24 Weeks

It's been awhile since my last update, I know. Time is flying by. We were out of town for five days visiting family in Illinois. It was great to see everyone, but it was so exhausting. Even though I was sure to stay hydrated, move my legs, and walk around every hour during the flights, my legs and feet still swelled up to mammoth proportions. I'm glad that's been the only bout of swelling I've had so far. Is it naive to think maybe I won't have much more? Probably. Those of you who are already moms are probably laughing your heads off at me.

BabyZ is growing by leaps and bounds. It amazes me that I can feel kicks all the way at the top and bottom of my belly at the same time. He's starting to wake me up more often at night and in the early morning for his usual acrobatics. Some of the kicks are even starting to feel...I don't know. Not really uncomfortable, but very, very weird and I can see how they'll be uncomfortable in the coming weeks.

I wonder if I'm experiencing some Braxton Hicks contractions every now and then. Sometimes my belly gets extremely hard and a little uncomfortable. I also have to be careful when rolling over not to stretch too much because my lower belly gets really tight. I don't know what that's all about, but it is bearable and passes quickly.

We had a Fourth of July BBQ with some friends who had babies recently. They divulged lots of details about labor/delivery and the first six weeks with a newborn. None of it was surprising to either one of us, but it's becoming Very Real and Terrifying. We definitely had a moment when we got in the car to drive home and both looked at each other with fear. I think Junior said, "well, I'm sufficiently scared."

How far along: 24 weeks, 2 days

Total weight gain: 5-6 pounds

Maternity clothes: Yes, and to my dismay my regular yoga pants and workout clothes aren't fitting as well. Might need to go up a size or find some maternity ones.

Stretch marks: No new ones, but then again, I've been in denial and haven't been looking.

Sleep: Nonexistent, and I'm too tired to talk about it.

Food cravings: I definitely have more of a sweet tooth, but still no real cravings.

Labor signs: Nope

Belly button in or out: In, but getting much shallower. My belly looks less like a capital B. Yay!

What I miss: Sleep and my hips not hurting 24/7

What I’m looking forward to: Junior will paint the nursery this weekend!

Milestone: Um, I guess "Viability Day" at 24 weeks? It's all the rage on The Bump, but it certainly doesn't feel like much of a milestone because I definitely do not want him coming out anytime soon.