I Love My Bump: Week 23

Audrey's Wedding

How far along?
23 weeks, 5 days today!

Trimester?
2nd!

How many days until my due date?
114 to Feb 8th, 85 to my goal 36 weeks!

How big are the babies?
The babies are the size of a mango!

 

Weight gain?
I went to the doctor this week..and I've gained more weight. I gained 5 more pounds. Putting me at a total weight gain of 18 pounds!

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
Taste buds have formed but the babies won't taste anything for several more months. Most of the fetal internal organs are now in place and beginning to function well. Sense of movement is developed well and babies can feel me moving. They are more than 11 inches in length and Liam weighs 1 pound 7 ounces and Asher weighs 1 pound 6 ounces! Usually at this point they are supposed to weigh around a pound. So they are growing strong! I can see them squirming under my clothes and bare belly! It's pretty exciting. But when they are wide awake from 3-6 every night it's not as much fun. Blood vessels in their lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and their hearing is keen. Their cochlea (the inner ear mechanism that houses all components of hearing) is fully formed. So they can hear what I hear, but not at the same level. The sounds are muffled by muscles and tissues around my belly, the placenta, and the amniotic fluid.

Pregnancy symptoms?
I've had a pretty good week so far. I've heartburn quite a bit. I'm beginning to be more hungry. I've been extremely tired this week (could be my crazy week last week from my best friend's wedding.)

Cravings/Aversions?
Cravings this week...Panera! I've been craving coffee which I can't have, chocolate (Lord help me!) I'm more thirsty! I've been craving potato soup, chicken enchilada, Eggo cinnamon pull apart sticks, rice krispies, salad!!!!
No aversions this week!

Sleep?
I've been sleeping really well, which is surprising because I take an afternoon nap almost everyday. My hips do go numb and I have to adjust quite a bit.  

Belly Button?
My belly button is barely there.  I can't even hardly stick my pinky finger in it at all! I guess it will pop out soon!

Wedding rings on or off?
On!

Swelling?
No swelling yet!

Labor signs?
None!

Dreams?
I dreamed my friend Allison was pregnant. Hmmmmm

Best moment of the week?
Seeing my best friend Audrey get married!!!! Beautiful wedding and we had an awesome time! I really found this week how much I truly miss her being around! I finally decided on which camera I wanted and I'm so happy with it!!! Last but def. not least...I went to Dr. Paul and it was my best appointment yet! My cervix was measuring at a 35! Yay!!! No stitch yet again. They feel more comfortable now that I'm getting further along that I won't need it. The BEST part of this week was getting a surprise 4d ultrasound!!!! Guess what...Asher looks just like his daddy but has my chin! He's absolutely precious and it makes me even more excited to meet these handsome boys. Liam wouldn't cooperate and kept his little arm over his face the whole time! Boy he has cute arms! I was so excited to hear that every appointment from now on they will try and do a 4d! How awesome!!!! I can't wait to see a 4d when their eyes open. How amazing! I got my flu shot since I will be having them in the winter and bringing them home. I just really can't believe how fast this time is flying by. I could potentially be meeting these two princes in about 13 weeks if I have them at 36 weeks!

My new toy!

 A couple pictures I took  of our dog Greta to try out my new camera!

 

What I'm loving?
FALL!!!! Halloween is almost here and I really love all the things of this season.

What I miss?
I really miss eating certain things that I can't eat while pregnant. I miss shopping at the buckle which was my life story before I was pregnant. I miss being a size 4 (even though I can wear them just can't zip them lol)! I miss not being able to walk a lot or shop like I used to be able to do for ten hours straight!

What I'm looking forward to?
Halloween in a couple weeks! Our maternity pictures coming up soon and also our baby shower!!!!! How surreal that will be!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Elated!! I'm so happy that my pregnancy is going so well and I haven't had any problems thus far. So thankful to God everyday!

Boys, Girls, or Both?
BOYS!!!! Liam Alexander Politte & Asher Matthew Politte

Asher's first 4D! Looks just like his daddy, but has my chin!

Jared

Me!

Asher's Face

Asher's Profile

Liam's Profile with his little hand on his face

Liam's face

Movement?
All the time! They have their days and nights mixed up!! They are both kicking and going crazy from 3-6 every morning!

Stretch marks?
None yet!!! I'm hoping lathering up with this tummy butter and cocoa butter lotion will work wonders!

What has daddy been up to this week?
Jared loves feeling the babies move. I think he's kind of amazed at how strongly you can feel the movements. We are just really enjoying this experience that we've waited three years for!

When do I think I will go into labor?
My doctor wants me to try and make it to 36 or 37 weeks. 36 weeks will be January 11, 2014 and 37 weeks will be January 18, 2014! So definitely before my due date, but still at a safe zone!

Nesting?
Well...I did buy them a flocked Christmas tree for their nursery lol. With a ton of boy ornaments! I can't wait to get it up. I'm going to start my decorating the first of November because I know it's going to take me a while.

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Rest: Sleep!
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." -Matthew 11:28-30 Father, my babies eyelids are completely formed. These fragile and delicate pieces of skin will enable them to get the sleep a growing baby needs. As they grow, rest will continue to be an important part of their life. I know little ones are so active and have all kinds of energy, but need their rest too! Help me to gently remind them when they need some downtime and to enforce it even when they are unwilling. Help us to make the Sabbath an important part of our week as a family. You've wired us in such a way that we need regular rest. Help us to resist the temptation to go, go, go twenty-four hours a day, sevcn days a week. Show our children that you'll take care of them while they rest and that you won't let them fall behind in school, sports, and life when they take time to rest each week in you.