baby #5: 20 weeks

(written June 5th)

Baby’s size: Baby measured 13 ounces at our ultrasound! That’s the 43rd percentile. This is about the same size as a sweet potato, a banana, or a paper airplane.

Maternity clothes?: Just jeans! I have a lot of stretchy and tunic-like shirts this time around that are still working great.

Gender: It’s a BOY!!!!!!!!!!!! We are so excited for our sweet, precious baby boy to join our family.

Symptoms: I can feel some ligaments in my belly stretching and they get a little sore sometimes, especially on my right. Also, bending down already feels weird!

Sleep: Sleep has been a lot better this week. Once I fall asleep, I don’t wake up as much as I was. I had a dream this week where everything was kind of fuzzy, but I knew I was holding my baby. The joy was so tangible that I didn’t want to wake up.

Movement: He’s still not usually very active in the morning, although there was one night that I woke up every few hours and felt him dancing around every single time. I think he usually rests in the first half of the day, when I’m busy running around and doing things, but as soon as I lay down for a nap, he is absolutely wild. I love it.

Cravings: I made brownies this week! Also, I got a surprise porch-drop gift from a friend with all my favorite things right now in it: salty, sweet, and sour!

What I miss: Nothing!

Anything making you queasy or sick?: I have random waves of nausea, but I’ve been holding up okay this week.

Belly Button in or out?: In.

Exercising?: Ran 25.2 miles (longest run was 6.8 miles); walked 1 mile. Best average pace this week was 9:17 min/mile.

Mood: Honestly, I had a lot of anxiety around my anatomy scan this week. I’m thankful to have several amazing family members who have helped me manage my fears and stress.

Best moment this week: Watching baby wiggle, yawn, stretch, and put his hands up by his face at the ultrasound. And look at his little profile! SO adorable. I think maybe he’ll look like Eve?!

Looking forward to: Enjoying some free time with my girls now that we have a few weeks off of school for summer!

Big sisters: Kaya and Kaelyn finally got to feel him kick! It was still soft enough that they really had to pay attention to recognize it. They loved it so much. I’ve also gotten a few clothes for him, and when Kaya sees them, she always says, “Seeing his clothes just makes me want to meet him and hold him!” So sweet.

Comparison: 20 weeks with Kaya20 weeks with Kaelyn20 weeks with Nella; 20 weeks with Eve.