23 Weeks (Another trip to the hospital)

The picture of "the bump" is from 21 weeks, but nothing much has changed. I can still wear some of my pre-pregnancy clothes and those that see me can't believe I'm almost 6 months pregnant, or pregnant at all. Occasionally, after I eat, or Baby V changes positions, the bump will stick out a little farther than normal, but it never lasts.

I'm still struggling with hyperemesis gravidarum (extreme nausea and vomiting) which landed me in the ER and hospital again for dehydration. They gave me two bags of fluids in the ER, which was obviously not enough. When I went back to the doctor the next day they admitted me to the hospital because I was still dehydrated. There, they pumped me full with 5 more bags. Since some of my nausea stems from smells, motions, sensory overload, etc. the doctor put me on medical leave/bedrest for a little while to see if that helps. I go back on October 11th for another appointment, so my goal is to be back up to my pre-pregnacy weight by then. I'm getting close! I've started resigning myself to the fact that I may be sick for rest of my pregnancy. The doctor says this is a probable conclusion since I am so far along and still so sick. Oh well, eye on the prize!

Our little monkey is living up to his nickname. He is extremely active and seems to move all day and night. We're going to have our hands full! The nurses would strap the fetal monitor on to track his heartbeat while I was in the hospital, but as soon as they would track down his heartbeat, he would flip and start kicking at the monitor. He would kick it so hard the monitor would move, bounce, and make crazy noises. The nurses finally gave up and discontinued the monitoring. His movements can often be seen now by just looking at my stomach and you can feel him from the outside too! The feeling for me is unlike any I've ever experienced and so different from what I imagined! My body doesn't feel like it belongs to me anymore.

So many people have asked us about names! The truth is, we haven't even really started looking yet. Jon says that if he is born on Friday, January 13th he MUST be named Jason (after Jason Voorhies the Friday the 13th killer). Every mother's dream for a namesake for her child! Umm, yeah, gonna have to dig out the veto powers on that one! We're planning on keeping baby's name a secret until after he is born, and possibly even waiting to see what he looks like before we pick one (I haven't run that one by Jon yet, we'll see....). Besides, choosing a name is about number 3 or 4 on our "To Do" list right now. Most importantly, we first need to order a crib and furniture so it gets here in time! Then get the nursery set up. So much to do, and time is flying (16 weeks to go)!