Pregnancy - 21 weeks

How far along?  21 weeks  

How big is baby?  The size of a fruit pie - around 430 g.  It stays a fruit pie between 21 and 23 weeks and goes from around 430 g to 600 g apparently.

Total weight gain/loss?  I was 63.7 kg last week and I'm 63.5 kg this week which isn't surprising as I've had a bit of trouble with my IBS causing an upset stomach.

Waist?  Too big for my work trousers?

Stretchmarks?  Not so far although I've been very lax with my tummy butter.

Maternity clothes?  They arrived this week and everything is great - I wore the trousers for work, they're big but the waistband tightens so that does the job.  I'm currently cosied up in my comfy zebra print PJs and I'm excited to get to wear some of the dresses.

Sleep?  Sleep has been okay over the last couple of nights albeit Oscar has been up at the crack of dawn (or a few hours before).  I've been reading my hypnobirthing book and practising some relaxation breathing at bedtime which has helped me to settle a bit more easily, hopefully even more so when I get to listening to the audio tracks.  I'm waking up a lot in the night but not usually for more than a quick fidget or a wee so I can't really complain.

Best moment this week?  Feeling like things are finally starting to settle with Oscar.  I'm aware that the upheaval of a house move, baby and starting school will probably cause us to go a long way backwards but at the moment we are getting him out regularly for fresh air by letting him play Pokemon Go, he's started eating a few foods that aren't sugary (cheese sandwiches, apples and grapes at home and generally eating or trying most things at nursery including cottage pie) and he's been generally calmer, very affectionate and more regulated.  He's also getting a great relationship with Zeus - he's learned to be gentle with him, always wants to stroke and cuddle him and Zeus often sits by his side and purrs when he strokes him.

Movement?  Things are definitely kicking off in this department.  I'm more aware of the movements on a daily basis when I'm going about my day and also he's quite regular in having a good wiggle before bed or if I'm just chilling on the sofa with Oscar in an evening. 

Food cravings? Nothing in particular.

Food aversions? Nothing any more.

Gender?  Boy.

Labour signs?  Nope, not for a good while yet I hope.

Pregnancy symptoms?  I'm really struggling with my tailbone when I'm sitting at my desk but I'm going to get my exercise ball pumped back up to keep in the office.  Otherwise just the general reflux, growing outwards in all directions and my massive boobs - I'm even growing out of my maternity bras from last time so I'm going to have to go and get measured again soon.

Belly button in or out?  In.

What I miss?  Sunshine!  The weather lately hasn't been too cold but has just generally been wet, miserable and windy.  I'm just generally looking forward to being able to go out and about without needing loads of layers, hat, gloves etc.

What I am looking forward to?  Maternity leave... okay so I have a way to go but because I'm now part time and have annual leave to use I've actually only got about 25 working days left and I'm hoping we will be in the new house by then so I can get some serious nesting done.  

Upcoming appointments/scans? I'm due back with the midwife in early April and then late April I have a growth scan and appointment with the Consultant.  It seems weird having so few appointments but it's nice not having extra stuff to coordinate, especially with COVID meaning I have to go alone and faff about with masks and lateral flows etc.
 
Weekly wisdom?  It is AMAZING what some deep breathing and quiet time can do.

Milestones?  Wearing maternity clothes!

Bump Picture: