Week #23 Update

This week I made a tiny bit of progress on the nursery and made TONS of progress on the baby clothing front, due to some generous friends :)

First, the bedding set we got last week needed a good ironing out before I could do anything with it. So I spent a few hours yesterday doing a thorough job of ironing not only the dust ruffle, but also the two valances. I spent another hour putting the crib together. I'm not sure if I'll leave the bumper up or not....I know it's recommended not to have the bumper for SIDS concerns, so I'll do some more research to see what I want to do. I just wanted to see what all of it would look like together.

I also took some items from the crib set that Jill gave to me along with the crib. It's jungle them as well, but more green and brown rather than green and blue. It doesn't look bad combined with the Pottery Barn set. The crib quilt hanging over the side of the crib is actually going to become a wall hanging. I think it will look really cute hanging up on the wall and from what I've been told, many people don't even use their crib quilt for the baby.

The picture above shows the dust ruffle really well and how it matches perfectly with the rug :)

For a really long time I was dead set on making my own mobile. But now that we know we're having a boy and because the quality is so good on the one Jill gave to me, I just didn't feel like it was worth my time to make a whole new one. Perhaps if we have a girl later on I'll make one then, but for now I figure my energy is better spent on other things. Plus this one already has the music and spinner attached, so it really is perfect!

Here's the full crib with the sheet and bumper. I'll obviously have to still take it all apart in order to put on the mattress pad when we get that and like I said, I'll most likely take off the bumper anyway. I just like to see it all put together :)

This week my mom and I also went to JoAnn's and purchased at least 10 yards of various yellow fabrics. We got gingham, stripes, polka dots and two types of solid yellow that all coordinate with each other. She'll turn all of the fabric into the rocking chair cushioning, additional draperies and other random items for the nursery. We found this pattern at the store and because we didn't want to pay $17 for it there, I found it on eBay for $6. It arrived just the other day :)

Finally, my friends Genevieve and Dayna both have boys (6mos and 1 year) and they were so generous and brought me bags of clothes this week! Ramin and I  went through both bags of clothes together and looked at all of the cute clothes (we are so excited!). I decided to keep them all in the bags for now until we get the dresser put into the nursery and the closet more organized.

How far along: 23 weeks, 6 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've been lax on checking. At this point as long as the midwives are fine with my weight gain, so am I.

Wedding Ring on?:  Yep

Major Symptoms: I *think* I experienced my first Braxton Hicks contractions this week. I had some moments of breathlessness accompanied by a really strong tightening of my tummy. It wasn't painful and it didn't last long. Once I sat down the pressure went away. I'm not entirely sure that's what it was, but it's my thought. I still have the usual random hip pain at night but I'm always trying to configure my pillows perfectly to help me feel better. My back also has been more achy. I did exercise twice this week and I always feel better afterward so I'm really going to try and make it a priority this week.
Stretch marks: Still sprouting. I've got some lovely red dots on my tummy. Also, my linea nigra has expanded upward and gotten a bit darker....I have read that if it extends above your belly button, it indicates a boy....this is TRUE in my case :)
Sleep: Could be better....the weekend is always the best.
Best moment last week: Receiving such generous gifts from my friends....I'm so thankful!
Movement: Absolutely!! Those kicks that started last week have definitely continued this week. I feel them more often when I'm leaning forward while sitting at my desk .They are very down low and they feel like someone tapping on my tummy. LOVE IT!
Food cravings/aversions: Nada

Belly button - in or out? Still in
Labor signs: Nope
What I miss: This isn't something I miss, just something I'm getting used to. I'm trying to get myself in the mindset that it's OK to not do so much at home. Each weekend I always want to do a lot of chores and catching up, but I know how it wears me out and I'm getting used to not being so go-go-go.
What I am looking forward to: More kicks from baby! 
Milestones: Seeing the crib complete!