Purple finger nails

Yep. I'm still alive. Haven't blogged in...a few months??? I knew this day would eventually come. The day I suddenly realized it had been months since I'd posted and few people would remember I even had one of these things. Anyone remember Xanga? Myspace?

Well, I've put off posting much at all about my pregnancy. Every once in a while I'll make a facebook post about recent updates but I try not to too often. I remember how it felt when everyone around me was getting pregnant, and CONSTANTLY talking about it, while we were stuck trying and trying and trying. It was a jab in my heart every single time. A daily reminder of where I wanted to be but just wasn't. As a result, I've tried very hard to keep from doing the same things to dear friends of mine struggling with infertility in various forms.
On the other hand, I also want to relish in this precious time, and share some of the wonderful blessings I'm experiencing with my family and friends. I remember a few friends posting weekly surveys about how things have been progressing and I've decided to do the same, but much less frequent. This way, I have something I can look back on and *someday* show the little one too.
SO, here's my 24 (!!!!) week stats:
How far along: 24 weeks- the BIG milestone (not counting end of first trimester). From this point on, no matter what happens to me, in a major emergency, baby would likely be able to survive outside the womb!
Total Weight Gain: 8 pounds. I'm bummed...I didn't want to gain any weight. Why can't I have months of vomiting and weight loss like a normal pregnant person?
Stretchmarks: None that I've noticed...but I try not to look ;)
Sleep: Lots! I feel constantly exhausted, like I can never get enough sleep. I need lots of pillows these days to be nice and comfy
Best Moment This Week: Getting to see him again and know that he's  a he for sure!
Movement: Finally started feeling movement from the outside a couple weeks ago, Chris got to feel Jude for the first time from the outside at about 22 1/2 weeks. I LOVE every little kick and squirm.
Gender: BOY!!!!
Labor Signs: Nada
Belly Button: Still in. Probably will be the whole way through, it was with Benton
What I Miss: Energy
What I am Looking Forward to: Starting to put the room together! I think we've FINALLY chosen bedding (after changing our minds AGAIN!) so I'm ready to get to work!
Milestones: Baby is now just over a pound and about a foot long (and my uterus is the size of a soccer ball...no wonder I'm feeling big!) Lungs are starting to develop more and produce surfactant (as an RT, this makes me very happy :) )
Here's what baby looks like about now:

Welp, that's it for this month in regards to baby Jude (Oh yeah, we have an name!!!)
PS I painted my fingernails a really lovely pale purple for spring, and I am LOVING them...hence the title of this post :)