Week 24 Bumpdate!

Wow oh wow I can’t believe it’s time for another bumpdate! I feel like it was just the other day that I was writing about week 20 and getting excited about seeing our little man for our anatomy scan. I was afraid the second half of the pregnancy would go by much slower, but so far time is flying by just as fast! I know that the busyness of the end of the school year and my photography hustle has helped a lot at keeping me busy, but it’s crazy to sit back and realize that I’m due in 16 short weeks. Holy Moly! 

These past few weeks have been full of laughter, joy and tears. Isaac has been able to feel James kicking more and more, and I love seeing the big grin on his face when he feels his son moving around. I celebrated my 25th birthday on Monday, and even though it was hard not having my Dad here to celebrate with us, I had a great time enjoying a fancy dinner with Isaac. My baby brother went to prom (#cueallthetears) and I’ve been able to have lots of baby snuggles with all the newborn sessions I’ve been doing lately. I’ve cried about our Amazon Fresh order being delivered to the wrong apartment, cried about having to wake up from a nap, and cried because our upstairs neighbors are so loud. (Y’all… I’m just a leeettle emotional…). And we submitted our 60 day notice with our apartment, because we’re moving into a rental house in June. I am SO excited. 

But most of all, I’ve been savoring every little minute we have left before our lives are turned upside down. As excited as I am for James to get here in August, I also am very much aware that it will never be just me and Isaac after this. So we’ve turned the TV off during dinner to just talk to each other. We read together in bed most nights. We started going on evening walks now that the weather is nicer. And I feel so happy right now. And at peace.

After a chaotic holiday season, and more heartache that I’ve ever been through, these quiet moments I’ve had with my husband have been so needed. We’ve talked about our future. Imagined what life will be like when our little man arrives. Prayed together. Laughed together. And cried together. Not every day is perfect, and I haven’t enjoyed every minute, but I am so thankful we’ve had this time to spend together. Being married to my best friend is da best! 

Okay enough with the sap. ; ) Now for the bumpdate! 

Week 24 Bumpdate!

How far along?
24 weeks today!  

How big is James?
James is about 11.8 inches tall, the size of a VHS. 

Must-have items
Well, my rings no longer fit so I have been wearing my Qalo rings and love them! They are so comfy, and even though they’re a little thicker than my regular rings, I don’t notice them at all anymore. Best of all they are stretchy, so even if my fingers are exceptionally swollen one day, they come off easy peasy. 

I’m also digging all my maternity-friendly LuLaRoe clothes, and rocking my growing baby bump. I feel like it’s been growing every day, and more and more pre-pregnancy clothes no longer fit. Whomp whomp. ; ) Oh and my Sseko sandals that are SO comfy and will grow with my swollen feet throughout the pregnancy. 

Cravings
Really nothing anymore… Some days all I want is a smoothie for breakfast, or something really salty in the afternoon but that’s it. Nothing consistent anymore! Although I’m still eating an orange almost every day at lunch cuz #vitaminc yo! 

Symptoms
Tired. Tired. Tired. I know it’s definitely a mixture of the pregnancy and end of the school year, but guys. I basically collapse in bed every night and pass out almost immediately. And those afternoon naps are a must! 
My back has been bothering me more and more, as my body changes to accommodate my growing belly, and I’ve started noticing how quickly I get full nowadays. And how absolutely uncomfortable it is when I eat too much. My stomach doesn’t have as much room as it used to, haha! 
So far no heartburn, but lots of indigestion if I eat something a little too heavy or spicy. Especially in the mornings when I wake up. 

Exercise
I’ve officially given up on running, since it causes my round ligaments to hurt like all get out, and have decided to just stick to barre and walking. I am planning on doing a modified Bikini Series Challenge with my sister starting May 7th and I’m excited about that! I know getting my heart rate up will help me have more energy throughout the day. : )

High moment of the week
A couple of weeks ago we had our pictures taken by Tricia Marie Photography, and we got the pictures back earlier this week. I love them so much! It was originally supposed to be for updated head shots, but I decided to bring Isaac and Lillie along with me and it became a fun little maternity/family session as well. I’m so glad I’ll have these pictures to look back on someday. Tricia did amazing (as always!) and I can’t wait for her to do our newborn session as well. <3 

Now it’s your turn to talk! Answer one of these questions in the comments below:
Did your fingers also swell a lot during pregnancy?
What was your favorite outfit to wear with a growing baby bump?

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