Past updates:
- Weeks 8, 9 and 10
- Weeks 11, 12 and 13
- Weeks 14, 15 and 16
- Weeks 17 & 18
- 19 Weeks
- 20 Weeks
- 21 Weeks
- 22 Weeks
- 23 Weeks
Baby Updates
Baby is the size of an ear of corn!
I feel like my belly is officially in the big-time growth phase right now. With each week that passes, I see a noticeable difference which is really cool! My belly also seems to be getting more of a rounded appearance which is a welcomed change from just looking rather thick which is how Iāve felt my midsection looked for weeks up until now. And I still feel like my belly looks bigger in person than it does in photographs for some reason! (It also surpassed my boobs this weekā¦ Is that a pregnancy milestone of some sort? Haha!)
Weight Gained
As of my 24-week prenatal appointment, I am up 15.5 pounds. My doctor said this is right on track for the advised pregnancy weight gain and that made me happy!
Workouts
Workouts continue to feel great and I had more energy this week than Iāve had in a while! My workouts this week included spinning, walking outside with Sadie, BodyPump (2x) and another strength workout (the barbell class I taught).
Symptoms
I felt very much like myself this week with the exception of a continued feeling of heaviness down there when I walk uphill, run (<ā not happening) and do certain stabilizing activities like balance on one leg. I also had some unexpected back soreness this week, mostly following long periods of time on my feet. Not so fun!
Another kind of weird thing I noticed is that I donāt like walking around barefoot at all. My feet seem to be rather sensitive right now and I feel much more comfortable walking around the house in TOMS or slippers.
Food Aversions
Tomato-based soups
Food Cravings
- CHIPOTLEā¦ The whole darn restaurant
- Egg white oatmeal for breakfast
- Apples, watermelon, pineapple, grapesā¦ Basically any watery/sweet fruit!
- Cheese
Sleep
Though the Snoogle is still my favorite thing in the world, it didnāt save me completely from a few nights of restlessness this week. I was up a lot on Monday night, but I think a lot of that had to do with some nervousness I was feeling before our 24-week appointment the following morning.
Looking Forward Toā¦
- Ryan feeling our baby move! I feel him dance around daily and now that Iāve been able to spot some of his stronger movements outside of my belly, I am dying for Ryan to be able to feel him move, too! Though weāve tried a number of times, our little one seems to get shy when Ryan puts his hands on my stomach.
- Meeting my friend Leahās baby and seeing some of my best friends from college! My friend Leah had a little baby boy last month and I will finally get to meet him next week when weāre in Sarasota for a wedding. I cannot wait to hold her little one and see some of my girlfriends whom I havenāt seen since I first told them I was pregnant, especially since Iām sporting a much bigger baby bump than the last time I saw them!
Any Baby/Pregnancy-Related Purchases?
My second maternity StitchFix arrived and I was so excited to dig through it since my last one was such a hit. This one had two great winners, including a flowy bohemian-style open fringe cardigan and a set of neutral camis in white, black and beige that I am already wearing daily!
For those expectant mamas who might be interested, here is what I received in my fix from top to bottom (left to right):
- Brixon Ivy Diaz Embroidery & Crochet Detail Cotton Top ā Return. I loved the lace detailing but it was too short and boxy for me.
- LA Made Maternity Siera Maternity Maxi Dress ā Return. Comfy and very lightweight but not flattering on my body type. (Too tight on my hips.)
- RD Style Himma Poncho Cardigan ā Keep! My favorite item in the box! Flowy and flattering without adding bulk.
- Street Level Bucket Tote ā Return. I liked this tote but I already have something similar. Ā
- Stitch Fix 3-Pack Maternity Cami ā Keep! A great maternity staple!
I also received some incredibly sweet baby gifts for our little guy this weekā¦
Thank you so, so much to Stitch Fix and Courtney for such thoughtful packages!! Youāre already making our little one (and his mommy!) feel very loved.
Stretch Marks?
Nope! I finally ran out of my Mambino Organic Oh Baby! Belly Butter and am now using a combination of Nine Naturals Belly Butter & Stretch Mark Cream and Burtās Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter. I feel like the Nine Naturals belly butter is a happy medium between the Mambino and Burtās Bees belly butters because itās thicker than the Burtās Bees belly butter (which is a good thing in my opinion) but it isnāt as greasy as the Mambino belly butter (which I actually didnāt mind at all, but I know thatās a deal-breaker for some).
Belly Button In Or Out?
My belly button is basically flat right now. It looks so funny! I know an outie is right around the corner.
Happy or Moody Most Of The Time?
Happy!
Any Movement?
Yes! Daily! I feel him move most after Iāve sipped on sparkling water or right when I first go into a horizontal position.
kelsierakay says
I finally got to meet my cousins baby this weekend. He’s 4.5 months and the cutest thing ever! He was such an easy baby to babysit too…so calm, observant, and happy! I’m not the biggest “baby person” but when they’re family, something is just different about them and I couldn’t get enough.
Julie says
Aw!! So glad you had such a good visit!
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
Ahh so fun that you’re starting to see movement on the outside!!!! I can’t WAIT to start feeling tiny flutters!
Mary Beth Richardson says
My friend had her baby this past weekend – little boy named Colten Blake, and he’s an absolute peanut! I went to visit them both in the hospital (to make sure his fingers and toes were all there š and laughed out loud when he got fussy. Not that an unhappy baby is funny, but he squealed in a high pitch little voice rather than cried! I looked at my friend and said “Where did THAT come from?” and she said “I don’t know, but it makes me laugh EVERY time because it’s so unexpected!” The other thing that was funny was that he is a wriggly little baby, to which she says “yeah, I know … this is why I’m so glad he’s OUT of me!” HAHAHA!!!!
It’s always so much fun to finally meet the little ones we anxiously await for so long! š
Leah (Goodnight Cheese) says
You look like you’re handling pregnancy so well! Unfortunately, though, all the butters and creams in the world won’t stop stretch marks if it’s in your genes.
Amanda says
What a beautiful little bump you have!
Anne says
My husband first felt the baby at 23 weeks. We were laying on the couch, and I felt the kicking start. So I stayed very still and whispered for him to come over. Didn’t want to spook the little one!
Of course now at 35 weeks, we both see the movements from the outside, which is just bonkers!
Jaime Hahn says
Don’t worry, Ryan will soon feel him I am sure! My Little One did that for weeks. Every time there would be movement, I would tell my husband to put his hand on my stomach and my LO would just shy away and not move and I felt so bad. Eventually one day, he put his hand there and he felt him/her kick and he was so excited, he made sure I didn’t make the movement so he felt better! Now he puts his hand there all the time and baby Hahn just kicks up a storm! So I am sure Ryan’s time is coming soon!!
Catherine Dream says
You look beautiful and vibrant!!
And craving cheese? (Them I MIGHT be pregnant. All the time. Always craving cheese. :P)
Btw, still a bump, not a belly yet ; )) Beautiful!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
It must be so exciting to feel your baby! You’re looking lovely and hopefully sleep will be better soon!
Brittany says
Chipolte gets the best of us all–pregnant or not!
Julie says
Agreed!!
Morgan @ Managing Mommyhood says
you look SO good for 24 weeks! When I was 24 weeks I was a huge bloated hot mess! I love that stitch fix sent a pack of essential items, which I didn’t know they did. cute, fashionable pieces are great, but sometimes ya need some essentials!
goldie says
I love your updates. As you’re a week ahead its like a little confirmation things are going ok in our camp too.
Oh my goodness! Its funny you said about baby getting shy when ryan approaches to feel a kick. Its the same for us. The other day the baby was kicking away and I was smiling so much my partner came over to feel and suddenly baby stopped! I wonder if the baby can pick up on our excitement and elevated heart rate and that prompts them to stop? I’m so excited for my partner to feel that I’m sure my heart rate changes at the prospect of him getting to feel a kick!
Anyway I’m glad you and bump are healthy. You really have the pregnancy glow (I thought it was a myth but I realise that mums-to-be are so happy and smiling so much they just look radiant). Xx
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Eek! Baby clothes and shoes/sandals! I never tire of their cuteness!
Liz says
I was wondering: what modifications do you do for Body Pump? I want to keep doing it throughout pregnancy, but wondered about the ab track and chest (laying flat on back) after the first trimester.
Julie says
I always angle my bench for those! I previously posted a link to modifications for bodypump from the Les Mills website (i’m not home right now otherwise I would do a quick search for you) but if you Google pregnancy/bodypump you should be able to find a downloadable PDF brochure directly from the creators of the workout which has great guidelines!
Liz says
Thanks so much! I will look it up!
Kristin says
If you don’t mind me asking, how much do the items in your stitch fix boxes usually cost? and what type of quality do you typically see? I’d really love to give it a try, but I’m really not sure what price point to select. I don’t want to receive clothes that seem “cheap” but I can’t afford to spend a lot either. I’d hate to select a price point that’s too high and have to return everything because I can’t afford it!
Ps. I’ve been loving your baby updates! š
Julie says
Most of my things seem to be between $40 and $100. The cardigan was around $60ish, I believe. I do think the quality is pretty great but some fixes are hit or miss. And I feel like the longer you order fixes the better they get since your stylist begins to know your preferences.
Kristin says
Thanks! I think it’s such a great idea! I’ll have to give it a try soon!
Bets says
I haven’t wanted any mexican food since I’ve been pregnant but your Chipotle pictures look so good, they may be changing my mind! I’m so glad your 24 week appointment went well!
McKenzie says
Since I started showing (it really seemed to come on fast after 23 or so weeks) I have seen myself in the mirror & felt like I was really sticking out. Then I see a picture and think it looks smaller. I always thought the camera added 10 lbs, but apparently in pregnancy, it looks the opposite š You look great!
Somer @PupsOnTheBrain says
You look beautiful! I have to say that even though babies are not really my thing, it’s been fun following along on your pregnancy journey. Thanks for taking all of us readers on the ride with you while still making your posts accessible to those of us who might not be so baby-inclined, I really appreciate it!
Julie says
Thank you, Somer!!
Mandi C. says
So exciting- your belly is definitely looking like a cute little bump! Glad to hear you’re feeling good.
Nicole @ LibertyBellesBlog says
loving the updates. also, I could eat Chipotle every day and I’m not (nor have I ever been) pregnant, so I don’t even want to see myself when I am!
Maddie @ Dixie Runs says
You look great as usual… and the baby clothes are darling š
Everything in the stitch fix looks so cute! Looks like it will be cute after the baby too… not “maternityish” at all!!
Angela @ HonestlyAngela says
You look adorable Julie! My belly button stayed flat for my whole pregnancy. I was sure it would poke out but it never did!
Annette Perkins (@FitnessPerks) says
You look so cute, as always! Glad to hear everything is great & right on track <3
I can see the kicks on the outside now, wahoo! My husband has been able to feel 'em, but I hadn't been able to see them, so that's a fun milestone for us. The 2nd time around is just as fun–growing a baby is amazing!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
I love your recaps! Those items – especially the vest, are super cute. š
Sky says
I really love that you are sharing your experience with us. As a long time reader, I feel like I know you and I really love hearing your updates and seeing your growing bump!
Julie says
Thank you for reading for so long!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
I have never been around someone going through a pregnancy, but I think you still look so little! I love how different each body adapts to the pregnancy. You still look glowing, beautiful, healthy, and happy. š
Kristen says
I’m 34 weeks alone and have been using mama bee the whole time- not 1 stretch mark yet!
Melanie says
I just enjoyed a burrito bowl for dinner tonight! Your pictures from this week gave me a huge craving š SO good!
That poncho cardigan is adorable! Long/flowy cardigans have been my favorite thing to wear lately. So cute & comfy!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
Happy 24 weeks! What sweet care packages!
Katie @ Live Half Full says
Your bump looks so adorable!!!
Amanda says
Love that tote! Do you happen to remember how much it was in your StitchFix bundle?
Julie says
I think it was right around $40-$45?
Chelsea @ Raw N' Toned says
Well you look like you haven’t gained anything! And your bump is just adorable :)!
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
So exciting! I can’t believe you’re more than halfway there already. Time seriously flies during pregnancy and once the baby gets here. Sometimes it felt so slow, but then suddenly you’re like, it’s almost over! You look great, Julie!
Katie Gaffney says
awe the size of those little shoes for baby, my baby is 3 now:) (almost 4) and I still tear up just looking at little shoes:) lol, I kepy his first onesie, pumps, bip, bottle and other bits and still look at them all the time, little peoples clothes are just the cutestxxx
Katie Gaffney says
woops on my spelling mistakes!
Rachel says
I thought I was in the clear with stretch marks until the last week I got a few. After giving birth I very quickly dropped 20 lbs (in about 2 weeks) and then I got a bunch of stretch marks! I couldn’t decide whether to be happy I lost a bunch of baby weight so fast or sad I got a bunch of strech marks. Either way, in the end it doesn’t matter because I am just so happy with my little dude!
Whitney says
Hi Julie! I recently returned from maternity leave and just got caught up on all of your posts! CONGRATULATIONS to you, Ryan and Sadie on your little guy! I started reading your blog several years ago and look forward to them everyday and with a newborn I just havent had time to read the exciting news. Enjoy the remainder of your pregnancy- it goes by so fast- and then just gets faster when the baby is actually here; Henry (our 1st) was born 02/06 and I cant believe he is almost 3 months. I look forward to all your future posts and thank you for sharing with us! Lots of love!
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness says
Sounds like you are doing wonderful, Julie!
My sister-in-law gave birth to my 4th nephew a few weeks ago… I probably won’t be visiting until the summer, but I’m already itching to meet the little guy!
Nicole says
I’m tempted to do the stitch fix! I feel like I want to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe for pregnancy but I’m trying to get used to wearing the same things frequently and using accessories to switch it up. It’s still hard though!
I’m finally starting to round out at 19 weeks but still feel thick – so I feel you there!