Pregnancy: 22 weeks

pregnancy_22week_bump
obligatory bump pic
I’m officially 22 weeks into this pregnancy! We had the 20-week ultrasound earlier this month and we (and by “we,” I mean “me”) were able to resist the urge to find out the gender of this little nugget, but according to the tech at the hospital, she wasn’t sure she could have confidently told us anyway, because apparently my child is not a morning person (definitely a trait inherited from my side). Twice now we have gone for ultrasounds in the morning and this kid didn’t feel like moving around. They had me pacing, rolling (to see if gravity helped), eating, drinking, coughing…all of it. Nothing. Apparently the kid was comfortable. Or stubborn. Or both. We actually had to return to the hospital later in the week because the 109 images they took at the 20-week appointment weren’t enough to get a full picture of the kid’s spine. So I made a late afternoon appointment. And we were successful. The images needed were taken, analyzed and we’re happy to report all looks well.

The official due date is October 24, so we’ll see how that goes.

A few items of note (a.k.a., what I want to remember, but probably won’t be able to recall on my own later on):

  • I’ve been feeling pretty good; a little achy at night, but otherwise just going along fine. I’ve headed back to the gym after a first trimester hiatus, when napping trumped all, and it seems to at least be helping me sleep better.
  • it feels like s/he is doing some serious flips in there– like the feeling you get being at the top of the roller coaster right before you fly down. But the movement is all internal. Nothing to really feel on the outside (yet), but the other night I was laying down to go to bed, and in my effort to get situated, I felt some sort of elbow or knee or something. I was suddenly wide awake and kept trying to find it again, but the Little Bean shifted away. Yesterday, s/he took to punching me and I was forced to reprimand him/her in the soap aisle at Target. Not weird at all.
  • heartburn is for real. Holy fire-breathing dragons, Batman! Anything can set me off (like toast) but then I will turn around and have Mexican food and nothing. Weird.
  • I’m trying my absolute very best to not give into the salty food cravings I want so badly. So far I’m at like a 50% success rate.
  • speaking of foods, if I could eat a tuna sandwich with a Clausen pickle and Lays potato chips (I’m very brand-loyal) on the side, every day, I would be so content with life. Instead, I’m devouring fruit like it’s going out of style. Watermelon is my jam right now. I’m also looking forward to the day when I can have the bacon-wrapped scallops that my brother made for my mom’s birthday a few weeks ago. Staring longingly at them, without the possibility of tasting them, was possibly one of the most painful food experiences of my life.
  • We haven’t landed on any names yet. This is, in part, because Dave really wants to meet this tiny human and see what would fit best. But also because I would like to try and get a (first) name that is not already in play elsewhere in our family. Due to the sheer number of the LeMasters/Gerlachs/Natalis/Carignans, this is proving tricky. We have more girl options than boy, but not even those are narrowed down. Eventually this child will have a name, other than TBD. I swear.
  • I’m incredibly thankful for the stash of maternity clothes my sister-in-law gave me this weekend. My wardrobe has increased exponentially and I’m no longer limited to two pairs of leggings and a black or white tank top. It’s fantastic!

A little over halfway there already…I can’t believe it. Since we’ve done all of nothing in preparation for this kid, we should probably get on that. This weekend might consist of registering for baby items, so for all of you moms (and dads) out there, please leave me a comment with the items you absolutely could not live without. (Or, the items that were fluff that aren’t really practical/worth it.) It would help me out tremendously!

17 comments on “Pregnancy: 22 weeks

  1. October 24? That means Scorpio, which explains the stubbornness (I only say that because I’m October 26 and super stubborn, haha)! Why no scallops? Are those on the banned list? Whoops, I’m at 36 weeks and have definitely been eating scallops along the way. After my first kiddo a friend brought me a pastrami sandwich while I was still in the hospital…I swear it was the best meal of my life! For registry stuff, we love the swaddled that have velcro. I think most of ours were made by Summer Infant, but there are several brands. Also, for us, swing time = nap time for baby = nap time for mommy. Not all babies like the swing, but if they do it’s a godsend! Good luck and hope everything continues smoothly! :*

    • Hey Maria! Yea, my doc told me to avoid scallops, but I think she’s just tormenting me by saying I shouldn’t have them 😉 Your story about the sandwich is SO true! I’m requesting my in-laws bring me a sandwich from their neighborhood deli in NY. I can’t wait!!! And thanks for the ideas for the registry! The velco swaddlers and the swing will definitely be added to the list! Hope you’re feeling good– congrats!!

  2. So exciting! I love the Velcro swaddlers for when they are little to help them sleep. And I wouldn’t be able to live without our sound machine! We are able to crank it and literally have a party in the next room and not disturb her!

  3. I can’t wait I’m finding out the gender of my newbie in two weeks! You’re stronger than I!
    You’re going to be such an amazing Mommy

    • Thanks Christina! I can’t wait to hear what you’re having? Any ideas or gut feelings? I’m dying to know! Do your girls hope for one gender over another??

  4. Hi there!! Congrats!! I’m so happy for you. Here are some suggested items: please email or text me if you have any questions about this or anything.

    1. Vibrating lounger (soothes baby to sleep and they like to lay in it and watch everything)– you can strap them in so it’s very safe. Costco carries sometimes but you can find on Amazon or at BabiesRUs

    2. Wubba nub (pacifier with a stuffed animal attached). Keeps paci in place but can only be used when you are right there but babies love them.

    3. Baby Einstein fish tank music box–attaches to crib and gives baby something to look at. Music soothes to sleep (at Target and Amazon).

    4. Diaper caddy for top of changing table–a great tool to keep diaper ointment, diapers, etc at arms reach and organized

    5. Baby Tynelol and Destin (must haves in my opinion when baby has just had shots or is teething or has diaper rash)

    Wishing you all the best, Colleen!

    • Hi Chantal! Thank you so much for your suggestions! I just added them to my registry 🙂 I see such cute pictures of your boys on Instagram– they are growing so fast! I hope you’re doing well and thanks again for the tips!!

  5. Hi again! Just thought of another baby essential. I love the baby ergo carrier (friends recommended to me when I was pregnant with my first). It’s a really easy way to carry your baby with you whether you’re going on a walk or around the house or in a store. Not sure if I suggested before? Thought you might want to add it to your registry items (perhaps you already have). Happy Friday and hope you have a wonderful weekend! Also hope you are feeling great!

    • Thanks Chantal!! We did register for one of those, but I’m wondering– what you think of those fabric wrap baby carrier things? I was thinking maybe they would be good for travel, since we will have to fly to the East Coast at least once a year (and probably more), but since it’s just fabric, do you think it has the proper support? Have you used those before?

      • Hi there! I never had one of those fabric carriers, but my sister-in-law swears by it. I think if you’re thinking of using something for traveling through the airports, the ergo is a great bet because it’s so sturdy. But if you were thinking of something to easily wear around the house when traveling, then maybe the fabric carrier would also be a good fit for you. I know people who travel who love the ergo because it’s so easy to strap the baby on and off through airports and so forth. I think you can’t go wrong either way. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions. Best wishes to you!

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