22 Weeks

I was 22 weeks on Monday - only 18 more to go!  I mentioned in my last post that we got a lot done this past weekend, so that's making me feel a lot better.  My "to do" list was starting to scare me!  I'm glad to have some of the big things out of the way.

Right now I'm feeling great.  I'm still pretty tired, but not as exhausted as I was in the first trimester.  I can eat pretty much anything, although I have no specific cravings yet.  Well, I guess I have been craving smoothies - I like really cold drinks, and smoothies just taste good :)

According to Babycenter, our little girl is about 11 inches long and 1 pound.  They always compare the baby to fruits and vegetables, so this week she's about the length of a spaghetti squash.

Last night Joseph and I went to a meet-and-greet for a local doula practice called Labor of Love.  They provide labor doula services, postpartum doula services, childbirth classes, breastfeeding classes, and placenta encapsulation (although I'm not sure I'll be doing that).  They talked about their practice and services and showed a few short videos, and then we got to talk with the various doulas.  I'm sold on the idea of a doula - I think having extra support during labor would be wonderful.  Of course Joseph will be there and will be a great help, but it would be nice to have a woman who has not only gone through birth herself but has attended hundreds of births.  She'll be able to tell me what to expect, tell me if what I'm going through is normal, suggest position changes, guide Joseph through the process, etc.  Joseph is open-minded to the idea but unsure if he wants one.  So we're still discussing at this point and hope to make a decision soon.  There was a doula last night that we really liked, so if we decide to hire one, we will likely hire her.

This morning I had my first appointment with Intown Midwifery, the practice I switched to.  I was nervous because I was hoping I made the right decision.  And I can tell you that I definitely did.  After just one visit, I can tell you I LOVE them.  Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, from the reception to the nurse to the midwife.  The practice has 5 delivering midwifes (with the 6th starting next week) and a few other midwives who just do the office exams.  I met with one of those today, and she was great.  We went over my records from my old practice, and she answered all of my questions and gave lots of helpful suggestions.  She measured my belly and said I'm measuring right on time, and she listened to the baby's heartbeat and said it was good and strong.  So all is well!

22 weeks