24 weeks

I went for the 24 week doctor visit last Friday. I lost 1 lb since last time - total weight gain now 13 lbs. My BP was 120/70, higher than normal for me but the nurse still remarked how great that was. Braylon's heart rate ranged from 130-150. He was a little more calm at this visit so the nurse was able to get a good reading. She said we want to see it change within that range because he's moving around and all.

I had the glucose test this time around. I chose the lemon-lime flavored sugary drink - no orange or fruit punch for me, thank you - and it really didn't taste that bad. It's not something I would choose to drink but it wasn't bad. After I got it down, I had an hour before they drew my blood. I saw the doc in this hour, another new one to me. I wasn't really crazy about her, and she told me she doesn't deliver at the hospital I'll be at, so that's just fine with me. Probably won't make another appointment with her if I have the option. She was ok, just a little weird. I went back to the phlebotomist when my hour was up. The girl that sticks me everytime is really good, no bruising or soreness. That makes the whole taking blood thing not bad at all. She said no news is good news, but if my blood sugar does look high they'll call me by the end of this week to schedule an appointment to come back in for the next step. I've heard you don't want to do that really. It's a glucose tolerance test where you drink the stuff and they take blood every hour for 3 hours. Plus you have to eat this specific diet for a few days before the test, a big headache I'll hopefully avoid.

The doctor did tell me I'm allowed to take decongestants now! Praise the Lord - I have been so stuffy lately it's ridiculous. Next time I'm reaching for the Sudafed. On top of all the heartburn and bladder activity, I've not been too comfortable lately. I also asked about my Miami trip for work and there's still no problem with me flying down there for the whole week at the end of this month. That should be the last big trip away, at least that's the plan. I know I'll have a week of overnights in Johnson City in February, but that's not too far from home or too far along.

I also asked about the delivery and hospital arrangement and found out that I will stay in the same room the entire time and the baby will stay with me in the room the entire time. I'm sure they'll go over this in the birthing class - which we'll be attending in March - but I was just curious. I'm anxious to tour the rooms, I bet it's super nice because it's a pretty new hospital.

So the next visit is at 28 weeks, I'll go right after I get back from Miami. We have another ultrasound at this one, I think mainly because of the cord insertion issue just to check his growth and all. I'm excited to see him in there again. After that visit I'll start going every 2 weeks. We're getting closer! See the 24 week pic below, just before I headed out to teach Body Pump.