24 Weeks

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Wow, a cantaloupe!!!  That's pretty big!  No wonder I often feel a little bowling bowl rolling around knocking pins over inside my tummy.... oh wait, no, those are the baby's {many} kicks!  ;)  Kicking is still happening with great frequency, and I admit at times it's been a little bit painful.  I'm sure the kicking will only get stronger from here on out, as the baby grows and as my uterus gets a little more cramped!

Earlier this week at my 24 week check-up, my OB measured the length of my abdomen with a measuring tape, and while I don't know what the number is or what they compares it to {since this was the first time they measured me in this way} my measurement was "on target" which is good news!  To date, I've gained a total of 14 pounds and my waist has grown 5 full inches, though it feels like so much more!  Over the past 1-2 weeks I realized I was starting to walk a bit differently, and now I have a full-out pregnant lady walk.  It's only a matter of time before it becomes a waddle.  ;)

In other belly news, my linea nigra has now officially passed the top of my belly button.  And baby's heart rate at this week's check-up was around 145 bpm.  According to some old wives tales, the extension of the linea nigra indicates I'm have a boy.  But the heart beat indicates I'm having a girl.  I guess one of them is right!  ;)

I scheduled my glucose tolerance test for later this month, so will be crossing my fingers from now until then that all goes well sugar-wise.

I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping over the past several weeks.  At this point, the bags under my eyes are taking over my face.  I can't get or stay comfortable, despite the cushy pregnancy pillow my hubby bought me, and I wake up at least once but usually twice and sometimes even THREE times per night to pee.  {I guess I'm practicing for feeding time?!}  During this stage of pregnancy, I'm not supposed to lay on my back and I'm not a great side sleeper, so it's been a bit of a challenge.  I frequently wake up startled, realizing that I'm on my back, and then have to turn to my side and try to fall asleep again.  I've also started to get some minor foot/leg cramps and some minor hip/back pain.  It's all for a good cause though, so I'm trying to hang in there!  :)

Here's my 24 week snapshot.  Don't mind the sweatshirt, it was taken on SuperBowl Sunday after all!  {I'm actually not sporty at all -- I just felt particularly "loungey" that day!}