23 weeks....

and I'm feeling like a beached whale. I can't even imagine what it's going to be like by the end of these 40 weeks. I've gained 17 lbs (give or take) and my doctor seems pleased with that number, but it kind of freaks me out a little. 

Anyway, I've been feeling pretty good and Ava's getting to be more & more active every day.  J's only felt her move a little bit, but she loves kicking me when I lay down on my back.  The other day, I was curled up on the couch taking a nap and she kicked me so hard that I woke up thinking someone hit me in the gut! 

Here's my belly (sorry it's been so long!):

It's so weird to know that there's a little baby chillin' in that gut.  I love her so much already & we can't wait to meet her!  I've bought her crib (thanks to my mom giving us some $$ for Christmas to go towards her crib) and the glider for her room.  Also, my aunt gave me a crib mattress (it's 10 years old) but it seems to be in great shape, so I'll try it. She had it for her grandson, but he only slept on it a few times.  Luckily, they aren't that expensive, so if it doesn't work out, I can always go and get a new one. We got a ton of clothes already for her, so I know she won't be hurting in that area.  Diapers and formula are a different story, though....  I'm planning on *attempting* to breast feed, but I'm not banking on it.  I'm going to try to save up lots of $$ to help pay for formula in case we end up needing it.

I'm pretty sure we got the house we've been wanting!  We are just waiting on the actual loan to get approved....we've got 1 week until it's all supposed to be finalized. If it goes through, we'll close on Feb. 3rd (J's B-day!).  I'm keeping my fingers crossed and saying a lot of prayers that this works out for us.  The waiting and wondering is making me cranky, though.  I'm sure I'll know something by next week, so I'll update more then!