24 weeks. We made it.

Yesterday we finally, gratefully, prayerfully reached the 24 week mark of our pregnancy. It seems like I have been striving for and looking towards this goal for so long, and to finally have made it is more than a little surreal.

Of course, Baby decided to be very quiet yesterday and not move a lot, which made the joyful day a rather nerve-wracking one for me. I was on my feet practically all day so I'm sure it had something to do with it. Last night and today, however, he has been kicking up a storm and it has been very reassuring.

I have a more detailed post about reaching 24 weeks brewing in my head as the result of some very ignorant, mean-spirited posts on T.he B.ump, basically ripping into pregnant ladies for celebrating 24 weeks. It needs to percolate a bit more before I can write it out, though. Maybe tomorrow.

So for now, here's a weekly update for you (if, indeed, anyone is still reading this blog).


How Far Along? 24 Weeks

Maternity Clothes? All my pants are now maternity! I've bought some fall weather maternity shirts and am mixing and matching with non-maternity knits that still fit. I also wear dresses on the warmer days - they are my favorite because they're SO comfortable.

Weight Gain? 18 pounds total as of my last weigh-in (at 22 weeks). I don't own a scale and I am happy not to.

Stretch Marks? Haven't seen any yet! I can see the faintest of lines starting to develop down the middle of my belly - can't remember the term for that.

Sleep? I have been sleeping SO well, even when I don't feel particularly tired. I have a hard time staying awake past 10 p.m. Sleeping on my side is still a challenge - I often wake up on my back, having moved the wedge pillow sometime during the night. My OB says it's fine as long as I turn over as soon as I realize I'm on my back.

Best Moment of the Week: Reaching the 24 week mark at long last. Also feeling him move a lot on his most active days.

Weirdest Comment: My grandmother told me I had a "big fat belly" and my husband called my stomach "plump." WTF??!! NOT great words to use on a pregnant lady already struggling with body issues! ;) I chastised them gently, forgave them and now can (almost) chuckle about it.

Movement? Yes! Lots of kicks low down, especially when I'm sitting with my feet up or laying in bed. Getting more movement higher up now, too - I'm assuming the low movements are kicks and the higher movements are punches.

Gender? A boy!

What I miss? Still craving soda and would really like a fresh margarita!

Symptoms: Acid reflux, weight gain and general tiredness. My fingers swell when I exercise (light walking) and my feet will swell a little bit when I'm on them for a while.

Milestones: Made it to 24 weeks!!!

Emotions: Happy and relieved, but overwhelmed with all the things I need to get done within the next 10-12 weeks!