Back from the holiday tour!

22 weeks 6 days

Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.


How far along? 22nd week
Total weight gain/loss: +1lb in the last 2 weeks. +16lb total. Oh don't worry, the holiday food will hit for next week's post. I know those Christmas cookies are on their way somewhere like my thighs.
Stretch marks? Still good to go. Skin is starting to get dry though- thank you new home in the tundra. Lotion is a must every day, but I feel like my skin swallows it within 5 minutes, like I do milk in the morning. And the itchy stomach is starting.
Sleep: To update on the last post, Troy was successful in turning into Bob Villa via You Tube. The man was a genious in getting our boxspring upstairs by cutting it in half and putting it back together. Merry Christmas to us with our queen bed back!
Best moment this week: Well it's been a great week of traveling to see everyone for the holidays. I felt like we were in the movie Four Christmases (and don't I wish I had Reese's body right about now), but all of the traveling was well worth it. First went and spent 5 days with Dad until Christmas Eve. Got to see Mom & fam on Christmas Day (Aunt Paulene's strata is still the best I have ever eaten). And then we finished it off with a trip to Troy's house until today. And in true Jessica form, I returned to my ways of being able to stay up late for the parties :) Just minus the boozin' it up till after hours part...oh I know you all miss that girl. It's a whirlwind to get from place to place, but in the end it's always nice to see everyone for the holidays.
Movement: This has been a very prominent thing the last 2 days. The kicks are starting to make us believe we def have a soccer player following in their all-star parents footsteps. I can see us all on the field now! Last night I had a feeling they were strong enough to see from the outside, and sure enough I watched these little jabs pop up from my shirt. Craziness! I said hi by poking back haha. I showed Troy today and I think he was completely freaked out that something was doing that to my insides haha. He or she is kung fu fighting as I type!
Gender: Dreams lately have been a boy. But then again, sometimes the baby turns into a puppy, and then Patrick Dempsey appears, so I'm not looking too far into it. Oh and then the one night, the doctor messed up and it was 3 girls and 1 boy...no thank you, we don't need a Jon & Kate drama set here.
Labor Signs: The labor of being sober- BORING!!!!!!! Holiday parties are over now, so should be easier. Oh wait, the Superbowl of them all is at our house tomorrow night. Oh fine fetus, sparkling juice it is.

Food Cravings: Wegmans subs last week took care of any cravings for the month. I MUST get their basil sub oil permanently stocked in this house. I would put that stuff on my cereal.
What I miss: My cheekbones and single chin. Holy Rosie O'Donnell face.

What I am looking forward to: Finishing off the baby registry with a trip to look at strollers & swings. Troy actually wants to come too to make sure he's not pushing around a pile of pink polka dots ;)
Weekly Wisdom: Gaining weight doesn't mean the usual bigger stomach, arms, or face. Oh no, it now has to mean bigger calves too. What the hell. My brand new knee-high boots are getting small. Don't tell Troy, he'll kill me.
Milestones: Got a doc! Got a hospital! Got signed up for classes! Got registered! Got fatter! woo hoo!
Baby Brain Moment of the Week: Today I confused the word "limbo" with "lingo". Man I sound so intelligent lately. Thankfully I have Troy by my side to call me out and correct. Thanks for being discrete loving husband.

Weekly Belly Pic: Mom shot this one from her house this week. Note to self: turtlenecks don't embrace the bloated face.