Bumpdate – 24 weeks

How far along: 24 weeks
How big is baby: About the size of a cantaloupe, or 10-11 inches long. Weight is about 1.5 pounds.
Newest baby developments: He has hair now, including eyelashes and eyebrows! I wonder if he’s a redhead like his daddy. 😉 His skin is also becoming more opaque (it used to be completely see-through) and has a pinkish tint to it. Plus, his brain is performing almost like that of a newborn, which means he has conscious thoughts and even memories now!
Movement: He’s still most active when I’m not, but lately I’ve been able to feel him even as I’m moving around which is new. He’s usually kicking when I wake up in the morning (or he starts very shortly after while I’m still in bed) and he has regular workout sessions throughout the day too. Alex has been able to feel him almost every day now and we’ve even been able to see my belly getting pushed up and shaken around by his movements! This morning he had his foot or hand (not sure which) shoved against my tummy near my belly button and Alex and I could actually feel it with our fingers. That freaked my poor husband out but I thought it was so cool. 🙂
Weirdest symptoms: Ugh, definitely Braxton Hicks contractions. I felt them for the first time this week and had a minor panic attack thinking I might go into preterm labor. They don’t hurt at all but they feel uncomfortable (imagine your whole belly flexing and tightening involuntarily) and they make my lungs feel weird and tighter too. I’ve been getting quite a few every day but they aren’t regular and they haven’t worsened so I’m not too worried. We have a checkup scheduled for Wednesday, though, and I’ll be bringing it up to my midwife then just to be sure.
Best moment this week: We finally announced our boy’s name! (I’ll be making a separate blog post about that.) We got such positive feedback and everyone seemed to like it (although #1, I guess that doesn’t matter and #2, I doubt anyone would actually tell us it was a crappy name if that’s what they really thought haha). Also, yesterday was our one year wedding anniversary and we had SUCH a great day. (I’ll probably post about that later too.)
Worst moment this week: Probably just the Braxton Hicks. I know they’re helping my body prepare for labor but I just hate them anyway.
Cravings: I’ve been loving watermelon and also bagels with jelly on them (random) but I don’t know if they’re necessarily “cravings.”
Looking forward to: Our family BBQ tomorrow and getting to spend another whole day with my husband! I’m also going to be attempting a patriotic dessert so wish me luck haha.