Week 22 Bumpdate
Holy cow! Or should I say, oh boy!! We are officially over halfway to meeting Baby Clapp! Time is going by seriously fast and it's really exciting and also seriously scary, because, I know he's got to come out eventually! But! I am really excited and loving every minute of this pregnancy so far so I thought I'd give you guys a little "bumpdate" about how things have been going for the first half of my pregnancy. I figured I'd answer some questions I've been getting from friends/family, and online. So I'll jump right in!
How Big Is Baby
So 2 weeks ago I had my anatomy scan, and they said baby Clapp weighs almost 1lb! According to my apps, he is the size of a coconut! (Last week said an endive, which wtf even is an endive? If you've ever had one, please tell me about it in the comments lmao) But anyways, he's around 11in. He is getting big and my stomach is starting to look less bloated and more round and pregnant looking. Yay! This also means that I am able to feel him move around now! Which is the coolest thing ever and I love these little reminders that he is doing well and nice and cozy in there! I started noticing his movements around the middle of 18 weeks. It's one of those feelings that you're like, "hmmm is it him or is it just gas?" LOL but it was starting to feel the same every time and usually around the mornings when I am sitting at my desk I noticed it most. Now that I am 22 weeks I can definitely tell it's him and it feels like little pushes against my stomach rather than full on kicks. I have even felt him kick from the outside! I placed my hand on my stomach and felt a nudge and it was so wild. Brian was even lucky enough to feel it too!
How My Body Is Holding Up
So I've said it before that I've been very lucky with this pregnancy as I had zero morning sickness and have slept great, and only had fatigue for about a month and a half in the first trimester. So far I've only gained around 7lbs which I am pretty happy with considering my doctor told me I should really only be gaining anywhere from 15-25lbs. I also have not seen any stretch marks so far which I am really happy about but I also have heard that they don't usually creep in until the end of the 3rd trimester. So my fingers are crossed on that one! I alternate between Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotion and Pure Organic Belly Butter from Glow Organics. However I am wanting to try the Belly Stretch Mark Oil from Hatch Mama because it has vitamin-e in it which is said to help with stretch mark prevention!
Cravings
I haven't had any super weird cravings other than protein like red meat and eggs lol. I really love eating steak kabobs lately and eggs for breakfast with toast. I normally am not much of an egg person so it's strange to me how much I enjoy them lately. I think it's my body's way of telling me to get more protein so baby Clapp is nice and strong! But other than that, I haven't really craved anything else!
What I am Doing For Myself
So I've never been one to shy away from pampering myself, but lately I've been sure to make myself a priority. Once the baby is here I know that I won't be able to run out and get my nails done whenever I feel like, so I have been getting mani/pedi's regularly. I also treated myself to a prenatal massage as a little gift to myself for making it halfway! It was super relaxing and I am glad I did it. I am also making sure that I get plenty of rest and ask for help when I need it. It's starting to get more crowded in my body and I am finding myself a little more winded than normal, so I am sure to ask Brian for help with carrying up the laundry when need be or whatever little task that will make things easier on me. He's been super helpful and I am so grateful for his support!
Things I Am Having A Hard Time With
I think the hardest thing has been not being able to enjoy a glass of wine whenever I want or having a beer with friends on the weekends. Some people say that a drink or two here and there won't hurt but I've chosen not to partake, I'd rather be safe than sorry and 9 months really isn't that long to hold off. But I won't lie, I look forward to sipping rosé next summer lol. Sleeping is also starting to become a little more difficult because I am a stomach sleeper and now I am only able to sleep on my side which has been an adjustment for me. I did purchase a Snoogle pillow and that has really helped with the transition! There is also the frequent trips to the bathroom. I felt like I had a small bladder before I got pregnant and now it's 10x worse lol. But it's more of an annoyance than a struggle.
So that's where I'm at so far with this pregnancy! It's been a lot of fun and I am loving this new, albiet short chapter of my life. I'd love to answer any other questions you might have so feel free to leave them in the comments below!
Photos by Kaylene Chambers Photography