Baby’s size: Around 11 inches long and supposedly about 15 ounces, which is the same as an ear of corn or a guinea pig! Thinking about him being the same size as Freyja or Claire really makes him seem so tiny still.
Maternity clothes?: Still just the jeans and stretchy or flowy tops. I broke out the shorts once this week because we had summer-like weather… but it’s been cold and rainy again, so it’s back to pants and light jackets. Luckily, my jackets still zip with plenty of room to spare.
Gender: Our sweet baby BOY! It’s feeling a little less strange to say “he”, which has been an adjustment after four girls. I have one name I found about 6 weeks ago that I’m kind of leaning toward, but I’m trying to keep an open mind still. We have a lot of time left to choose!
Symptoms: I had a sore belly for a couple of days this week. I guess it’s stretching and growing, and that’s a good thing! It was pretty uncomfortable, but I’m back to normal now and feeling fine.
Sleep: I think I’ve taken fewer naps this week than I have throughout the rest of the pregnancy! My desire to get things done is sometimes outweighing my inclination to sleep. Michael has also been trying to go to bed a little earlier, which is helpful for me getting more nighttime shuteye.
Movement: This little guy is most definitely a night owl… like his daddy, I guess! He sometimes wiggles a little in the morning, but he really starts his dance parties in the late afternoon and evening.
Cravings: Chocolate-chip cookies and cheesy puffs. I normally like dessert, but the salty cravings have seemed so much more intense this time. I really like to eat healthy most of the time, so craving stuff like that is a bit guilt-inducing!
What I miss: I cut dairy out of my diet (again) last week… and I kind of miss ice cream. Really though, I feel so much better without it. It’s also just been a long time on lockdown here in Virginia due to COVID-19, and while I understand why, I am really missing spending the summer at the pool and taking my girls to the library.
Anything making you queasy or sick?: I get nauseous on and off, but overall, I’ve been a lot better this week. I still don’t get too excited about eating salad, but I do it every day anyway.
Belly Button in or out?: In, but wide and weird.
Exercising?: Ran 26.2 miles (longest run was 7.53 miles); walked 2.1 miles. Best average pace this week was 9:35 min/mile. I busted out the belly support belt for my runs this week. It’s felt amazing! I needed it more than I realized.
Mood: Whew. There’s been so much going on lately, and it hasn’t been easy to not let my worries and stress take over. We did manage to get a new washing machine, but we’re still sorting out some health problems that Scout is having. I hate knowing that my fur baby is sick. It’s heartbreaking.
To be honest, I also still worry about the baby a lot. I’m trying to hold on to the fleeting bursts of excitement I feel when I think about finally holding him and having him here, instead of the fears I have about everything continuing to go well.
Best moment this week: It’s been really rainy, so we’ve had a pretty laid-back week of doing crafts and snuggling up for movies. I love that time with my girls.
Looking forward to: I get to have a growth scan in 2.5 weeks, and I’m looking forward to seeing the baby again for sure!
Big sisters: Nella has now decided that we shouldn’t name the baby “Cookie Monster”. All the girls really like the one name that I am leaning toward, but we’ll see! They ask about him all the time and get excited to see how big he is each week according to my pregnancy apps.
Comparison: 22 weeks with Kaya; 22 weeks with Kaelyn; 22 weeks with Nella; 22 weeks with Eve.