22 Weeks

Well we have just reached 23 weeks and to celebrate we got more ultrasound pictures done (and gelato). The fact that I can forget that I am pregnant is a bit confusing, until I go to bend over or get up and realize there is a beach ball in front of me that seems to get bigger each week. The baby does also remind me every now and again that its there, which is a surreal feeling. I have been feeling great, enjoying our prenatal classes and looking forward to our hospital tour soon. No midwife and no naturopath / acupuncture appointments so that's been a bit of an adjustment. I've started a relaxation program to help me as I get closer to the birth, I keep getting reminded that the baby feels what I do, so I'm trying to be more conscious of being positive.

"Remember this, for it is as true as true gets: Your body is not a lemon. You are not a machine. The Creator is not a careless mechanic. Human female bodies have the same potential to give birth as well as aardvarks, lions, rhinoceri, elephants, moose, and water buffalo. Even if it has not been your habit throughout your life so far, I recommend that you learn to think positively about your body."
—Ina May Gaskin (midwife)

As an insecure woman this pregnancy is making me see my body a bit differently. No longer am I ashamed of my belly I'm really starting to embrace the stretch marks and the fact that it just keeps growing. To be honest, being heavy before pregnancy made me nervous that people wouldn't think I'm pregnant just getting heavier, but ever since I was 16 weeks there was definately a baby bump forming. Maybe it has to do with my height or my lack in torso I actually look pregnant.

The above picture is 16 weeks 2 days.

The above picture is 22 weeks 2 days.

Both pictures were taken in the nursery and we still need to take the 23 week picture and will post next time (along with the new ultrasound).