Bump Update - 24 Weeks

Weeks Pregnant: 24 weeks + 1 day

Baby Size: A little over a pound and as long as an ear of corn. And, according to BabyCenter, my uterus is about the size of a soccer ball at this point.

Gender: BOY

Name: Finn Aloysius Laskowski <3

Weight Gain: 11 lbs. I was only at a 6 lb. gain 2 weeks ago, meaning I gained the other 5 in just two weeks. Our little human sure is growing quick!

Symptoms: Super aching lower back, but bouncing on a stability ball and stretching do wonders for the discomfort! Branch-like veins up my torso and chest are more and more visible each day. No swelling or aches anywhere else though (yet!). No signs of any stretch-marks yet, but I continue to drink A LOT of water and slather on the coconut oil.

Attire: A few maternity tops and some pants for work, but I continue to wear my regular clothes (with the help of extenders for my jeans) and essentially live in leggings and baggy t-shirts when at home.  I tend to get charlie-horses pretty often so having a bit of a heel helps, so wedges or sneakers are my go-to's for shoes!

Exercise: Yoga, stretching, and walking as much as possible. The breathing techniques in yoga are just so relaxing and comforting, I know that continuing with it will be beneficial for when I'm in labor. I also love Suzanne Bowen's Slim&Toned Prenatal Barre workout DVD...it's very low impact but don't let that fool you, I'm out of breath after the first few minutes! This isn't really a workout, but like I said earlier I tend to bounce and rock on a stability ball a lot when at home and in our living room. It feels so wonderful on my hips and lower back!

Movement: SO much movement! I absolutely love feeling him move around in me. My belly takes on multiple shapes in a matter of minutes these days. :) I feel him the most first thing in the morning (such a beautiful way to start my day) and late at night when trying to fall asleep. After a good stretch or yoga session he tends to go crazy in there as well!

Missing: Honestly, I'm really not missing too much of anything. Of course I'd like an occasional glass of wine, but not that badly. Inversions in yoga are starting to be a challenge so forearm and handstands I do kind of miss, but headstands I still feel pretty comfortable in!

Cravings: Still just want as much fresh fruit as possible! But nothing out of the ordinary or anything that I crave excessively.

Sleep: I love it...but can't seem to sleep through the night at all anymore. I wake up quite a few times due to the discomfort in whatever position I'm in. I make an effort to sleep on my left side, but tend to wake up in a pretzel or halfway on my belly which I know is not that great. Hopefully I get it figured out soon!

Mood: Just utter happiness.

Birth Plan: The plan is to give birth naturally. I am not against medical intervention for pain management at all but I truly want to go as far as I can and as long as I can (hopefully all the way!) without it. I'm going to continue with my yogic breathing techniques amongst other things that will hopefully aid in the labor process and pain management!

What I Am Loving: The love and support from everyone around me, the excitement I see in my husband, feeling this little man alive and well within me, the hard-as-rock-nails I've acquired, the bump...oh so much.

"Dreams come true; without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them." - John Updike