At 24 weeks, I’m starting to feel, well, huge. And I know I ain’t seen nothin’ yet…compared to how I will be before I deliver, but I’m definitely starting to feel the sheer size of my ever-expanding belly. Apparently, my uterus is the size of a soccer ball this week!! So….yeah, huge. And, I’ve decided that I need to stop worrying about gaining a little extra weight while I’m expecting. I mean, obviously there are unhealthy side effects of gaining too much weight with pregnancy, and I have no interest in being obese. However- all these stupid pregnancy books say I should have only gained 12 pounds by this point. Lol. I’m close to double that at this point- and I think it’s more important that I focus on getting a variety of healthy food than the number of calories some book says I should get. As long as my OB says I’m still ok (and he does), then I’m gonna focus on being healthy mind, body, and spirit, rather than fixating on the number on the scale.
It’s definitely really hard to bend over to tie my shoes, put pants on, pick up the dogs, etc. Getting out of bed in the morning is extra difficult because I have to give myself a “heave ho” just to pull myself up- without abdominal muscles to do all the work. (Like anyone needs to search for extra reasons to just stay in bed, lol!) As of this past week, I have had some trouble staying comfortable in the middle of the night, because my belly makes it hard to get comfortable.
On the upside, my little boy’s kicks are way stronger this week- and boy, is he busy! They said to do “kick counts” where I should feel 10 kicks in 2 hours every day. Honestly, though, once he wakes up and starts moving, he kicks 10 times in less than 2 minutes! He’s very active! I really love feeling the kicks- it’s comforting, if that makes any sense. Lets me know he’s healthy and active in there.
Other good news is that his lungs are developed enough that he is beginning to learn to breathe this week! Of course, he mostly “breathes” in amniotic fluid since he’s still in the womb, but it’s all good practice to make his lungs stronger for when he’s born…and I am getting really, really excited to meet this active little man!
This week’s stats:
Baby is as big as a: cauliflower!! Good greif!
Cravings/Aversions: Burger. Not so much for fries. But- Five Guys’ burger with cheese, grilled mushrooms, grilled onions, jalapenos, bell peppers, lettuce, extra tomato, A1 sauce, hot sauce, bbq sauce. Yes, please. Lasagne- my mom mentioned she made it earlier this week, and I needed it in my life. Peanut butter and vanilla wafers. I have also craved lots of grapes. Because it was Valentine’s Day, I picked up my hubby’s favorite- chocolate dipped grapes (a must try if you’ve never had them!) and strawberries. I wanted pancakes, but didn’t let myself have them (and I didn’t feel like making my favorite cottage cheese whole grain pancakes). My only aversion left: the stench of cleaning products- just smelling a whiff gives me heartburn and indigestion! Garlic and onions and I are friends again, I’m happy to report!
I’m excited for: registering for baby stuff and baby showers!
I’m nervous for: leaving to go out of town again, just because I want to be with my hubby and nest in my home!
My workout totals last week: walked 12 miles, swam 30 minutes. I want to look into prenatal yoga classes, maybe while I’m on an away rotation, to help me connect with baby boy
Number of baby boy outfits purchased: 4 (I couldn’t help it!)
Kick counts: 10 kicks in under 2 minutes every day this week (I wonder if that will slow down once it gets more cramped in there for him?)
Hubby: brought me roses and perfume for Valentine’s Day- and is crazy, he tells me every day that I look great (so sweet! But I’m not sure I feel the same way! Lol! I own a mirror, I know what’s up!)
See ya next week! 🙂