Life in the Making: 24 Weeks

The baby bump is really making its debut.

Everyone told me it would just pop out one day.

But I feel like every day it pops out more.

When James got home last night he could hardly believe it.

He asked me what it feels like to be pregnant.

And I laughed thinking how could I possibly describe what it feels like to watch your belly turn into a ball.

It is magical.

I had my monthly doctors appointment this week.

Everything came out perfect and I am measuring 24 centimeters - right where I should be.

I was finally smart enough to write down my questions before hand and it was very helpful.

My Mom and sister both did the Bradley classes.

While I like the natural ideas -

 I was nervous about the local teachers and their particular methods.

I am also skeptical of myself and my pain tolerance.

{honesty at its finest}

My doctor respectively advised me against these classes 

and recommended I take the birthing classes at Hoag Hospital instead.

I agreed with his points and after talking with James, we have decided to go that route instead.

I think I will buy the Bradley book and read it on my own.

We want to be realistic about epidural vs. natural birth for our first.

I am learning there is so much more to birthing and methods than just pain meds.

And I am loving reading other peoples birth experiences.

Each one is so different and unique to Mom, Dad and babe.

These sorts of parenting decisions are already consuming my thoughts.

No real cravings - except that I want sugar more this week than I have in the past.

Sweets sound good again.

Oh dear.

I am definitely more hungry as time goes on.

I still can't eat big meals but want to snack all day.

Every night I fall asleep on my left side - trying to obey that rule.

But I find myself waking up every.single.night. around 1 or 2.

I think its a combination of my wild and crazy pregnancy dreams, growing pains and having to go to the bathroom.

For the most part I still feel like a million bucks.

 But after 2 months of a nausea hiatus - I threw up several times on Wednesday.

I have also felt incredibly tired again this week. 

And have started to feel some serious "growing pains" in my belly at the end of the day.

But I will take the pains to watch my belly grow.

She is moving like crazy.

The movements have now gone from little flutters - to jolts.

I can actually see my stomach move with her.

James commented that now its like she is doing flips or swimming -

no more twitching.

I have even found myself wondering if she is going to be a super active baby

because I swear all this movement isn't normal.

Last night she responded to pokes and prods for the first time.

Hoping it wasn't just a fluke.

I simply adore her movements already.

She has gained 4 ounces in the last week.

And will gain 6 more this week.

She is more than 9 inches long.

I promised myself that I wouldn't get into nesting and baby buying until the start of the year.

Now the time is here and I am so excited to get going.

Thank you to pinterest I have started to compile some nursery ideas.

But I am still in need of baby product suggestions - 

strollers, carriers, cribs, bumpers (to have or not to have), diaper genie, baby monitors, car seats etc.

What are your recommendations?