23 Weeks

Well we've been having a lot of fun accumulating the baby basics and starting to decorate the nursery. It's really coming together - I can't wait to see the finished product. I've been having a harder time sleeping lately - partly because I can't turn my brain off, partly because I can't get comfortable, and partly because I have to go to the bathroom about 4 times a night. BB seems to be hanging around me a little more than usual lately too. When we're at home she's normal, but when we go to the park or somewhere else she doesn't like to venture too far away from me. She's not like super protective or anything, she's just a little more anxious like she's looking out for me. She and Pancake are both going to be great "big sisters." :) Anyway, I don't have much else to report... Here's my 23 week picture:

22 week appointment

Richard and I went to see my midwife today and everything is great as usual. She said everything on the ultrasound looks completely normal and also confirmed that Baby is right on track to be arriving around the due date we had already figured. I am still feeling great! We are keeping up the nightly walks (and sometimes I take the pups in the mornings too), my appetite is great (with no nausea), and I am still sleeping pretty well. Really the only physical "complaint" I have is that my low back gets tired and starts to hurt a lot more easily when I'm on my feet a lot. I know that will only get worse as my belly gets bigger, but I'm doing my best to sit and rest as needed. Today Baby's heartrate was at 148 bpm and my uterus is measuring exactly what it should for being 22 weeks (plus a few days). I have also gained another 8 lbs which puts my total weight gain at about 9 lbs above my pre-pregnancy normal. My next appointment is scheduled for mid-September, and that will be the last one Richard will be here for (unless plans drastically change). I can't believe it's almost time for him to go... but hopefully he'll get to come home for R&R sometime in January to meet his daughter! :)

Ultrasound Day...

We just got home from my ultrasound appointment and it was so amazing. We got to see so much! We got 3 print-out pictures and a whole CD to take home. The radiologist will read the pictures today and will pass along the "results" to my mid-wife or doctor in the next few days. Anyway, after a lot of trying to get cooperation from Baby, the ultrasound tech finally got a good view to tell that it's a girl!!! And she is certainly an active one - she was moving around the whole time. :) We are so excited to know now and can start preparing even further (although I don't plan on going all pink or anything crazy like that). Anyway, here are a few pictures:

face with open mouth

legs from below - showing she's a girl!

profile

blurry profile head and body with full leg and foot

My next regular appointment is next Wednesday, August 20. I'm sure I'll be updating again then! :) :) :)

Daddy Feels Baby!

Baby Ezell has been super active today. I felt a lot of movements from the outside with my hand and saw a few just by looking too. And... Richard felt a kick (or punch or whatever) too! It was so awesome - I'm glad that from here on out he'll get to experience a little more. I feel so lucky that I get to experience it all! We just got home from a nice walk with the pups... these daily walks are keeping me feeling great. Here's my 20 week picture:
Next post will be Tuesday, August 12 (after the ultrasound!!!) ~Danelle
(P.S. - If you leave a comment, please "sign" your name... I've gotten a few that I don't know who posted. Thanks!)