30 Weeks!

Mommy at 30 Weeks

Baby at 28 Weeks

Size: 17 inches, 3 pounds. This is where the vegetable comparison confuses me - I don't think I've ever bought a 3 pound English cucumber! Over the next seven weeks he should gain a half a pound per week!
Development: His brain, which is actually starting to look like the real thing with those characteristic grooves and wrinkles. He can regulate his own body temperature now so he should start shedding lanugo, the downy body hair that's been keeping him warm up until now.

Symptoms at 28 Weeks
Currently Craving: Cold things... and when I say cold I mean freezing. Drinks have to be loaded with ice, I'm loving Italian Ices and Slush - but still managing to stay away from ice cream (for the most part)
How's the belly looking: Round for sure. I haven't noticed it getting much bigger but that could be because I see it every second of the day. I can still see my feet though.
Heartburn: I've been waiting for this to happen but I haven't had the burden of it yet. I'm hoping I won't since I absolutely love spicy foods!
Swelling: Since I started drinking a lot more water I haven't noticed any swelling to speak of. If I'm on my feet in a hot climate for any length of time, they swell a bit, but as soon as I put them up it goes away.
Sciatica: Holy crap! SO much pain, I can't even begin to describe it. This morning I was actually an hour late to work because I couldn't move without crying out loud. I have a pre-natal massage on Sunday and am meeting with my chiropractor on the 12th so hopefully I'll get a little relief. It's really quite awful.
Sleep: Better than normal considering the amount of pain. We finally have the A/C in the bedroom so the cooler temperatures make it a bit easier. Plus, I invested in a body pillow that lets me rest my belly on it so I'm not tempted to roll over.
Movement: He's a cross between a gymnast and a soccer player these days. If he's not kicking me he's doing somersaults which gives me the appearance of belly dancing! It's a very bizarre sight!
Exercise: Extremely limited. I have been picking up the hand weights I have at home and have been doing some shoulder/bicep/tricep work but still no lower body and the only cardio I can get now is walking to and from the train.
Stretch marks: Nope!
Rings on or off: Still on.
Maternity wear: Nothing new at this point, although I do think it's time to buy some summer pj's. I've outgrown even Brian's basketball shorts at this point!
Baby related purchases: Almost did this weekend, but managed not to!
Days Left: 70

DOMA is DEAD!!!!!

Today is a huge day in our nation's history and I am SO proud to be an American on this day!

I feel lucky and blessed to have been born into one of the most diverse and accepting families that I know. I have relatives of every shape, color, creed and sexual orientation. I grew up surrounded by love of so many different varieties and that was my normal.

To me the idea that marriage was intended to be only between a man and a women was never something I accepted or understood. Love has no understanding, no bounds and no choice - you love who you love and that's all there is to it. While I can understand that homosexuality may make some people uncomfortable for me it's just another example of how absolutely beautiful love is.

Almost fifty years ago (46 to be exact) the Supreme Court ruled in favor of interracial marriage and invalidated laws prohibiting these unions. In those days couples were arrested and imprisoned for marrying a person of another race. In a 2012 study done by Pew Research shows the 1 in 12 marriages is now considered "interracial" - a true testament to what the 1967 ruling aimed to accomplish!

And now five decades later our Supreme Court has stricken the Defense of Marriage Act calling it "invalid" and in "violation of the Fifth Amendment". I couldn't be more supportive of this decision and I can not wait until all 50 states have accepted the courts ruling!

This decision comes on the heels of another controversial ruling in Texas just yesterday that would have virtually banned all abortions in that state regardless of reason why.

In the last 24 hours we have seen two very personal and emotional issues battled and discussed and fought and the outcome is spectacular.

I know there are those out there, that disagree wholeheartedly with one or both of the issues here and that's your right as an American citizen, but it is also now the right of same-sex couples across the country to marry and women in Texas to choose!

Just a few months ago on the heels of the Boston Marathon bombing I found myself thinking about this crazy world I'm about to bring my son into and how scared I was for his future. Today I am excited at the possibilities of what his life can and will be. If my son is gay, not only will his father and I support him and love him but now his own country will stand behind him and give him the same rights as anyone else when he chooses to marry!

My son will be raised in the same environment I was, a home filled with love and total acceptance for those around him. If the last day is any indication of what's to come in our country I can't wait to introduce my little man into this world!

Amazingly I heard this song on the radio the other day and it's a perfect embodiment of what's happening in our society today.

Peace   &   Love   to   All

200 Days!!

Just a short note to say ... Today is the 200th day of my pregnancy!! I can't even believe it. Roughly 80 days to go if I make it all the way to my due date! My doctor says the baby will come September 11th - but I'm convinced he's coming on his ORIGINAL due date of September 1st. We'll see! 

Side-Effects

So imagine this - you go to your doctor with an issue of some sort (what kind doesn't really matter for purposes of this blog) and after examining you, he prescribes you medication. He tells you that you'll need to take said medication daily for the next 40ish weeks.

You head to the pharmacy and pick up your prescription. Upon getting home you pull out the description packet and begin reading the dosage amounts and the side effects - you stop short when you get to the latter because the list is LONG, and it covers just about anything and everything! It seems almost unrealistic. But you look again and sure enough some of the side-effects are as follows:

• Bloating
• Cramping
• Mood swings
• Spotting
• Headaches
• Tender breasts
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Constant urination
• Dietary changes
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Vaginal discharge
• Sensitive and/or bleeding gums
• Nosebleeds
• Congestion
• Weight gain (roughly 25-35 pounds)
• Joint pain
• Leg cramps
• Tingling or numbness of the fingers
• Excess hair growth
• Stretch marks
• Swelling of the feet and hands
• Hyperpigmentation
• Redness and/or itchiness of the palms
• Blotchy legs
• Heat rash
• Hemorrhoids
• Edema
• Sciatica
• Varicose veins
• Shortness of breath
• Insomnia
• Vision changes

Would you honestly in your right mind willingly take said medication? I know I wouldn't! ....

Now, please don't misunderstand - I'm in no way saying I wish I wasn't pregnant or that I shouldn't have chosen to have a child, I'm just highlighting another of the many things we don't necessarily know before we get pregnant (like not knowing which diapers to use, what bottle is best, etc)

I have shown this list to my husband on more than one occasion - usually when I'm feeling cranky and want to him to feel "sorry" for me - and he's been surprised at all the things that happen to the female body during the course of a pregnancy.

This is an ongoing list (which doesn't include all the positive things we get as well) - it's not as though we get slammed with them all at once (that would be killer!) which is why I think a lot of men don't truly understand what we go through.

But women have been experiencing these symptom for generations and luckily as science has progressed so has the ability to keep some of these issues at bay - but for many of us we'll experience a half dozen of them (or more) at one point or another during our pregnancy.

I have joked with my friend Jami on multiple occasions that I'm amazed that we willingly choose to get pregnant knowing what's to come! Her answer - "you forget" ... once you hold your baby in your arms, you just block out all the un-fun aspects of pregnancy. Boy I can't wait for that day!

I've been fairly lucky these past 29 weeks and can honestly say I'm only just now reaching the point of discomfort - thanks to my SPD (joint/pelvic pain) and now intense sciatica - but I know there are others out there who have run the full gamut of this list and I feel for you!

But remember, in the words of my friend Jami ... you will forget! That little bundle of joy at the end of all this will be the ultimate reward!

As I've said all along, I've tried to appreciate and fully experience every moment of this pregnancy so a few aches, pain or weird side-effects are just par for the course. I do think Mother Nature is brilliant though ... while our physical aches and pains might go away once we give birth, I think she is just mentally preparing us for a lifetime with our children!

For all my friends here in Boston - be careful out there tonight! Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding expected throughout metro-Boston through 7pm tonight! Stay dry!

Why Hello Third Trimester!

It's hard to believe that I'm officially in the third trimester and the final stages of this pregnancy. I have no doubt that the last 12 weeks are going to become increasingly more difficult, but I am looking forward to experiencing every single minute of it.

In thinking about how little time is left, it's interesting to me to reflect on the fact that I only have 12 weeks to go. In the beginning of most pregnancies women are desperate (I know I was) to reach that milestone so that they can announce that they are in fact with child! Now here I am on the flip side of that knowing that we have to wait 12 weeks again - only this time it's to meet our little man! It's all really starting to hit home.

I had the pleasure of taking a day off this past Monday to watch Charlie while my sister and her husband were at work. It was a busy day for us and it gave me a very clear idea of what life is going to be like when the nugget arrives. Between his feedings, naps and playtime we also had to meet his daddy for a doctors appointment mid-morning. Poor little guy ended up  having to have four shots (it was his four month appointment) and was really unhappy afterward. We made the most of the afternoon, but it was really hard to see him so sad knowing that there was nothing I could do (besides bounce him and walk with him and sing - badly to him)! I enjoyed every minute that I spent with Charlie - he really is the light of my life! Being an aunt is an amazing experience, one that I never could appreciate before he was born! Now I can only hope that our guys are best friends!

Something else I've been pondering the last few days ... pregnancy is not 9 months.  I have no idea where that number came from but seriously people, do the math! Now hear me out because I know "math is hard" but here goes...

Technically, I'm only 6 months pregnant, I'm due in September. However, at 28 weeks that math doesn't work. Based on an average of 4 weeks per month and 7 days in a week, 28 weeks = 7 months ... sooooo 40 weeks = 10 months!!

Again, I am not complaining about the length of this pregnancy I'm just saying let's call a spade a spade!

That being said - going forward if you ask I will say I'm 7 months pregnant and when you ask my due date I will say September and you will most likely raise an eyebrow at me like I'm an idiot and truthfully, I'm okay with that -- because any woman that has gone through this understands what I'm saying!

Happy Hump Day Bump Day!

28 Weeks!

Mommy at 28 Weeks

Baby at 28 Weeks

Size: 16 inches, 2.5 pounds. As we creep toward the end of my pregnancy baby's physical growth is slowing down substantially. Over the next 12 weeks he should only gain another 5 or 6 pounds and perhaps another 5 or 6 inches.
Development: He can blink, cough, hiccup, and breathe now! He also has the ability to dream (about what I'm not entirely sure) as he is now able to reach REM during his naps!


Symptoms at 28 Weeks
Currently Craving: Still nothing. I am finding it hard to believe I might get through this whole pregnancy without sending Brian out for a late-night food run! (although for this I'm sure he's very grateful)
How's the belly looking: Small, so I've been told. People tend to be shocked when I say I'm in my 28th week! Not sure how I feel about this, since I know how much I've gained - guess I was right that it's all in my bum! Swelling: Same as it's been in the previous few weeks, more swelling at night and in the morning but nothing too extreme at this point. I have stopped wearing regular shoes all together (don't want to risk stretching my favorites!) and have opted to wear sandals or sneakers at all times!
Faintness / Dizziness: Dizziness on a daily basis, sometimes so severe that I need to physically hold onto something sturdy. I find if I just take a deep breath it goes away quickly.
Sciatica: I have begun to experience this on an infrequent basis. My sister had it the majority of her last trimester and I remember how much pain she was in, so I'm hopeful that it won't get to that point. I really don't need to add that pain to my already intense SPD pain!Sleep: Little to none. I'm shocked that I'm able to get through the day to be perfectly honest! Last night I spent the majority of the evening walking the halls in my house trying to tire myself out ... all to no avail. Ugh!
Movement: Getting stronger every day. He loves the train - I think it's the swaying movement that gets him going but he kicks me throughout the 90 minute ride every morning. Good thing I registered for a swing for him!
Exercise: I have almost completely cut out weight lifting at this point - especially on my lower body. It's very difficult to keep proper form when you're in physical pain so I'd rather lose the muscle mass (the little that there is left) that risk a more severe injury. I have continued with my cardio (45 minutes of walking or the Arc) and plan to do so right up until the end.
Stretch marks: Still none. I know it's wishful thinking that I can get through the next 12 weeks without any, but maybe just maybe I'll get lucky!
Rings on or off: On!!
Maternity wear: I finally succumbed to the necessity of the bathing suit, and actually ended up buying two! I went with the skirted bottom and both tops are tankini style - it truthfully bothers me a lot when I see pregnant women exposing their bellies in tiny bikinis.  

Baby related purchases:  I'm still holding out!
Days Left: 84!!

Do You Feel Like You Know Him?

While we were sitting on the couch Tuesday night, when Brian felt the nugget kick for the first time, he looked at me very seriously and asked "Do you feel like you know him already?"

I was taken aback a little bit because truth be told I haven't really thought about it. Do I feel more of a connection with him? Maybe. But do I really know who this little guy is? I don't think so. It's hard to really know someone once you've met them face-to-face so despite the fact that I'm carrying him, I wouldn't say we've formed any sort of deep relationship. Perhaps that makes me sounds like a horrible mother, because I've met many women that say the complete opposite - but please don't get me wrong - I love my son more than my own life already, but there is so much I don't know about him at this point that I'm dying to learn.

He's on his own little carnival ride right now, experiencing my daily routine (to an extent) day after day - what I eat, when I rest, how I get around, who I talk to... But I don't know what he's doing in there. Is he dreaming? Does he form thoughts? Other than what the books tell me he's doing I couldn't even begin to guess!

I will say I talk to him quite a bit, I know he can hear me, but does he understand what I'm saying? I tell him about his daddy, his grandparents, his aunts & uncles, his dog and how much we are all dying to meet him. I tell him I love him and that I can't wait to see his little face - but it's not like he can talk back or communicate in any way (other than kicking me) so the conversations are a little one sided; which to be honest makes me feel silly sometimes when I'm talking to him!

One thing I do know for sure is his sleep schedule - at least what it is right now. He likes to sleep when I'm at work. He wakes up for a bit each time I eat, depending on what I've had. Then at night when we're relaxing on the couch or I'm in bed trying to sleep myself he's very active. Other than that he's a complete and total mystery to me.

While I'm jumping out of my skin excited to meet him and hold him, at the same time I think I'm going to miss being pregnant very much. It's been relatively so easy for me and I like knowing he's protected from the world but I also know that when he's here my life will be infinitely better.

So, how did I answer my husband's question?

"No. I don't feel like I know him yet. We have a different bond than you two, but everything we need to know and learn about our son we'll do together!"

27 Weeks - Last week of 2nd Trimester!

It's truly hard to believe that this is the LAST week of my second trimester! These last few weeks have flown by and it's hard to believe that in just 91 days (plus or minus a few) this little guy will be here!

As I approach the final stretch (literally and figuratively) of my pregnancy I am finding myself more anxious and worried than I anticipated I would be. Not so much about the actual delivery but more about what happens after. Am I going to be a good mom, will I be able to figure out a work/day care schedule that makes sense both financially and from a quality of life standpoint, how is Brian's schedule going to affect his time with the baby? All of these things and so many more race through my mind every minute of the day, which of course takes my attention away from work and other obligations. My mum keeps telling me that everything will come together and that we have so many people that can and will help us in the beginning that I have nothing to worry about. While I appreciate the sentiment, it does nothing for me when I can't sleep for the millionth night in a row!

Brian finally felt the nugget kick last night! I wish I'd captured the look on his face because it was priceless. It was almost like he didn't believe that he'd actually felt something! But of course being just like his father, the baby was stubborn and it was a onetime thing. I'm just glad it finally happened! Hopefully over the next couple weeks it will be a more regular thing for him because I know it's hard to be "left out" of a lot of the process.

 

Mommy at 27 Weeks

Baby at 27 Weeks

Size: 15 inches and about 2.5 pounds (rounded up last week so no change this week)

Development: Auditory development is progressing and he is able to recognize voices (not that he listens when spoken to!) Heartbeat is strong enough to be heard in a very quiet environment and his taste buds are developed enough now to notice the difference in the types of food being consumed. He is continuing to "pedal" (prewalking skill) and his kicks are getting stronger!

Symptoms at 27 Weeks
Currently Craving: No cravings as we move to the end of the 2nd trimester. I'm really glad for this!

How's the belly looking: I don't notice a change from last week in terms of size, however it is getting harder.

Swelling: My fingers are swollen in the mornings but it typically depends on what I ate the night before. My feet have been starting to swell a bit at night after I've been walking/standing all day, however, I've been careful about keeping them elevated which seems to help.

Faintness / Dizziness: I've had a few moments of dizziness but thankfully haven't felt faint yet.

Nasal Congestion: It's defintiely that time of year for me in general with allergies but I think the pregnancy has been making it worse.

Bleeding Gums: My dentist would be horrified! I swear it's like a horror movie when I brush my teeth. I do need to be much more diligent about flossing though because I've been lazy about it recently.

Sleep: Becoming more and more difficult. I think it's the combination of the heat and my never stopping brain!

Movement: He is all over the place now. He definitely responds more to sugary foods/treats than anything. And he certainly likes to kick a lot when I'm trying to relax! (a sign of things to come perhaps?)

Exercise: Not much this week, trying to take it easy as my SPD is continuing to worsen.

Innie or outie: Outie all the way!

Stretch marks: Nope! :)

Rings on or off: Still on, but becoming increasingly hard to put on in the morning.

Maternity wear: Finally invested in some more summer dresses - I feel so much better when I'm not "confined" to pants! The dreaded maternity bathing suit is next on the list...

Baby related purchases:  Zip, zero, nada. This kid has been spoiled already - I have bags of clothes that I've yet to go through and since his nursery is still not set up it's hard to know exactly what I want/need to buy! The goal is to try to hold off until after my shower!

Days Left: 91 - seems so surreal!

The Birth Plan ...

As I creep up on 30 weeks (holy cow) I'm becoming more aware of all the things that are left to get done before the big D-Day!

Recently, I've heard the term "Birth Plan" being used, but again being the naive mommy-to-be that I am I didn't know exactly what a birth plan was. You don't either ? ... well check this out: Birth Plan.

Needless to say, I began asking my mommy friends and fellow pregnant women whether they had one or were planning on writing one. I got differing responses. It seems that having a written birth plan is a fairly new concept - my own mother said she gave her doctor verbal instructions on what she'd like but nothing formal. At first the idea seemed almost silly to me, but as I googled it more and found multiple versions of birth plans I began thinking perhaps it's not a bad idea. While it's not written in stone, at least my doctor will have a better concept of what I'd like my labor & delivery to be like.

I'm not going to share my birth plan here, because I feel that it's a very personal document, but I can say my anxiety around the birthing process has lessened now that I've written it.

One of the things I think it led me to do was to think more about the entire delivery from start to finish. I have been of the mindset (as you know) that everything will just fall into place as it's supposed to. Well, in writing out my birth plan I began to realize there were things I hadn't thought of ... for example - whether I'm comfortable with students/residents in the room while I'm delivering; do I want music in the delivery room; will I be using/bringing my own birthing apparatuses. Tell me - have YOU thought of these things? I certainly hadn't.

It also brought to light a much more serious (and darker in nature) thought - what happens if there are terrible complications during childbirth, do we want my doctor save the nugget first or me? This was never something that would have occurred to me (I don't think) unless I'd been formulating my birth plan. It was a very difficult conversation to have with Brian, and we still haven't come to an agreed upon answer. He adamantly feels one way and I am leaning more in the opposite direction. This question deserves an incredible amount of thought and I don't think many parents-to-be are comfortable in the possibility (which I totally understand), but I do feel as though it's a conversation every couple should have.

I haven't yet shown my birth plan to my doctor and ultimately I may not, but at least Brian and I have reviewed it and we both know what I would ideally like to have (or not have) during my delivery.

As with anything pregnancy related, remember your decisions are just that - YOURS. No one can make them for you, but doing your research and knowing what options you have is a very powerful thing!