Can't handle the cuteness!

I am starting to wonder if I will ever get over adorable girl things? I know I can't post every outfit we get for her on this blog but this little dress had to be showcased. Our friend Leanne just got back from California and brought back baby a present. (What's with cute west coast souvenirs lately?) I told her when I opened the bag I was secretly hoping it was a shirt for me because the fabric was so great. She will look so sweet in it!

My schedule is all weird this week because we are going on vacation this Thursday, so I worked Sunday and Monday. We had to move our picture session to Tuesday so we are a little late in documenting 24 weeks. Since Leanne came over for dinner tonight she jumped in and shared in the fun.

Front view with jazz hands :)

We finally saw her move this weekend, which was awesome. Matthew and I sat there last Friday night and watched my belly jump around for about 5 min. Her kicks are starting to get stronger and more defined. I am feeling this weird maternal urge to put my hand over my belly when she kicks a lot as if to acknowledge her and let her know I am paying attention. Still haven't wanted to rub my belly yet, as I have seen other pregnant moms do. I'm not quite sure if I know what that is all about but I do like feeling her move around.

I also had our annual Mardi Gras Party with my co-workers last weekend. I danced in typical Rachael fashion, as I do every year at this get together, and I learned that

1. My center of gravity is not the same now with a belly and my balance sucks...as evidenced by me almost falling over multiple times and trying to cover it up by transitioning into a different dance move.

2. I am not the same person I was 24 weeks ago and should not kid myself into thinking I can still drop it low. Tried that move a few times and my legs quivered and shook and almost gave out.

3. When they tell you all your ligaments and muscles are loose and can easily be stretched, they were not kidding. My belly was so sore the next day it was unreal!

4. Dancing is still the best work out I can think of, cardio and strength training all in one and it doesn't even feel like working out. I need more dance parties in my life. 

Lastly, I will end with a cute dad story. Matthew has always been a heavy sleeper that gets very startled if you wake him up. If he wakes up randomly in the middle of the night, he is usually confused and disoriented and looks at me like he has no clue who I am. I always have to say something to calm him down and remind him it's just me before he chills out and lays back down. I stay up later than him since I am on a night schedule a lot, so I see these random wake ups frequently. Well lately he has just started to wake up and instead of looking around all confused he immediately reaches for my belly and either pats it or kisses it and then will lay back down. He is still dazed and not fully awake but that kind of makes it cuter. It is like some protective dad gene has awaken in him and he needs reassurance everything is good to go. I wonder if that means he dreams about her sometimes. No matter what is happening in his mind, it has been pretty sweet to watch :)

This is probably my last post before vacation, we will have to take our 25 week picture in San Diego! Here is hoping for good weather and a relaxing time! I'll be sure to have lots of fun pictures next post.