24 Weeks

24 down, 16 to go!  I realized this morning that I'm just 3 short weeks away from my third trimester!  And I'm really starting to feel like it too!

As is evident from my photo's, I'm both a shower AND a grower, and I've been quite large right from the get go (in maternity pants at week 9!)  So I feel like I'm currently waddling around with an 8 month belly at my 6 month mark - I'm really starting to feel huge these days, too!  I walk slower than I ever have before - and often gasp for breath when going up stairs, or rushing to get somewhere (those compressed lungs are fun!), as well I'm working with some serious water retention, and my poor little feet are becoming little sausages!  A couple weeks back I had to forgo wearing runners that required tying, as reaching my feet was an issue, and now I seem to be having difficulties even wearing my flip flops as the straps are now putting a little more pressure on the tops of my squishy feet, causing tender spots!  

Along with my swollen feet, I seem to have a little more joint pain especially in my hip flexors when I sit for more than 30 minutes at a time - which made my flying 10 hour road trip to Sask and back this last weekend "interesting" to say the least.  (I think I'm still trying to recover).

But I do believe I've discovered the cause of my recent discomfort - let me show you:

This was last week (23 weeks - 42" belly, total weight gain: 12 pounds):

And this is a mere 7 days later (24 weeks - 43" belly, total weight gain: 18 pounds!):

Notice anything.... huge?  She grew... a lot.  You can also see my lovely swollen legs in the picture, as I'm retaining water as well these days, which is also part of the cause of the sudden 6 pound weight gain I experienced.  The salty fast food on the weekend road trip didn't help matters either (it was either eat salt, or pee at my regular 20 minute intervals - which would result in a lot of me awkwardly squatting in the ditch along the Yellow Head in Saskatchewan.  (Anyone who has driven that road knows that you are lucky if you manage to find a bathroom every hour and a half let alone every 30 minutes or so!).  I opted for Salt, and small sips of water, I've never been a pro squatter, and wasn't about to take the chance and accidently pee on myself.

The good news about this recent growth spurt, is that I'm at a place where I can finally book my maternity shoot with my favorite photographer (of course Melissa).  I've been looking forward to maternities with Melissa since I found out I was pregnant, and now I'm big enough to get some really nice photos (but not too big that I'm swollen in my face or I'm really really uncomfortable!).  I sent Melissa a picture of my belly last night, and said "Big enough for Maternities hey?"  She laughed and agreed, saying that mid Aug would be perfect for me, and some women have to wait for 8.5 months to get to that size :p  I'm an over achiever :)

Here's the recap:

How far along? 24 Weeks

Total weight gain: 18 Pounds  - Woo Growth Spurts, and Water Retention!
Inches gained in the waist: 7 1/2"   - Grew another inch in a week!

Maternity clothes? Yes!!

Stretch marks?  None that I can see anywhere!

Sleep:  I’ve been so exhausted by bed time I pretty much die when my head hits the pillow, and a couple times already this week I’ve been asleep before Ben even puts away his phone!  That being said, I don’t move the whole night, and when the alarm goes off in the morning, it still doesn’t feel like enough time! 

Best moment this week: Going to the farm to celebrate my dear Gido’s 90^th birthday, and seeing cousins and family and talking about the baby and such – also my mom got to feel our little angel kick, and hear the heartbeat! 

Miss Anything?   Unlabored movement – there is no such thing as silent movement for me these days – panting and gasping is a given now! 
Movement:  Yes!!  My little Lump is kicking bigger and bigger each week!  I keep waiting for the moment I can see her! 

Food cravings: I really wanted a chicken wrap last night – and I had it, and it was delicious! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really no

Gender: GIRL!     

Labor Signs: Too early! 

Symptoms:  I pee frequently, my ankles and feet are swollen, I’m huge, and walking requires frequent stops to wait out cramping and catch my breath.   

Belly Button in or out? In - Although the bottom hole from my belly button stud (that used to be deep inside my belly button) is currently about half an inch above my belly button now – so I think it’s only a couple more weeks before my innie becomes and outie… 
Wedding rings on or off? Off, but I'm still wearing my "replacement ring" which is my old junior high ring from my parents.

Happy or Moody most of the time:  Very Happy!

Looking forward to:  Maternity Photos!