Tummy Central at 24 Weeks

At 24 Week, we are trucking along waiting for the arrival of Joanna Grace. So far, mom has ballooned little by little. Feeling the affects of Joanna growing, she's taking it a little more easier. Sometimes we have to ask ourselves is over doing it for the sake of keeping up with everyone worth it but for the sake of mother and daughter, it's good to take a break. At the end of July, we are heading to Memphis for a furlough which will be nice.

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.

Over the weekend, PaPa and Grandma took Maleah so that mom and dad could get away for dinner with some people from work in St. Louis. We went to a little Nicoquan restaurant in the Soulard district of St. Louis. We hung out most of the evening with Denise and her daughter. Sometimes I know I over kill the humor but you know, I am at a point in my life where if you don't like me for being me, then I guess I can handle hanging somewhere else. They seemed to be good sports about it. Sunday we had the parade in Red Bud that preceeded the festivities of Maleah's first birthday party. Yes, our baby is one as of today. It's scarey, really, how fast time flies. Not that because she's one but because we are where we are in life. It seems like yesterday that I was unhappy and lonely with the weight of the world on my shoulders. Now, I couldn't be happier. I have my days, like today, where my mind tries to over take how awesome my life really is. But I tell you, contrary to popular belief, we are happy. Maleah received plenty of presents and lots of love from people around her. She had her cake and ate it too. Tonight, we hope to go to McD's for dinner and let her have her ice cream. This coming weekend is going to be busy as well. We are going to a Grizzlie's game to watch the game and fireworks to follow. Sunday will be a quiet day with no plans that I am aware of. We are planning a game night soon at our home and hopefully will have a good turn out. I would invite you St. Louis people but it's just too far for you. Memphians, sorry, it's just not happening. lol. Now Jeff and Val can come because, well, we have something for you. That's about it in our world. I hope to see you guys in July in Memphis. If not, we'll see you in September if Joanna's willing. lol.