Baby Bump: 24 Weeks!

Man, you guys, I feel like I'm finally hitting my stride with being pregnant, just in time for the end to come into view! I still have a long way to go -- 3 more months! -- but April is going to be here before I know it.

In a lot of ways, I spent the first half of this pregnancy pretty terrified. Everything was so new and I had no idea what I was doing -- I spent hours googling every tiny little detail, making sure I knew every single piece of information to be sure I didn't do anything wrong. It's a terrifying responsibility to suddenly be growing a human being, and even though I'd hoped and planned for it for months before it happened, it still took me by surprise how much there was to worry about.

But in the last few weeks, my perspective has shifted a little bit. As much as there is to do when there's a little human being growing in my belly, there's going to be a LOT more to do once he's outside in the world!

I'm trying to remind myself that I should enjoy these last few months of being pregnant -- right now, this little baby is easier to take care of than he's going to be until... college. (That's a scary thought.) But for now, he has all the food he needs, he's at the right temperature, he's shielded from being bumped or hurt, and he's pretty much good to go. In a few months, I'm going to be dealing with car seats and strollers and diaper bags and all the other things that new moms need just to go to the post office or the grocery store, so I'm definitely making an effort to enjoy the relative ease of day-to-day life while I can!

24 weeks also marks the point of "viability," and it's crazy to think that this little guy could survive (with lots of medical treatment) if he were born tomorrow. It's a huge relief -- even though I know there are never any guarantees -- but no matter what, I'd like him to stay cooking for quite a bit longer!

{Scroll down for my 24-Week Update!}

How far along? 24 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 16 pounds.

Maternity clothes? Still in maternity pants and mostly regular tops and sweaters!

Stretch marks? Still no. I'm definitely getting a lot bigger lately, so I've been using belly oil every night (I use this one, if you're curious!)!

Symptoms: I'm not sure I really think of them as "symptoms" and more, but I definitely have no room left in my body for anything. Eating, drinking, breathing... my body feels like it's stretched to capacity, and I still have months to go!

Sleep: Still not great, but stable. I had tons of weird dreams and nightmares during the first trimester, and those seem to have re-emerged recently! Last night, I dreamed that Jesse Pinkman from Breaking Bad was hosting a new television show that was a cross between Hoarders and Antiques Roadshow. (I mean, I would watch that show!)

Best moment this week: My mom got the invitations for my baby shower printed!

Worst moment of the week: Being asked to speak at a conference in April and realizing that I can't travel for it. Bummer.

Have you told family and friends: Yes!

Miss Anything? My balance! I fall over so easily now, it's a little scary sometimes.

Movement: Lots!

Food cravings: Berries, apples, pears, mango. Fruit generally has been a HUGE pregnancy craving for me!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, that seems to have passed (phew).

Have you started to show yet: YES!

Labor Signs: Nope. I think I may have had a Braxton Hicks contraction this week, but I'm not really sure.

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: I feel happy, but I can tell that I'm a bit hormonal. Rambo peed on our comforter (sigh...) and I burst into hysterical tears and it was minutes before I'd calmed down. I blame these crazy hormones.

Looking forward to: I'm trying to enjoy the moment this week and look forward to right now!