Week 24

24 Week 3 day Belly Shot

At just over a pound and almost a foot long, your baby is long and lean. And your uterus is growing along with him — it's now about the size of a soccer ball. His His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon, and his brain is growing rapidly.

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OK...a uterus the size of a soccerball! That is a scary statement when you hear it, and more scary when you feel like there is a soccerball there! If our baby was to be born, we would be at the age of viability. So that is a relief. I truly believe this baby is in for the long haul, and I expect that the baby will come out early on Mother's Day. That would just make having this last baby the greatest gift! I would forever remember that special day. The baby is moving more regularily now, and I can certainly feel the baby. This baby is very gentle so far, and for that I am thankful. I am thankful period.

As for my body, I am gaining everywhere, which further makes me believe there is a little gal in here. My wedding rings have been officially retired until June or July. And, now I have varicose veins sprouting up in my left leg. And, with previous pregnancies...the left leg was unaffected. Not the case with pregnancy number 6. But, what I thought was a bruise during my longer runs...were actually those veins. So...pregnancy is making them worse. The vascular surgeon is going to have fun with me! I am now feeling the phyisical heaviness of my body, and belly. I feel the blood in my veins, I get tired when I walk the stairs.

I have a hard time washing dishes, and always get my shirts wet. My mat jeans always fall down! I would think that after all of these pregnancies I would be able to find a pair that stay up. NOPE. Still searching. I guess I will never know the secret to that! That is why I welcome spring. So I can go back to dresses and skirts! I feel the ache in my body, and the tiredness from awaking with a 16 month old who is teething. My left hip aches, and sometimes my sciatic nerve is aggravated by baby who presses on it.

As for feeling ready...I look at it like this. I can never be fully prepared for what lies ahead. I have been losing sleep over my ability to parent 5 kids. Will I manage, will we manage? With each new child that enters our household, a new set of challenges arise. But usually they work out. Especially with September coming and having a Grade 1 full day, a morning kindergarten and a morning preschool. I cannot be in 3 places at once...that makes things harder. I will have to work on blocking out that mental clutter. I will have to create a solution. Hopefully some dear parent friends of mine can give me a hand...I just need 15 minutes of help!! I am really hoping we can swing having Cliff stay home for a month or two.That would be divine. And so little stress.

I am constantly thinking of the tasks I will need to do...painting, putting up the crib...washing the little clothing. Wondering if I truly have enough. Again, if it is a boy...worrying about doing another circumcision. Ahhhhg.

I am very excited knowing that I only have 15 weeks and a few days to go! Wow. I will have another little one to love and help grow into another wonderful person. I love this baby with all of my heart already. The bond we have is a miracle. I have a miracle growing within me. That is a beautiful thing. Makes all of the pain go away. Especially when I hear the excitement of the other kids wondering just who is growing inside of me. AWESOME.

Cathy 24 weeks 3 days
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