24 week update

Along: 24 weeks

Size of baby: LBMH is the size of an eggplant - 9 inches long and 1.7 pounds. This week, he's forming capillaries, which will help his lungs develop. Grow, Reed, grow!

Total Weight Gain: 16 pounds - apparently, my stomach is now the size of a soccer ball. Yikes...

Maternity Clothes: Yes, definitely.

Gender: It's a BOY! Reed Lewis Hill

Movement: Last Sunday, Erik was able to feel Reed kick for the first time! We were at my parents' house, and I was feeling Reed kick pretty strongly. Erik was able to put his hand on my stomach and feel a few kicks, punches and/or rolls. He got so excited to feel his little boy. It was so sweet! A few days later, my mom was able to feel him, too. He's getting more and more active every day.

What I miss: I miss being able to go at my regular pace. It seems like shopping is more tiring, and I can't go for as long as I used to. Maybe it's God's way of telling me to slow down and enjoy the things around me.

Cravings: Wine (no, I didn't have any), coffee (yep, I did) and chicken salad. Random, I know.

Symptoms: I've noticed a strange metal taste in my mouth this week. I only notice it at random times, and it doesn't last for long. Still, it's really strange.

Best moment of the week: This was such a great week! We spent great quality time with friends and family and celebrated the birth of our Savior, Jesus. My all-time favorite part of the week, though, was Christmas Eve service at my home church, First Baptist Richardson. At the end of the service, they turn off all of the lights, we light candles and sing Silent Night and Joy to the World. It is my favorite moment of Christmas - a time to reflect on why we celebrate and worship with pure joy. Oh, it is so, so special.

Looking forward to: Getting Reed's nursery ready. Mom and Grandma came down to Waco for a few days after Christmas, and we started working on his room. We picked out a paint color, and Mom made the curtains for the room and for the closet. She also started on his bumper and the bedding will be done soon. It is going to be so cute!