24 Weeks

 This is the first time I've worn leggings in probably 20 years!  I never would have bought them had I not been pregnant.  They are back in style now (which I am thankful for), and I thought I'd give them a try.  I have a few non-maternity dresses that I thought I might be able to wear still, but would look better with something under them.  Plus, my legs are getting larger and are pasty white still! :P  I bought this pair specifically to wear with the dress in the picture.  Oh my goodness--I'm in love!  They are so comfy!  Mine are still a little big in the belly, but that just means room to grow.  (I'd rather they be too big than too small and be uncomfortable.)  I'm thinking of finding some in other colors.  I also want to get a few light weight maternity tunics to wear over the leggings for the spring/summer.  I'm pretty sure these beauties are going to the hospital with me as well!  I think they'd be good to wear home?!

How far along: 24 weeks

Size of baby: baby is the size of a papaya (still)

Next week is a new food--I promise! :) 

Total weight gain/loss: +15.8

Maternity clothes: still a mix, but mostly maternity

The warm weather is upon us!  I busted out a maternity skirt.  It was still a little big, but that's OK.

Gender: It's a girl!  Olivia Grace is on her way!

Movement: Yep, she's on the move!  I actually think she flipped back to being breech, but then flipped back to normal.  At least that's how the kicks have felt over the last few weeks. The kicks are definitely harder.  Michael finally felt her on Saturday morning.  I rolled onto my back (to relieve some of the pain) and she kicked hard.  Then I put my hand on the spot and she kicked again.  I was positive I felt it from the outside, so I told Michael to give me his hand.  She kicked him twice!

Sleep: still the same--sleeping alright.  I get up a couple of times a night to go to the bathroom.  I also wake up with (severe) back pain at least 3 to 4 nights a week.

What I miss: sleeping on my stomach

Cravings: Still not really craving things, but when people mention food on facebook or I see a commercial for yummy food, then I really want it!  We ate at Chipotle on Monday night because someone had posted about it on facebook during the day! :)

Symptoms: back pain!!!

The itchy skin has subsided some... I started using Palmer's cocoa butter a few weeks ago.  I'm wondering if that is what was making my skin itch?  I'm not allergic to anything that I know of, but it could be that I can't use it.  I stopped using it this week just to see and the itching seems to have gotten better.  Now I'm afraid to try it again. :)  I've heard two theories on stretch marks--some books say that it is genetic.  If your mom got them, then you will.  If she didn't, then you probably won't.  They say no amount of lotion or cream will help.  Then their are other people who swear by the creams and lotions.  I didn't use anything until I got one little stretch mark on my lower belly.  The Palmer's did help lighten the look of the stretch mark.  I haven't gotten any others since.  My mom said she barely got any and they don't look that bad today.  We'll see.  If I start getting more, I may have to find another stretch mark cream/lotion?!?!

Surprises: We got an email from the crib company.  They said that since the part wasn't available we just needed to return the crib to Target for a new one.  Even though boxing up the old crib wasn't our idea of fun, I am glad this was the option.  It meant getting the replacement right away instead of waiting for it to be shipped to us.  Also, the exchange at Target went really well.  I was expecting to have to put up a fight or something.  We got the changing table put together last week and the dresser and crib together yesterday.  Pictures to come soon!

Fun Purchases: We spent Friday night roaming the aisles of Buy Buy Baby.  (It's owned by Bed, Bath and Beyond.  It has some more high end items and a little different selection that Babies R Us).  I bought a few baskets, a picture frame, some hangers, and a wall decor thing.  I registered for baskets to go on the changing table shelves.  I also registered for a few baskets for the closet, but my registry says "limited availability".  Even if someone does find the closet baskets, I knew I could always use more.  I wanted to start getting things organized, so I got three.  I really like the pattern on the liner.  I may go back for more! :)  I've already started filling the ones I have!

Milestones: It's Viability Day!  Not that I want Olivia to make an appearance any time soon, but it's nice to know that from here on out she would have a chance of survival.

What I'm looking forward to: I'm actually looking forward to my Dr.'s appointment this morning.  I feel like it's been forever since I've seen her.  I have lots of questions this time around.  I'm also looking forward to going to Ohio in a few weeks for my baby shower.  The trip alone is probably going to cost me more than all the gifts I get, but that's alright.  It's more about the experience and spending time with my family and friends.  I have been to a ton of baby showers over the past 3 years.  I have also sent gifts across the country to friends having babies. I have been surrounded by people having babies.  I am just ready to be on the other end--the one anticipating the arrival of my firstborn. :)