23 Weeks and Makin' Waves!

We have had a big couple of weeks. First, we had a little scare when I felt some pain in my hips and pelvic bone at school last week. The nurse said if it persisted more than 24 hours to call back. When, the next day at school it was hurting worse, I called back. They wanted to see me that afternoon. 


Dr. Kennebeck decided after a full check-up that everything looked "wonderful" and that we thankfully had no signs of early labor. Praise God for that! She said that some women are more sensitive to their bones shifting and moving so that their growing babies can be accommodated.  She also warned me about Braxton-Hicks contractions saying I could start getting those here soon. While I'm a little nervous for them, I know I'm in God's hands and in great care with Dr. K, so I'm taking Christmas break to wind down and relax for both myself and little Cohen. 


Cohen's movements have been getting much bigger and much stronger! The other night I was talking to my mom on the phone when I saw this big ripple roll across my belly. Then again and again it rolled! I'd never seen him move so big, but now he moves bigger and more often, especially in the wee hours of the morning. I guess he's just preparing his momma for all those late night feedings. :) 


Along with last week came some gifts from my students. I was about six weeks pregnant when the school year started, and after the doctor confirmed a heartbeat, I told them about our story, losing Peanut and needing prayers for this baby. Having a miscarriage with uninformed students last school year was horrible and chaotic, so I decided to be totally upfront with this year's group and am so thankful I did. My students this year have been so kind and loving to both me and Cohen throughout the past four months. They are such a bright spot in my day and I am so thankful to have such a wonderful group of kids to teach. I just love hearing their questions or comments. 


Friday, we had our "winter plays" in my classroom as some fun before the break and during this one play I just could not stop giggling! Daniel looked over at me and said, "Be careful or you'll laugh that baby right out of you!" Austin looked at me with the most concerned look a teenage boy could ever have and quietly asked, "Mrs. Marshall, could that really happen?" I was laughing so hard inside, but could see how genuinely concerned he was so I just smiled and assured him that, no, I would not be laughing the baby out of me as a form of delivery. :)


Little Caroline and Caitlyn decided to make Cohen a blanket which I assured them would go great with our stroller, especially on chillier days. They even put little tags on the reverse side that say, "Designed by: Caitlyn and Carloline." It is the sweetest thing! I can't wait to use it to snuggle with Cohey!

Carole and Kylie surprised me on Wednesday with sweet and thoughtful gifts, too. A little picture frame, which I have been wanting (how did they know!?) , a monkey rattler, and the most adorable onesie! 

These past couple of weeks have come with a little splurging from Mommy and Daddy. We're allowed to spoil him a little, though, right? :) 

We found this cozy outfit and Steve just had to have it!

 This one I couldn't leave the store without....just too cute.

 Our sweet and dear friends Laura and Mike Fisher gave us all these cute little onesies and toy! We've attached the toy to one of the exersaucers Emily gave us. Thanks, Laura and Mike! We love them and we love you guys! 

I guess it's important to show how big Cohen is getting, huh? Only a few more months to go, and so far we've got a LOT OF BELLY! 

 The cats love snuggling into my belly. Here's Lexi holding onto my belly one night as Steve and I were winding down for the evening. Steve couldn't let this moment pass without taking a pic. 

 We also splurged just a bit at baby Gap. Just couldn't help ourselves when we came across these!

 First, we saw the hat (left) at baby Gap and Steve just had to get it for Cohen's newborn pics. Then today at Target, he found this one (right) for him to wear along with Cohen. My boys... I just can't wait!! :) 

So thankful for all that God has given me and for this wonderful life I'm living. Can't wait for Christmas this weekend and painting the nursery next week!! 


To end this (LONG!) post, I'll put the usual "Cohen's growth" information. He's getting to be such a big boy! I think the more he grows the more the love in our hearts grow along with him. 
Baby's Growth and Development at 23 Weeks Pregnant


Much of your baby's development during the 23rd week of pregnancy focuses on preparing for his first real breath once he is born. Here's what's happening this week:

• Your baby weighs slightly more than a pound now, and he's about the length of an ear of corn.
• Your baby's lungs develop rapidly this week as they prepare for birth.
  • His lungs are producing a substance called surfactant that allows the lungs to inflate and deflate without collapsing or sticking together.
  • Blood vessels in your baby's lungs also are growing and developing in preparation for breathing.
• Your baby is making breathing-like movements for practice, moving amniotic fluid in and out of his lungs.
• Although your baby is getting all of the oxygen he needs from your placenta, this practice is important for developing his diaphragm muscles.
• By your 23rd week of pregnancy, your baby actually looks like a baby. He still has little body fat and still is trying to fill out his wrinkly skin.