Pregnant During the Holidays...blessing or curse?!

So, I had the 24-week OB appointment on Tuesday the 18th (yes, I started this entry before the appointment but didn't get back to it until now). Remember we switched insurance (and therefore OB/GYNs) last month. This is only my second visit with Dr. Jacobs; we're still working on building a rapport, I guess. I was a little frustrated because she answered my 4 questions/concerns with one-word answers or just listened to me talk (in silent non-responses) until I eventually babbled something about what I think the problem is or what my course of action will probably be. Then she'd nod. Hmmmmm. I guess I am experienced, having had one baby and all...

She didn't tell me what the heartrate was, she just said, "strong heart beat." I should've asked, but I was distracted (and maybe she was, too). Jason wanted to meet her (since she's the doctor who will most-likely be bringing our daughter into this world), so we brought Nate to the appointment and made it a family event. He was pretty well-behaved (Nate, that is), but wanted to turn the table light on & off or hide in the dressing room most of the appointment--distracting.

The two things I took away from the appointment is that my next appointment will be longer--more bloodwork & tests AND I've gained 18 pounds. (I'm not obsessing about my weight gain, just keeping track.) That's a few pounds more than I'd like. I'm blaming it my Holiday baking craze for my cookie exchanges, luncheons and Christmas parties--almond-cornflake wreaths, peanut butter blossoms, fantasy fudge, magic bars and the various samples I took home from said parties. Yummy! This leads me to my question. Is it a blessing to be pre-pleasantly plump with Baby during the one-month open Holiday buffet? I think it makes popping that extra cookie easier ("I'm eating for two!"); but, on the other hand, it's harder to stay accountable ("Baby wants just one more cookie, what can it hurt?!") Hence the "few pounds extra."

I'm doing very well physically. I've had no joint pain or nerve pain...yet! I'd love to be doing a little more aerobically (I'm out of breath a little more quickly these days), but the yoga is still keeping me flexible and strong. I was having some intense round ligament pain (when the belly ligaments stretch to accommodate my growing uterus) for a few days, but that's subsided for the time being. She's starting to kick a lot more inside there. I love this phase. "Hey, Mommy! Here's another love tap to let you know I'm here!"

As for cravings--cookies (see above paragraph..."Betcha can't eat just one!"), pickles, lemonade, cereal, crisp apples, crunchy baby carrots, cookies, ice cold water (I am always thirsty), and cookies.

That's life at the 24-week mark (give or take a few days).