know we won't be able to take last minute trips once Baby H is here, so we are taking advantage while we can.

Miss Anything? Sleeping on my back and stomach.  I'll never take that for granted again. 

Movement: SO MUCH!  I am feeling him so much more this week- in the morning, occasionally during the day, and always at night for longer periods of time.  Mike even felt him once this week.  H was going nuts in there so Mike rested his hand on my belly and about a minute later he started partying again and Mike said he felt it on his palm.  He was amazed.  I love when he can share in these experiences, because most of his baby experiences so far have been building cribs and breaking down boxes.  When he talks about Harrison I fall more in love with him- I can't wait to see our bond and marriage grow after H is here.  

Food cravings: Still cereal, raisins, and anything pastry like!  I made the mistake of having a cronut at Disney World.  Now I want more and I can't have them!  I'm not sure if a donut will cut it after having something so much more delicious.  *Note to self- open a local cronut shop. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: No complaints this week.

Gender: Still a boy- confirmed again this week! 

Labor Signs: No. NO.

Symptoms: 

-Weight Gain - We are halfway through and I have gained 8.4 lbs.  In the first trimester, I lost about two pounds due to nausea and probably from my lack of wine consumption.  I thought the numbers on the scale would freak me out, but it actually excites me when I gain a little because it means he's growing.  I've gained slowly and steadily so far, and I'm hoping I can keep up this pace for the rest of my pregnancy.  

Belly Button in or out? In- please stay in. 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy happy! 

Looking forward to: My baby shower in a little over a month!  I saw the invites this week and I can't wait to celebrate with everyone!