24 weeks!

1. How far along?: 24 weeks.
2. How big is baby?: Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.
3. Weight gain?: -5 lbs.
4. Stretch marks?: None yet. 
5. Maternity clothes?: I'm wearing my maternity pants and maternity shirts. 
   
6. Best moment last week?: Ryan got to feel Cara kick!!  Melt my heart :)
7. Food cravings?: Fresh fruit (strawberries, peaches, melon) (still!)  
8. Symptoms?:  Still having contractions every now and then.  I'm having some issues with sleep.
9. Gender?: Baby Girl!! Cara Joyce.
10. Movement?:   I feel her everyday!
11. Belly button?: Still in but it's definitely changing. 
12. What I miss?: A cold beer would be nice as the days are getting warmer and sunny. :)
13. Labor signs?: I was/am having some contractions.  I got checked out and everything seems to be going fine (no preterm labor).
14. What I'm looking forward to?: We are leaving for Arizona for a week on Friday! So excited for sunshine and hot weather, as well as relaxing with Ryan.