I feel like I'm at the point in pregnancy that I'm going to enjoy the most. There is no imminent panic about the baby arriving soon, things are slowly but surely getting done, I still have time to read all the baby books I just bought, I actually look pregnant, and am overall feeling pretty decent. On the other hand, I am definitely starting to feel the achy woes of pregnancy. Some days my body feels so tired and heavy, while others I feel energetic and ambitious, although the go-get-'em days are becoming fewer as the weeks pass. Most days end with swollen feet and a back that just won't quit aching. I'm also experiencing some irregular Braxton Hicks contractions, but so far it seems there's nothing to worry about. Otherwise, very minimal whining coming from over here.
Did you notice we skipped week 21 and 22? We did. One of those weeks was out of nothing to say. However, the other half a week is because at my last ultrasound appointment our due date got moved up a few days, and considering I'm now starting to countdown the weeks I have left instead of the weeks I've been pregnant, it seemed like the right time to get caught up here. My posts always felt like they were a week behind with the way we did belly shots and postings, so I'm excited to mentally feel more real-time on this blog. My new gestational week mark is Monday instead of Thursday, so my usual Monday posts will be nice and accurate. Anyways...
LB is now the size of a large mango(?!)—over 11 inches and right around a pound (P.S. I've never seen a mango 11 inches long)! I keep saying to people that it blows my mind that I have a little baby a foot long inside of me. I know she's still tiny, but considering she was the size of a lentil not too long ago, I find that nuts! Despite her small stature, LB definitely likes to make herself known by her ninja kicks these days. My mother-in-law says that Papa K was a squirmy baby and she predicts our little lady is going to be just like him considering how much she's already moving.
Speaking of LB's ninja kicks, Papa K was FINALLY able feel her for the first time. The look on his face was priceless and I could feel him just melting with joy. It was one of the most special moments we've ever experienced together and a reminder of what a blessing our little girl is. I won't ever forget this.
Another side effect of Baby getting bigger is my stomach getting squished. Considering I already have trouble eating, this new development isn't helping the cause. I've taken to pretty much grazing all day long, and we've made a pact to keep the house stocked with healthy food like fruit, hummus, Field Roast and whole grains so I don't have any excuses not to eat. Check out this amazing online interactive exhibit (click that link) from the Museum of Science and Industry Chicago that simulates where everything shifts to as the baby and uterus grow. Woah!
We had a Centering appointment this past week, which went great. Actually, I thought it was the best one yet. We got to hear LB's heartbeat, per usual, but this time she kept kicking the doppler and would continue to every time they tried moving it. Cute and hilarious. Here are some highlights/learnings from this month's class:
I immediately went home and ordered a stack of books off Amazon. I'm trying to be cautious about what we read since there are so many baby/parenting books out there on what and what not to do. But I feel confident in my choices so far: The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, Brain Rules for Baby, The No-cry Sleep Solution, and Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems (the Ferber method). Arthur is starting with Brain Rules, while I dive into Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. So far we're both loving our respective books.
In other exciting news, we painted the nursery this weekend! Actually, Arthur and my stepdad painted. It was a hoot to watch and so much fun to see the final result. The change is subtle, but just what I was hoping for. The nursery feels so much fresher with our new light warm gray walls and white accents. We also made a trip to IKEA to make some returns and get new items. We ended up leaving with curtains and a window seat that both work perfectly, among other things. Both of our favorite upgrade was the book shelves. Our friend Owen came over to help hang and assemble, which made the afternoon that much more fun.
We also found a screamin' deal on a used Boon Flair high chair with lots of extra accessories on Craigslist. I know, I know...I really need to stop buying things off our registry. It's hard not to snatch up a good deal when I know we most likely won't get everything off our registry and will have to buy some things in the end. I'm planning to stop until after our showers.
Finally, exercise has become more regular. I've been getting in a few walks each week, which feels great. But more importantly, I got my booty to prenatal yoga! I'm so glad I went and am eager to go back. There were women from 7–37 weeks along in class. I went with my sis-in-law who is 31 weeks. I can definitely see myself doing this until the end. Prenatal yoga seems like a good combination of relaxation and strength building. I was so sore the next day, which made me thankful I'm working on these muscles now so they are strong and ready to go during labor. I can't imagine what I would feel like postpartum without doing yoga.
A mish-mash of thoughts. Overall I feel less frantic these days, and more just interested in staying as relaxed as possible, focusing on the Lord and steadily tackling baby to-do's. It's not all perfect, but I'm enjoying our current cadence and rhythm.
- I got my Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) booster. This was the first shot in my arm I've had in probably 10 years. I was so nervous, but it ended up feeling like nothing! Blood draws hurt way more. I did feel like I got punched in the arm for a few days after though. Arthur signed up for his and will get it at our next month's appointment. Note: EVERYONE should get their Tdap. You don't need to be in special circumstances.
- Most people got orders for the gestational diabetes glucose test, but since I'm due at the end of the month, I will get my order next class.
- Our hospital does 2-hour fasting glucose tests. I asked about this and our midwife for this class, Heather, said that they choose to do it this way because it's diagnostic. In other words, I will get a yes or no answer from the test. Whereas the non-fasting 30 minute (I think?) test has to be followed up with a 2-hour test if you "fail." Often the 2 hour will show a "pass" when the 30 minute shows a "fail." This made sense to me.
- During my 2-hour glucose exam I have to sit and do something quietly. No eating, exercising, or really anything else but reading and sitting. I can drink water.
- Gestational diabetes can be controlled through diet and exercise, and is mostly genetic, versus a result of poor eating and exercise habits.
- "Parenting" was the main focus of this session. We got lots of recommendations of child development books. It was fun to hear what everyone had to say. This was the first time I had really thought much about parenting...which was the point of having this as our topic.
- Who knew there were so many methods of getting your baby to sleep? Everyone is class was talking about the Ferber method. I have also heard about the No-Cry Sleep Solution and Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child.
- We discussed raising children in our current digital age (iPads, TVs, portable game players, etc) and how to keep a balance. I brought up that we intend to incorporate Montessori methods into our children's day-to-day as an analog way to counterbalance digital interactions.
- I got my first fundal height measurement (from pubic bone to top of uterus)! A solid 22"!
- I asked the midwife about the very irregular Braxton Hicks contractions I've been having and how to determine preterm labor versus Braxton Hicks. She said that if I have more than 4–6 in one hour and are consistent, I should call immediately.
- Some methods for calming Braxton Hicks': Hydrate, empty my bladder, calm down if I'm stressed, and lay down if I can.
I immediately went home and ordered a stack of books off Amazon. I'm trying to be cautious about what we read since there are so many baby/parenting books out there on what and what not to do. But I feel confident in my choices so far: The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, Brain Rules for Baby, The No-cry Sleep Solution, and Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems (the Ferber method). Arthur is starting with Brain Rules, while I dive into Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. So far we're both loving our respective books.
In other exciting news, we painted the nursery this weekend! Actually, Arthur and my stepdad painted. It was a hoot to watch and so much fun to see the final result. The change is subtle, but just what I was hoping for. The nursery feels so much fresher with our new light warm gray walls and white accents. We also made a trip to IKEA to make some returns and get new items. We ended up leaving with curtains and a window seat that both work perfectly, among other things. Both of our favorite upgrade was the book shelves. Our friend Owen came over to help hang and assemble, which made the afternoon that much more fun.
We also found a screamin' deal on a used Boon Flair high chair with lots of extra accessories on Craigslist. I know, I know...I really need to stop buying things off our registry. It's hard not to snatch up a good deal when I know we most likely won't get everything off our registry and will have to buy some things in the end. I'm planning to stop until after our showers.
Finally, exercise has become more regular. I've been getting in a few walks each week, which feels great. But more importantly, I got my booty to prenatal yoga! I'm so glad I went and am eager to go back. There were women from 7–37 weeks along in class. I went with my sis-in-law who is 31 weeks. I can definitely see myself doing this until the end. Prenatal yoga seems like a good combination of relaxation and strength building. I was so sore the next day, which made me thankful I'm working on these muscles now so they are strong and ready to go during labor. I can't imagine what I would feel like postpartum without doing yoga.
A mish-mash of thoughts. Overall I feel less frantic these days, and more just interested in staying as relaxed as possible, focusing on the Lord and steadily tackling baby to-do's. It's not all perfect, but I'm enjoying our current cadence and rhythm.
Weight gained: 8 lbs (official weight from my last Centering/prenatal appt.)
LBs shoe count: 5
Shoes that fit my pregnant feet: 2
Shoes that fit my pregnant feet: 2
Doulas I am torn between: 2
Baby kicks: Countless
Friends due within eight weeks of me: 4
# of us having girls: 5/5 (crazy!!)
Need to catch up?
Pregnancy Posts:
Weekly Updates:
I don't remember if I've commented before, but I just wanted to say that I'm enjoying following you in sync with my pregnancy. It's one of my weekly treats. :) Oh, and it was nice of you to skip the two weeks that I was too busy to visit. ;)
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