Pregnancy Journal: 23 Weeks

{A little late on the update...it's been a hectic few weeks with travel and the holidays!}

Due date: April 29, 2012 (we are going with this as the "official" due date now)

How far along: 23 weeks
Gender: BOY!  Asher Wade!

Size of baby: A mango, and now over a pound!

Weight gain: Well, I've officially hit the 10 lbs. mark

Maternity clothes: Oh yeah. Need maternity for pants and most tops. Can still wear some of my "blousy" dresses and tops. I got hooked up at Christmas with some cute maternity outfits. Desperately need to find some good maternity workout clothes. Any help?

Movement: Yes! Lots of twisting, turning and flipping, kicks and jabs. It's the best, most amazing thing in the world. Matt has no problem feeling them now...he usually gets some good kicks in the butt when I'm laying next to him in bed:)  Asher is most active in the car and when I get in bed at night.

Sleep: Not too bad, although it's starting to get harder to get comfortable.

Cravings: Appetite is still good, but I can't really say that there is anything I really crave.  Just depends on what I'm in the mood for. Still loving soup, Greek food, tuna fish sandwiches, sushi (cooked), pasta, veggie pizza, salads, mixed nuts, peanut butter sandwiches, Clif bars, fruits and veggies. Also enjoying sweets again thanks to the plethora we had over the holidays. 

Aversions: Not really anything in particular.

Symptoms: I definitely "feel" pregnant now and can some general discomfort at any given time.  He is sitting really low (has been since the beginning) and I feel a good bit of pressure, especially when I am exercising.  Had to stop running because it just got too uncomfortable, but I'm still walking or hitting the elliptical most days.  Also, just noticed some spider veins on my ankle.  What the heck?!

What I miss: Maybe being able to have a glass of wine or a martini at dinner....

What I'm looking forward to: Starting on the nursery.

Best moment of the week: Gosh, Christmas was just so awesome.  Asher got more presents than anyone...and he's not even here yet!  It makes me so happy to see how loved he is already.  We washed all the clothes we have gotten so far (2 full loads!) and hung those sweet little outfits in his closet.  I also love actually watching him move in my belly.  Busy little guy in there!
Thoughts on pregnancy: Now that Asher has a name (and we can actually picture a baby boy) it seems so much more real.  I didn't think that finding out the gender would be such a big deal, but it really changed my perspective and got me more excited.  We love calling him by name and imagining what he will be like.  Many conversations start with "When Asher is here..." or, "We'll do this with Asher..."  So fun!!

Here's my latest bump picture, from Christmas Eve...