twenty three.

Baby BOY DeSalvo - Week 23

How Far Along: 23 weeks today! 

Total Weight Gain: Brace yourself...20+ pounds. I go to the doctor in a week and a half and then I'll know a more official number. Although, as we learned in birthing class, it's not about the weight you gain, but what you're putting in your body that is adding that weight on. I have to admit that for the most part, I am eating very healthy. However, usually, whatever baby craves, baby gets.

Maternity Clothes: YES! I've found that full panel pants are more comfortable than the demi-band. Baby boy is still hanging out pretty low, so anything that puts pressure there is SO uncomfortable.

Favorite Moment This Week: I have a favorite moment daily, but this week's favorite moment was today. Baby boy was moving more than I've felt in one time period. Joe got to feel several distinct kicks and I'm pretty sure that we even saw baby boy flip even though I had a blanket over me. 

Gender: BOY! 

Movement: Lots of movement in the morning, at lunch, afternoon and after dinner. I'm beginning to be able to determine when he is sleeping and when he's awake. I pushed on my belly this week when I was pretty sure that he was asleep and I got a kick in response telling me to leave him be! 

Food Cravings: Green apples, Key Lime water, ICE water, yogurt, Nutella

What I miss: I miss being able to go up the stairs without feeling like I just ran seven miles. In part, this is because we're still trying to get my asthma under control, but I also know it's partly baby. People think I'm crazy for loving pregnancy so much, but I really don't have any complaints! 

Sleep: I've had a cold for about a week now, but since we've been putting eucalyptus essential oil on my pillow at night and in the humidifier, I'm beginning to sleep a lot better. I purchased a Boppy body pillow a few months ago and that has helped tremendously! 

What I am looking forward to: Meeting baby boy, of course, but I am also looking forward to getting baby boy's room finally ready in the next few weeks and taking advantage of this nesting phase and energy! 

Symptoms: Now that I have finally found something to help with the dry, itchy skin, I once again have NO complaints! I am loving the second trimester and energy as well as an excuse to relax whenever I can!