32 Weeks - Jittery and Restless

I have no idea what it is lately but I cannot settle down. I used to be a go-right-to-sleep-at-10 type of person, and always got a good solid 8 hours, at least. Ever since the 3rd trimester hit, however, I'm lucky if I go to bed before midnight and even then, I toss and turn for hours upon hours.

Going to bed late is great for my Netflix watching time, I'll be honest.

I know a large part of why I can't sleep is comfort, obviously. This little baby has taken up a lot of space, as well as all the other stuff in there, so it's like trying to get comfortable with a 25 pound sack of flour strapped to your belly. It's also been uncomfortably hot at night - even though the heat is something I love to soak up during the day even in my current condition, which is bizarre, but I guess I've always preferred it a touch warmer than my friends and family like it.

Mostly though, my restless legs and mind seem to be the main culprit for keeping me awake into the early hours. I'm sure I'm subconsciously worrying about parenthood and how we'll afford it while I'm on maternity leave, and worrying that something will go wrong, etc. Whatever it is, I just can't settle down. I've also had several nights where I wake up in a start and have to check the house to make sure everything is safe, even though I have a dog who seems to sense and make known whenever anyone has passed from sidewalk to "her" property.

As a side note, I'm very thankful for my little burglar alarm. I think it will help to keep intruders away. Good puppy.

The kicker is that when baby arrives, I won't be able to sleep then either. So what the hell? Shouldn't I be getting a bit of a break now? I thought pregnant women were supposed to sleep all the time? Media, you have betrayed me!

The good new is that this restlessness happens while I'm at work as well. I find myself getting up and taking walks around the office just because my body is dying to move. And I've never loved my dog-park trips with Luna so much in my life. The movement just feels AMAZING. And it's just walking - slow walking at times, but walking nonetheless. It's a good thing because my doctor applauds my walking every time I go to an appointment and encourages me to keep it up. Apparently that's all you really need to help along your pregnancy and birth these days - walking.

I thought by my 32nd week of pregnancy I would be stiff and slow and walk with a waddle. I thought I would have to enlist some help to bend down to pick up Luna's poop at the dog park. Okay so I don't "bend down" so much as squat unattractively, but I can still do it without much trouble. And I probably walk for a good hour and a half a day, which is a lot, I think. I had grand plans to do prenatal yoga throughout my pregnancy but haven't found the time or energy to fit it in with everything else, so I'm really, really grateful for my high energy dog, who looks at me with sad eyes until I take her to the park every day. I think having to take her will also help me after Baby comes, because both of us will have to get bundled up and go out, day after day, and I think getting out of the house will be good for us.

I have been feeling pretty good, though, all things considered. I've even been feeling less unprepared - partly because I know my Mom and Sister are throwing me a small baby shower, and that I'll get lots there. I also know that babies, while they need stuff, they don't "need" that much right off the bat. She'll mostly just need me and her Dad, which she'll have. The rest we'll get and somehow, we'll get by. We always do.

How far along?: 32 weeks

Baby is the size of a(n): Squash

Total weight gain/loss:  23 lbs 

The Bump: Growing - I'm pretty sure baby has dropped a bit because I don't have nerve pain anymore (HOORAY!) and have felt some interesting pressure "down there" lately.

Symptoms/How I'm feeling: Some heartburn at night, breathlessness. I feel kind of weak in general, really. I probably need to up my iron intake again. Mostly I feel pretty good.

Food Cravings/Aversions: All I want is sweet foods, but then I feel sick afterwards. My go-to meal has been toast with peanut butter, sliced apple and a hunk of cheese. Hubby has been great about making iron-rich meals for me, so that's good too.

Sleep: Restless. I just can't settle down. I haven't had a night where I got to sleep before 4 a.m. all week.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On (I keep waiting for this swelling that people keep telling me I'm going to get.)

Exercise: Walking. It's all I can manage - I just don't have the energy. But I probably walk a good hour and a half a day.

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes! TBA at birth.

Gender: Girl!

Movement: So much more! Sometimes it hurts a little - she's definitely struggling to find room in there now.

Maternity Clothes: 100% (besides yoga pants) 

Labor Signs: Not really. BH contractions but nothing crazy.

What I miss: The usual stuff. But I feel like I'm in the home stretch now so I know I won't have to miss this stuff for too much longer. 

Best Moment of the Week: The baby moving down - I know it sounds stupid but that pressure on my ribs/nerves/lungs was getting to be a little much!

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: My mom is throwing me a small baby shower - I'm looking forward to that! It's kind of the last big fun thing I get to do before she arrives and takes over my world! And I'm obviously dying to meet her and - how weird is this - dying to give birth and experience what that 

I don't yet have a pic of the baby room because I don't have the crib, so that's not going to happen until I get that all set up. I will try to get a picture of the ever-expanding belly tonight or tomorrow to post. 

31 Weeks - I Have Been Pregnant For A Hundred... Million... Years...

Incoming complaint.

I miss not being pregnant. Badly. I'm a little tired of being in this transitional stage where I'm not yet a mother but I'm also not a non-mother anymore, either. I want to get the show on the road and try out this parenting thing. I want to test out my new stuff; the clothes, crib, diapering, swaddling, nursing,  moby-wrapping, baby-wearing... I want to try out the 5 S's I read about in my book about soothing a baby. I want to dress her up in her Halloween costume. I want to buy her Christmas presents and take her to meet Santa.

I want to be Me again, or whatever version of Me I'll be when she's here. I know babies can change a person but I'd still like to have some semblance to the old Lauren. The parts I liked, anyway.

All of this came to light when I realized just how used to being pregnant I have become. I don't even have to think about leaving extra space for my belly when opening doors or slipping between cars in a parking lot. I have adjusted to my new way of bending down (very attractive) without having to give it a thought. Realizing how accustomed I have become to my current state just made me frustrated that I'm still in this state!

Seriously, as amazing as pregnancy is, no one tells you just how long 9 months actually is. It's pretty long.

That being said, the weeks have somehow started to fly by. I have 9 weeks to go, for goodness sake! And what progress - Baby Girl is nearly her birth length, though she could gain another 3 - 5 pounds in the meantime.  She can process information like light-tracking and sounds, and, if she wasn't living in amniotic fluid, she could smell things! She's been exploring more, pushing up against my uterine walls with her hands and feet, and is probably spending a lot of her time sucking her thumb!Quite a change from the mindless little sea monkey that was floating around in there months ago. She's a little person now!

Both of us are quickly running out of room. She's been a lot more about the shoving lately than the gentle kicks and taps I've felt before. Sometimes they hurt, or send me running to the bathroom because she's decided my bladder is a bongo drum. I've also been short of breath and no wonder - the uterus has literally shoved my lungs aside to make room for baby. Apparently I'll be able to breathe again when she drops. Honestly the human body was really not designed to carry a person inside it for 9 months.

All complaints aside, I'm in love with her kicks and rolls and am ready to be a parent. READY. Honestly if the two goobers in Knocked Up could do it, Jared and I will be A-Okay.

How far along?: 31 weeks (That's NINE weeks to go! Hooray for single digits!)

Baby is the size of a(n): Pineapple

Total weight gain/loss:  23 lbs (that's right -- I've actually lost 2lbs this past week. She appears to be fine, though.)

The Bump: Growing - I've noticed a little more girth around my hips, though it's firm, so I think it's just expanding baby stuff and it's not, hopefully, fat.

Symptoms/How I'm feeling: Just the usual. Heartburn, aches, pains. General breathlessness. I have either completely gotten used to the nerve pain or it just stopped (or the nerve died from excessive stabbiness?) but it's not bothering me anymore. So that's pretty swell.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Nothing I can't control, and I'm still trying to get enough fruits/veggies in there (something I never struggled with prior to pregnancy, irritatingly enough.)

Sleep: Restless. I also get a lot of heartburn which is really frustrating. I wake up startled a lot now and I have no idea why. But I have to get up, make a round of the house and make sure everything is okay before I can settle down again. Very bizarre.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On still. Getting a little snug... might just take them off this week.

Exercise: Walking. Resistance band exercises have gone by the wayside but that's okay - as long as I keep walking, doctor says I'm doing okay.

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes! TBA at birth.

Gender: Girl!

Movement: She's pushing and rolling around a lot more now - I'm not sure why people call them "kicks" as it's really more like pressure or a flip.

Maternity Clothes: 100% (besides yoga pants) and I'm going to be looking at buying a couple of nursing bras and shirts. My current bras are not holding out very well...

Labor Signs: Not really. Occasional tightness, or BH contractions but nothing crazy.

What I miss: Lots of things .... *sigh*

Best Moment of the Week: Buying stuff for the baby room. Didn't get a crib unfortunately, as they were out of stock (I must have excellent taste!) But we're going to get one when they come in the first week of August. The baby room is all baby stuff now though, and I was finally able to put her clothes in the drawers. I thought my massage would be one of the best moments of the week but the effect of it wore off so quickly that I think it was a waste of money. Sadly. I was lying on my heating pad the following evening, so it didn't seem to do the trick.

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Getting the damn crib! I want to get stocked and ready for my little one! 

I had planned to post a picture but I think I'll wait until next week as I don't have my baby room set up yet and I don't feel like having a bump picture taken :)

30 Weeks - Three. Zero. The Home Stretch!

It's here! Week 30! 10 more to go! I feel so happy!

This past week has been interesting, in a non-interesting way. I've been clearing things out of the old guest room, moving them to the new guest room (which really is a slight down grade, as it's in the basement and is off the room with the washer/dryer, but who cares) and in doing so am really starting to feel like it's all happening - fast! This weekend she'll have a crib, for goodness sake. And a dresser. And clothes in that dresser. I have a stroller, car seat, bassinet, play pen, bumbo chair, activity centre, and even started stocking up on baby supplies. I'm starting to feel like we can do this!

Seriously, I'm stupidly excited about setting up her room. She's a little person who will have stuff! She's going to grow into this little girl, who will grow into a bigger girl, who will grow into a teenager, and then an adult - it's very exciting! I can't wait to meet her and watch her grow, and hopefully guide her (in a helpful way!) along her journey.

I went to the doctor today and she's now back to being a regular size on the growth charts, which is both good and bad for me. Good, because obviously I don't want to have a huge baby. Bad, because now it seems likely that I'll go at least to full term and I'm so very tired of being pregnant!  We (my family) also have a pool going to guess the date of the baby's birth, and now we may have to rethink our dates! Other results from my appointment - everything is very normal and boring. Except that I'm the exact same weight (down to the 10th of a kg) as I was at my last appointment. Which means in two weeks I haven't gained an ounce. I think that's a good thing, as she's obviously growing, but I'm not ballooning out, so maybe this post-baby weight won't be too bad?

Next week - pictures of baby room! And maybe a bump pic, I haven't decided.

How far along?: 30 weeks 1 day

Baby is the size of a(n): Cucumber (she's probably a little fatter than a cucumber though!)

Total weight gain/loss:  25 lbs and holding - I'm actually the exact same weight I was at my last doctor's appointment!

The Bump: Growing very much outward, not so much sideways so that's good. I swear my butt got bigger though...

Symptoms/How I'm feeling: Just the usual. I'm pretty much over the whole pregnancy experience now.

Food Cravings/Aversions: I realized today that the one constant craving I've had is ice. Not with water though - juice. No aversions but I'm still having a hard time eating much of anything these days.

Sleep: Restless still. I also get a lot of heartburn which is really frustrating. 

Weddings Rings On or Off: On still. Knock wood.

Exercise: Walking. Resistance band exercises.

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes! TBA at birth.

Gender: Girl!

Movement: More and more every day and some of them are pretty hard!

Maternity Clothes: 100% (besides yoga pants) and some of those just don't fit over my butt anymore, sadface.

Labor Signs: Not really. The BH contractions stopped last week too. 

What I miss: Last weekend I went to a BBQ where people had wine. I really miss a nice glass of wine...

Best Moment of the Week: This sounds lame, but, cleaning house. It felt so good to have a crisp, clean house with freshly vacuumed carpets and clean surfaces. Nesting? Who knows. Started moving things around to make room for baby too, which made everything feel very "real."

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Crib shopping is officially happening this weekend, PLUS I booked an awesome massage. So both of those things will be just plain awesome.

Pregnant Rambles: 5th Edition - Don't Poke The Angry Pregnant Bear

***Disclaimer: If you have said any of these things to me or any other pregnant person, please know that we are aware that you mean well and love us, and your interest in our situation is both appreciated and wonderful. But do us a solid favour and please stop asking/saying the following things :) ***

This post comes to you after months of hearing repeated phrases such as:

• "Wow you're already so BIG!"
• "Are you sure you're not having twins?"
• "Do you have any idea how much sugar/sodium/fat is in that delicious something-or-other you are about to consume?" paired with -- 
• "Make sure you get enough protein/fibre/iron!"
• "Aren't you not allowed to drink coffee?"
• "Did you research epidurals before you planned to have one? They have been proven to <insert ridiculous 'facts' here.>"

and, my favourite:

• "You absolutely have to have another one after this one!"

Allow me to address some of these in greater detail.

"Wow you're already so BIG!"

Thanks! Wait... is that a compliment? Also, no not already. I'm 7 months pregnant. I'm the right size for where I'm at. Why do people say this? Is it to inform you that, in case you didn't notice, you are getting rather large? I figured that out on my own when I could no longer see my feet or sit down like a normal human being.  Thanks.

"Are you sure you're not having twins?"

...Well aren't you dear. Isn't this a lot like asking a heavier set person if they're sure they didn't accidentally eat two dinners instead of one? I know, I know, it's just shocking at how large a person can get. But honestly, this is often followed by "ultrasounds can be wrong you know!" Not at this point, no. Sorry, but no. And I can feel one baby in there. To insinuate that I look big enough to be carrying twins when there's just one is just plain hurtful - I mean, have you seen how big a person carrying twins gets? Big enough that I wouldn't point it out to them, that's for sure. For my own safety.

"Do you have any idea how much sugar/sodium/fat is in that delicious something-or-other you are about to consume?" 

Uh, no I don't. But SURPRISE! It's not going to stop me from eating it. A speeding bus careening out of control in my direction couldn't stop me from eating it, understand? Also, please don't assume that I spend every meal eating poorly, as you actually don't see what I consume on a daily basis. Also, if the meal I'm consuming against your advice contains veggies or protein or anything good along with the sugar/sodium/fat, consider the baby lucky, because all I actually want to eat is Twix bars and cookies.

"Make sure you get enough protein/fibre/iron!"

Yea... thanks. So basically, make sure you eat "food." Interestingly enough, this is not a new concept and it's not lost on me. I have this fancy-schmancy thing called a "doctor" -- you may have heard of this before -- who tells me if I need to eat more of something or if I'm eating too much of something. It's an amazing service they provide...

"Aren't you not allowed to drink coffee?"

If I wasn't "allowed" to drink coffee, don't you think I would be aware of that? Again, see the above comment about the doctor. The most insulting thing about this type of question is that it makes it sound as though you think I'm really stupid and/or don't care about the little person I have created inside me. I have asked my doctor(s) multiple questions, called Healthlink on a near daily basis at times, and Googled so many questions that my browser's ads all have to do with babies and how to keep them healthy. I have literally thought of nothing else. So yes, I know exactly how much caffeine I'm "allowed" to consume.

"Did you research epidurals before you planned to have one? They have been proven to <insert ridiculous 'facts' here.>"

No, I just decided that getting a giant needle in my spine and hurting the baby I've been painstakingly carrying for 9 months sounded like a good time. I'm an irresponsible idiot! ...

Of course I researched it. And in my research I have found that many of the things you are telling me are "facts" about epidurals are actually myths. I would never consider anything that could potentially harm my baby. In fact, my whole birth plan is centered around getting her out safely, no matter what. My body is just a tool, a vessel for her. I will deliver pain free if I can because it will keep me from being a stress-pot and will therefore make both of our lives easier in delivery.

"You absolutely have to have another one after this one!"

Yea.. I haven't had this one yet. Your enthusiasm is adorable, really it is, but shhh. In my current state, the idea of doing this all over again is about as appealing as running my insides through a meat grinder. And while I'm on the topic, if we do choose to stop at one, that's our choice. Yes it is. No really, it is.

I realize people just love it when they see or know pregnant people and that's touching. It is. But there comes a point where we all (myself included) need to stop and think: "before I say this, what are the chances that someone else has already said this 12 times before?" We pregnant ladies also might be a touch sensitive to certain comments, particularly those about our size or eating habits, so please be kind! After all, we would never scrutinize you for eating a second doughnut or opting for fries instead of a tossed salad.

Hospital Stay - What to Bring?

Due to the fact that what to pack for the hospital is probably one of the only things I will have any real control over during the birth process, I have been spending a lot of my time at work free time thinking about what to pack to make my hospital stay as homey as possible. So, since I like to document anything and everything and because I'm a giant loser, I'm making a whole post about it. It might even be a two part-er.

Really, this post is all for me, so feel free to skip it. Unless you, like me, are a dork who decided after reading so many birth stories in which people forgot to pack important things like fresh clothes or a toothbrush, that making a comprehensive list and guide is super fun and important.

I have a list at the bottom of the post, but the priorities listed just below are SO important that I felt they needed to be front row centre. With pictures.

Priority #1 - Car seat properly installed.

This is an important one because, I'm CERTAIN, this will be the one thing we forget to do when we're waiting for baby to arrive in the hospital. This realization will most likely take place when, out of boredom and because it's such fun, we start making a list of all the things we will or have already done poorly as parents. This list will be a lot more fun to make if at least we have a way of bringing baby home to the unkempt and unprepared life that she will be forced to lead. (Hey, we're new at this. It's going to be a nightmare.)

I also made sure to include the phrase "properly installed" in this priority listing because how embarrassing would it be if our installation failed the inspection and we had to do it over whilst being judged by hospital staff?


Priority #2 - Heating Pad

This was easily the best purchase I made during my pregnancy. I love this thing. LOVE. IT. Between back & shoulder aches, sciatica, and hip pain, I pretty much cuddle up to this thing every evening.

I feel pretty certain that either contractions or post delivery aches will be at least slightly soothed with this guy's help. I also hate hospitals (I know, everyone does so I'm not sure why people mention that either) and find them literally and figuratively cold, so some warmth radiating from my heating pad, be it on my back, stomach, shoulders - wherever - will likely provide me with some comfort and a touch of home. 

For what it's worth, I also love my seat warmers in my car. I use them in the summer. I'm insane.


Priority #3 - Baby Outfit (and scratch mittens!)

This might seem like a total no brainer, but I'm pretty sure it's something I would forget to pack.

Plus, it's going to be her first day or two in the universe - maybe she wants to look special?! Scratch mittens too, because I don't want her to scratch her cute little face. 

I'm having her in September, which in Calgary might mean sweltering heat, or it might mean snow. So, I'm thinking layers. And definitely a cute little hat. I will also be keeping snuggle warm stuff in the car seat in case it's needed.


The Hospital Bag

I'm planning on packing just one bag for the three of us, mostly because Jared's pretty low-maintenance and Baby's stuff will probably take up a fairly small amount of space. I will be bringing diapers, etc, in a diaper bag for her separately, and that's a whole other list of crap. Maybe for another post some day. (Probably not.)

• Insurance info, ID, hospital forms and birth plan - would very easily forget these things. Seriously, who thinks of things like paperwork when your body is trying to expel a baby??
• Pillow - Just seems like a good idea. 
• 2-3 pairs of warm, nonskid socks or slippers - See: hospitals are cold. 
• A warm robe or sweater - I'm thinking my big, ugly, beautifully snuggly grey cardigan which is easily more comfy than a robe. Robes and I have never been friends. 
• 2 nursing bras and a supply of nursing pads - I'm sure the hospital has nursing pads, but I doubt they have comfy bras. Along with the nursing bras I would like to bring:
• 2 nursing tops - May as well be comfortable and make nursing as easy as possible. 
• Lip balm - Not having this could easily send me over the edge. 
• Hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, hair dryer, brush, hair elastics - I've read that you are best to pack whatever you would pack if you were going on vacation (am aware that having a baby is nothing like a vacation.) I'm going to use those little mini toiletries you can get at the store so that I don't even have to think about it.
• Change for the vending machines and non-perishable snacks - because, food. 
• Cell phone (and laptop for potential Netflix usage/Friends marathons) and charger, DVDs, phone numbers of people to call after birth - Jared will not know who to call, because he's a man (no offense men.)
• Change of clothes and basic hygiene products for Jared - because Jared never realizes that he needs some stuff, too. 
• Hoodie, yoga pants, comfy shoes, underthings - I'm pretty sure I won't want to leave in the same clothes I arrived in. Yuck. 
• Comfy nursing T-shirt and PJ pants - Those hospital gowns look crisp and stiff. Not comfy.
• Bath towel - I've never stayed at a hospital but I've also never seen a nice, fluffy bath towel on any hospital visits to friends, either. 
• Breast pump - assuming I'll be able to actually nurse, which would be great, this might come in handy. 
• Scentsy - okay, this one is iffy. It's a hospital, so who knows? But the aroma of sterilized halls is hardly calming, and I love, love, LOVE my scentsy stuff and it makes my insides smile.
• Ipod & Player - soothing, ambient music would be nice.
• Book - it's entirely possible that I'll have no time or be able to focus any attention on a book, but it would be nice to have one anyway.
• Receiving blankets - someone once told me that you can never have too many receiving blankets. I think I'd like to have some handy. Like... 12. New babies seem messy.
• Tissues - It's likely that the hospital will have some, but I imagine I'll really need them. 
• Lotions - There's nothing more annoying than dry skin. 

As my pregnancy matures, I'm sure I'll add more to this list. 

29 Weeks - 11 Weeks to Go (Yahoo!)

The countdown continues - 3 months to go {OR} 11 weeks {OR} 77 days {OR} 1,848 hours {OR} 110,880 minutes... you get the picture. It would also be rather spectacular if it went right down to the minute!

Lately my brain has been going back and forth between two main thoughts:

1) "I'm so done with being pregnant!"
2) "I'm so not ready to have a baby!" 

The first thought is pretty understandable - I miss my body being my own, and am feeling very uncomfortable and can't possibly imagine it getting worse (even though I know it will.) The second thought is the scarier one. I was all set to give birth and have the baby until I remembered what a responsibility it is to have a baby. It's not just about having the stuff, like the crib and diapers, etc. It's about having a baby to look after. I'm not ready! Except that I know I actually am, deep down, and when she arrives it will be difficult but I will love her so much that it will be doable. I know this because logic. But mentally, I'm freaking. Mentally, I'm still 16 and dumb and immature and still laugh at fart jokes. Mentally, I'm not a Mom. But I will be. That's some scary sh*t.

I know every new mom feels this way, so that helps. Being in the normal bracket feels good. Not to mention, I'm not doing it alone. I have a wonderful husband and loving family and friends, and that makes a pretty big difference. This little baby is going to be so loved.

How far along?: 29 weeks

Baby is the size of a(n): Acorn squash

Total weight gain/loss:  25 lbs and holding

The Bump: Growing very much outward, not so much sideways so that's good.

Symptoms/How I'm feeling: Stabby pains which seem to be permanent. Sciatic and general back pain. #lovemyheatingpad #neverhashtaggedinablogpostbefore

Food Cravings/Aversions: Twix bars and Orange Juice. I've been diluting the juice with sparkling water to reduce the sugar and hopefully reduce the size of baby in the end, so that I don't give birth to a toddler. (Recommendation of Doctor.) Also, fried chicken.

Sleep: Restless. Some hip pain in the mornings. It's been hot here (though no complaints from me, I love heat) so sleeping has been a little rough. I can't explain the restlessness. I get a lot of heartburn at night so that explains part of it but just not being able to get comfortable is keeping me awake. I used to be a 10pm snoozer, relishing in that nice long deep sleep, but the last few weeks I'm lucky if I even get into bed before midnight. I just can't do it!

Weddings Rings On or Off: On - it's hot though, so I'm swelling a bit. I'll take them off if I start to worry.

Exercise: Walking. Resistance band exercises - started, but not nearly enough. Feeling very, very fat these days actually, but I know I'm not, really. I don't think.

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes! TBA at birth.

Gender: Girl!

Movement: I now have a fetal movement chart to track her movements. She's so far quite active. I actually see kicks now, and sometimes she moves into a weird position and morphs my beach ball belly into a football belly. Weirdo. 

Maternity Clothes: 100% (besides yoga pants) It's Stampede Week here and this I'm finally spared the "where's your western garb?" questions because of the maternity clothes. Truthfully, I don't have anything westerny anyway, because I, like... hate it... 

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks. Sometimes a bit painful... kind of like someone is grabbing and squeezing/twisting a section of my uterus. Real contractions sound scary, especially now. 

What I miss: General movement and feeling "normal." I miss my flat belly. Deli meat. Wine. Walking without getting a stitch. Sleeping on my back/stomach. Being able to get up and down without needing a forklift.

Best Moment of the Week: Jared FINALLY feeling a kick - his face lit up and he said "whoa - that was weird." 

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Meeting her. Nothing else is really sticking out right now as that's all I can focus on. Honestly, at this stage what else CAN I look forward to? I can't go do anything fun because of sciatic pain/joint pain/bladder issues/take-your-pick.

Okay fine - here's something. I'm looking forward to the oreo cookies I intend to consume this evening after work. :)

28 Weeks - Third Trimester!

Finally - the home stretch. Exciting and terrifying at the same time. Exciting because I'll be a mom soon, of course. That's also what's terrifying - this tiny little person is going to depend on me for every single aspect of her life. I still mourn the loss of my soon-to-be-over selfish lifestyle, though I know that when she arrives it will change me and I won't care so much.

This week I had a long drive out with J to Saskatchewan - 7ish hours to Saskatoon and another 2 hours up to Christopher Lake. I read beforehand, luckily, that it's important to stop frequently to avoid blood clots, so we did and it was actually a fairly relaxed, comfortable drive because of the frequent stops. I was surprised because being pregnant I assumed it would be a nightmare and I'd have to pee every 2 minutes! But I monitored my water intake and avoided coffee altogether and somehow, it was okay. The way back however was less enjoyable. I think it was just that the trip was done and we both just wanted to go get our dog and go home to our bed, so the way back was tedious.

But I think when we do road trips from now on, we'll do the frequent stop thing. It seemed to renew us both each time, even if it was only a 5 minute break just to walk around the vehicle or grab a quick snack. The things you can learn from pregnancy!

So what's coming up next for me and Baby Hall? Lots and lots of appointments. I just came from one and they said she's measuring a bit big and if that continues they'll do an ultrasound to see what's up and figure out the game plan. I'm secretly excited about that prospect for two reasons: the first, that I may not have to go full term, and the second, that I'll get to see her in an ultrasound again! For the next two months I have an appointment every two weeks and in September I have an appointment every week so we're going to be very well taken care of. I found out today that I have very low iron, which makes sense because I've been feeling awful. So I'm sure once I get that sorted out I'll feel much better!

How far along?: 28 weeks and 1 day

Baby is the size of a: Eggplant

Total weight gain/loss:  25 lbs (steady but YEESH let's stop that now!)

The Bump: Growing!

Symptoms/How I'm feeling: Stabby pains. Random bruising from particularly powerful kicks. Some back pain. Emotionally feeling okay though.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Twix bars and Orange Juice. Yes - the juice cravings have returned!

Sleep: Restless. Some hip pain in the mornings. 

Weddings Rings On or Off: On

Exercise: Walking. I brought up my resistance bands last night and put them by the TV in hopes that it will remind me to do something - my arms and legs feel like jelly and I want to be strong when it's time to give birth!

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes! TBA at birth.

Gender: Girl!

Movement: I now have a fetal movement chart to track her movements. She's so far quite active.

Maternity Clothes: 100% (besides yoga pants)

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks. Interesting, though not painful. 

What I miss: General movement and feeling "normal." This belly gets in the way of everything!

Best Moment of the Week: My doctor's appointment - heard the heart beat again!

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: The weekend! Lots to do around the house and as we will have a house guest next Sunday, I can't finish the baby room just yet but at least I can make it presentable and start clearing out the rest of the junk!