My Large Mango and I have reached 23 weeks on Friday, December 23rd!
(Average measurements: 11.4 inches, 1 pound)
- I mentioned in last weeks update that I may have to take off my engagement ring due to chubby sausage fingers...well...it's still on. It's snug, but I've managed another week with it :)
- I'm not sick, but as I've read for pregnant women, I have a chronic stuffy nose! I breathe louder than normal and have to constantly blow my nose.
- The time sure does fly when you're on vacation! I've been off from work for a week already and have only one left...and I'm holding on to it with a tight, clenched fist.
- Oh my little lucky-charm-baby...Mia has done it again! I had to call in for jury duty all week and wouldn't you know it, I didn't have to show up at all...AGAIN...for the 2nd year in a row. Whew!!!
- 7 times out of 10, when Dominic looks at me he grins or giggles due to my growing belly. He recently said, "Hun, your belly has officially grown out past your boobs!" Ahem....that makes 2 of us ;)
- I baked about 300 holiday treats (cookies and brownies) to deliver to friends and family.
- Daddy and I have been talking more to Mia, since we've been reading she can hear us more now.
Photo via: www.babycenter.com
Baby Gaga's Pregnancy Calendar says, "FETAL DEVELOPMENT: Your little womb hi-jacker is starting to kick their break-dance party up a notch now that his/her ears are registering sounds from the outside world! The sound of a phone ringing, a thunder clap, or a car honking will actually jar their little ears enough to elicit a kick or violent bout of squirming. More importantly, this means that their little ears are picking up the sounds of your voice and others around you. So, if you've been yelling a lot it's time to reign that in and practice a little self restraint for the sake of your little eavesdropper, who is becoming more exquisitely sensitive to all of your behaviors every day. The equation is simple: happy healthy mama = happy healthy baby. Stress during pregnancy is quite literally BAD for your baby's developing brain. Take the time to center and be quiet - to reflect on the growing life inside of you and the future you will share together.
HOW'S MOM DOING?: If no one's ever warned you about the joys of the pregnancy-sleep-challenge, you're probably starting to discover them yourself. To reduce undue cankle-age avoid sitting for long periods of time and for the hundredth time: don't forget to stay active! The good news: some very thoughtful people invented pillows specifically designed to give a pregnant woman a better chance of sleeping through the night. The bad news: these magical pillows won't stop you from needing to pee three times every night. Are you remembering to drink lots of fluids? Plenty of water keeps your baby in clean amniotic fluid and reduces swelling in your poor ankles and feet. The oh-so sexy pregnancy-induced swollen cankles are a result of the wight of your baby + uterus + amniotic fluid pressing on your pelvic veins, thereby slowing fluid circulation to the lower half of your body, which causes water retention. Drinking loads of water is also good for your little swimmer as dehydration is frequently connected with premature birthing. Yep, it's a lot of responsibility, but you can do it! You're almost two-thirds of the way there already! Keep up the good work mom!"
