24 weeks baby 2.0

oh my gosh i can't believe how fast the weeks are flying by.  november doesn't seem that far away. and then i will have to give birth again. i started freaking out just a little at the thought of pushing a baby out again because i know what it's like now. haha. so that means that i should start reading my labor and birth books again to prepare myself. we won't be taking another birthing class this time, it's not really necessary. we haven't made any progress with any of our projects since last week, the weekend was rainy and z was in a spectacularly difficult mood with plenty of tantrums, whining, refusing to eat and nap. for the past 5 days or so he has been like this. i have no idea what is going on but it is so frustrating all around. but we have been able to visit with out of town friends, going to parks and the beach and having summertime good weather fun. we also went to my dad's company picnic and z played with bubbles and in the bouncy house and with his cousins. he received a gift from his grandpa and grandma---a kiddo leaf blower, which he loves but promptly through in the kiddie pool. even through the toddler tantrums and difficulties, i have been trying to keep z busy with enjoyable activities and playdates.  i had an appointment with the midwife and she reassured me that the pressure and pain i'm feeling is very common and is the number one complaint of other second time pregnant mamas.  i got to listen to the baby's heartbeat, which is always great.  while the midwife was trying to get the doppler to the right spot to listen, she was laughing and said this baby actually does move quite a bit.  so, that's good.  i have always been a little concerned because i do feel the baby move, but not as much as i felt z, but this baby is just more gentle with her movements.  this past week though i have felt an increase in movement and in force, so that's reassuring, too.  the nice weather has returned, so i'm trying to stay cool and hydrated while also chasing after z outside.  i find if i am very active and don't drink enough water, i get really intense braxton hicks.  i have been feeling really big and uncomfortable lately, can eat only a little bit in one sitting, and have just generally been more cranky and irritable myself.  after i went to see the midwife, i realized why.  i gained 9 lbs since the last appointment which was 4 weeks prior.  9 lbs, a bit over 2 lbs a week is a lot of weight to gain!  no wonder!  this baby really went through a growth spurt and i gained some weight, too, so that makes total sense.  so i'm about caught up to where i was this time last pregnancy as far as weight gain.  oh man.  ok, here is the weekly update:

How far along: 24 weeks
Size of baby: the size of an ear of corn, about a foot long and a little over a lb, is looking pretty lanky but gaining weight to fill out a little bit more, lungs are majorly developing
Total weight gain: officially up 14 lbs from pre-preg weight, hopefully this time i don't gain 48 lbs like i did last time hahaha
Gender: likely a girl, hopefully will confirm on 8/31
Movement: yup!  she's a mover!
Sleep: hard to get comfortable these days with heartburn and achy body parts but once i get to sleep it's fine
What I miss: having energy
Cravings: chinese hotpot again, popsicles, crushed ice
Symptoms: pressure and pain down below if i am on my feet for too long, braxton hicks, shortness of breath, stuffy nose (cold? allergies? who knows), a little bit of edema, reflux, just a general feeling of bigness and uncomfortableness
Best moments this week: working with the junior youth in the area, spending time with out of town friends, listening to baby's hearbeat