Week 24

Baby's development: This week the baby baby is about 8 1/2 inches from crown to rump (but has long legs) and weighs about 1 1/2 lbs. His brain is developing quickly and so are his taste buds. If he were to be born today, he would have a one in four or five chance at survival, partly because his lungs have developed just enough to give him a chance of surviving in a neonatal intensive care unit. Don't worry, I'm going to do everything within my power to keep him the womb for another 16 weeks!

As my stomach has been expanding, I have found it to be incredibly itchy. I found some wonderful pregnancy body oil made by Weleda that soothes it a little, but I still can't stop myself from scratching constantly. I also made another some what disturbing discovery - varicose veins on my right inner calf! It's still faint, but I can see them. One website I visited said that sitting with your legs up is good for reducing varicose veins, but then I read a comment at the end of the article from someone who works at an office that performs surgery on varicose veins, and she said that putting your legs up is the worst thing you can do. So...I guess the only thing is to walk around more during the day and make sure that I'm not sitting at my desk for too long.

I went to my first prenatal yoga class the other day. It was nice being in a room with other pregnant women (some of whom were VERY pregnant), but I was rather disappointed by the level of the yoga. It was a lot of breathing exercises. While I understand the importance of breathing techniques, I also want just a little bit more cardio and muscle toning. Nothing insane, but enough to feel like I'm doing somewhat of a work out. I'm still searching for that perfect yoga class.

I included a photo this week of the baby's first socks and hat. After seeing Tracie knitting a bunch of cool hats a couple of weeks ago, I also decided to give knitting a try. I finished one small hat and then ended up buying a pair of baby socks because I had a $5 credit at the maternity store. Knitting baby stuff is really fun. You can finish a project very fast!