July 14, 2009 - 24 Week Update

Hello 6 month mark!

After beginning our registry adventure last week it seems as though the nursery fairy has been following me around, buzzing in my ear, reminding me that there's "only" 112 days left until our little bundle of sweetness arrives! I didn't think the sensation of "nesting" set in until a little later in pregnancy! But low and behold...it was delivered early to the Miller house and all I can think about is nursery, nursery, and more nursery. I have a sudden urge that EVERYTHING needs to be done ASAP! I think that with school starting back up in about a month my anxiousness has skyrocketed! Needless to say, plans are underway and have begun to unfold slowly but surely in Hudson's room! The delivery of our beautiful crib seemed to ease my nursery insanity for the time being! Due to all of the other work that will be going on in his room, it will be a while before it's actually all put together. Even still, just seeing the big box of crib goodness is enough for me to feel some relief! Other than my OCD issues :-), I have never felt better! The second trimester has been so wonderful and I am so thankful for that! I've been exercising a little more due to my increase in energy! WAHOO! I think Hudson likes to work out with me! I've read that when you walk or run when you are expecting, the steady motion is really very relaxing and calming for the baby. I've actually found this to be true. It seems as though Hudson is much more active when I am finally sitting still or laying down for bedtime. He's typically very still and "quiet" when I'm moving around. Hudson is still rolling around pretty low these days. I'm finding that my trips to the potty have drastically increased with each swift kick to the bladder in the middle of the night! I can only imagine how many more trips I'll be adding each night as he continues to grow! I'm sure by the time the fall gets here, there will be a path worn in the carpet from my side of the bed to the bathroom!

Izzy, Hudson, and I have been listening to lots of music during the day. It's amazing to watch how reactive Hudson is to certain sounds. Before when I would talk to him it seemed as though he would just settle in and lay still while he listened to me. Now when I talk to him I almost always get an immediate kick or wiggle! I love it more than anything. It's so funny to watch how he moves when I sing to the music we are listening to! He's probably trying to get me to stop! Or...he may just be telling me how he already has a crush on Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift, since those are the songs I've been belting out the most lately! Bon Jovi also has a way to get him moving!

I could seriously just go on and on forever! Each day brings a new story, a new memory, and a moment closer to meeting this precious gift of ours!

Well, our little trip to the "produce aisle" will resume next week! Hudson is still about the size of a Papaya! Here are some fun facts about week 24 to read in the meantime!

Your Pregnancy: Week 24

At about this time the reality of having a baby is definitely setting in (maybe it's the fact that you can't see your toes). Be sure to talk about how you're feeling with your significant other, girlfriends, siblings, parents, doctor, hairdresser, the person sitting next to you on the bus ... whomever! It's totally natural to be freaking out. Voicing your concerns about mommyhood will help you actually get used to the idea.Wondering what's up with your body, your baby and your life this week? Read on ...What You're Thinking:

"OK, seriously, where are my toes?"

Your BodyHair growth during pregnancy is another one of those wacky symptoms you didn't expect. And though you may be wondering who's slipping Rogaine into your shampoo bottle, if you're among the lucky ones, you're relishing your new, flowing locks. You can thank your pregnancy hormones for your suddenly thick crowning glory. During pregnancy your hair's natural grow-shed cycle slows, leaving you with more hairs on your head at any given time.

Your baby isn't just sitting around (on your bladder) doing nothing, he's working hard preparing for life outside the womb—perfecting his lungs and packing on the pounds. He'll gain ½ pound this week alone.

Other highlights this week:

Things are starting to get a little crowded inside the old womb as baby grows bigger and bigger. Your ribs are probably pining away for the good old days when they didn't have a foot permanently lodged between them. Hate to break it to you, but it's going to get worse before it gets better.Your baby's ears are fully functional now. And since they are, you may notice that loud noises and sudden movements can startle the little bugger. He's getting used to the everyday sounds inside the womb: the sound of your heart beating, your lungs inhaling and exhaling air, the growling of your stomach because your partner promised he'd be right back with that double cheeseburger and he's taking forever! He'll even be able to hear your voice when your partner finally arrives and you ask him where the bleep he's been! So talk nice! Baby's got a fully developed inner ear now. This means his sense of balance is working and he can tell whether he's hanging upside down or right side up. He can also feel you moving, so go ahead, pop in your favorite tunes and boogie.

Your little Wiener schnitzel is about the length of a foot-long Chicago hot dog and weighs about 1 1/3 pounds.