Week 24....6 Month Mark!

It's hard to believe that today, we are 6 months pregnant! Time has flown by fast, almost too fast. I think we are both starting to feel a little unprepared and way behind on our baby to-do list (childcare is just one biggie we have yet to tackle).

Below is a little more information about Ella Grace. She's still the size of a papaya, a growing one at that! I believe she graduates to a new, larger fruit next week! Stay tuned.

Ella Grace weighs more than a pound and a half right now and sports a crown-to-rump length of about eight and a half inches (standard letter size!).

Wondering what (and who) Ella will look like? If we had a baby cam at 24 weeks pregnant, we would almost be able to tell by now. That beautiful face (though still tiny) is almost fully formed. What's still missing from the picture is the fat that will be piled on under her skin. Until those fat deposits are made, that very tender skin is still very transparent, which means a close look would let you see clear through to all the organs, bones, and blood vessels. Fortunately, that see-through look won't last much longer. Babies at this stage of fetal development are gaining about six ounces each week — with much of that gain coming from fat, in addition to growing organs, bones, and muscle.

What's been playing on Ella Grace's stereo system these days? All kinds of sounds can be heard by her: from air exhaling from my lungs (deep breath now), those gastric gurgles produced by my stomach and intestines, my voice and Brian's, and even very loud sounds such as honking horns, barking dogs (Otis!! We tell him every morning to stop barking b/c he's waking her up), or a wailing fire truck.

I'm still feeling great. I'm definitely starting to feel the lower back pain - something I've always dealt with due to my gymnastics and cheerleading days - but the pains are more intense right now. I've also noticed that I can't be on my feet for more than an hour or I get crazy leg cramps in my right leg. So weird!

I'm continuing to monitor when I eat and just keep praying that I'll start packing on the pounds each week. Although I'm not making it to the gym much anymore, when I do go, I've decided to wear my tight fitted tops now that I have a belly. It's so funny to witness every one's reactions! Most, who have been working out at the same time as I have for the past 2 years, say "I haven't seen you in a while" or "Is it getting harder now?" instead of "are you pregnant?". Others just take a double take or try to take a quick peak thinking I don't notice. It's really quite funny!

Ella Grace is kicking like crazy! With us being stranded at home due to the snow storms, I've been able to sit on the couch while I work and notice her movements so much more. She definitely likes it when I'm not up and moving all day long. Some days, I feel like she's using me as a punching bag! That's how strong and fast her little kicks and jabs are. I've had a few nights where I've had to tell her to go to sleep b/c she decides to kick, kick, kick while I'm trying to fall asleep. This is definitely the most fun part of the pregnancy so far. I can't wait until I start seeing limbs sticking out or belly rolls!

Well, I've rambled enough now. I'll post a belly pic in the next day or so. Brian and I have 1 more day to prepare for our move and to pack for our trip home!