First, I apologize that it has been so long since I posted. The good news though is that I am done with the semester and I am done with finals forever! A lot has been going on, so hang in there this is going to be a long post!
Week 31
This week, our baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (about the size of four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so I have had trouble sleeping because our baby's kicks and somersaults keep me up and sometimes make it hard for me to keep down my meals. However, all this moving is good because it is a sign that our baby is active and healthy. I started heartburn prescription medication and have been feeling much better. And, I have been able to eat.
Week 32
By now, our baby weighs 3.75 pounds (a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in the womb. I'm gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to our baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.
Doctor's Appointment
We went to the doctor on Monday the 4th. He said that I look healthy. They also told me that I lost 7 lbs which was a little concerning. But, later that day I started thinking about it and I really think I gained 3 lbs rather than lost 7, and that the nurse was ten lbs off in her calculations. If I did gain 3 lbs, then that puts me right at 21 total lbs gained which is right where I should be. He wants me to gain 1 lb a week from now on and about 30 lbs total, and with 9 weeks left that would put me right where I should be. I haven't really worried about my weight and have just continued eating the same way I always have.
One thing we discussed is the baby's due date. Mark and I have always thought the due date might be a little off. Since we changed doctors after the first trimester, it is hard to tell. Although, our baby has measured a little big every time we had a sonogram. The doctor basically said that she is a little big, but nothing to worry about. Because she is big and I carry her so low, he did predict her not staying in the womb until July 7th. He is thinking about two weeks earlier, around June 23rd. But, we will just have to wait and see. It doesn't really matter when it comes down to it because when she is ready and when my body is ready she will come. I am already starting to get anxious waiting for her, so I wouldn't mind if she came early. But, Mark has a competition June 28-30 and he is working through the end of June. So, he would like her to wait until July.
We Graduated
We had our last LaMaze Class. We learned quite a bit at this class and are definitely glad we took it. I do feel better prepared for childbirth, but I'm terrified of it now. Not really, but birth just doesn't seem all that wonderful to me. At our last class we talked about interventions and instrumental births, which basically tells you everything that could go wrong with birth. At the end of the class we were told to make up our ideal birth plan. Mark got mad at me because I was insisting upon c-section at this point. I was half-way kidding, but at the same time really scared of all the things that could go wrong and I have been through so many surgeries and nothing has ever gone wrong. So, we were kind of upset with each other. Then, we had to spend the last 30 minutes of class doing relaxation techniques, which meant Mark had to hold me and rub my back. By the end of class we weren't mad at each other anymore. Then, when we went to the doctor the next day we discussed our concerns with him. I love our doctor; he was so great with us. He was really reassuring and said that whatever we decide about our birth plan he will stick to. So, we are going to plan on going into labor whenever it happens, and if something happens, rather than using forceps or a vacuum or some kind of intervention we will just do a c-section. Both of us and our doctor are all comfortable with this and on board. And, I am not scared of anything anymore, especially since I am completely confident in my doctor and in Mark as my labor coach.
We are so Blessed!
We have been blessed by so many friends, family, and loved ones. Mark and I are so appreciative of all who have blessed us. These past few weeks we have had two more showers and spent some special time with our loved ones who have been so supportive and encouraging to us. I am going to save the last two showers for a separate post.
Canton
Mark and his mom and I all went to Canton. It was so fun to walk around and see all the unique items. It wasn't bad and was overcast so we really weren't hot. However, I did get a little swollen from the humidity. We saw so many cute baby items. We got a cute pacifier holder and nursing blanket clip. Mark's mom bought Charlotte the cutest wooden rocking horse. It is unfinished so Mark is going to finish it to match the nursery. We also found a super cute picture frame.
Update: We're not moving...
Many of you have asked how Mark and I's house search in Dallas is going. Thank you for asking, but after weighing many things we decided we are not moving. We spent many hours searching and even found a few places that would work, but when it came down to it, we were going to have to make too many sacrifices to be in Dallas. So, we will be here in our nice big wonderful house for another year. Then, we will have to see where graduation takes us.
Pack n Play
Mark's parents bought us a pack n play this past weekend. It was one of the only things left that we need for Charlotte. We really appreciate their generosity! We have a pack n play that has a newborn napper and changing table. If you aren't familiar with a pack n play basically it is a necessity for any baby because it can be a playpen, portable crib, bassinet, and changing table. So, on Monday Mark put it together. When we were in Target buying the pack n play Mark, being funny, asked Charlotte, "If I build it will you come?" He was joking because we were saying it was the last thing we need before she arrives. Well, Mark finished putting it together early Monday evening and then he moved it into the bedroom that night when I was going to bed.
I was only asleep for a little bit, when I woke up at midnight nauseous. I spent the net two hours in and out of sleep propped up on four pillows and not feeling well. Then, all of a sudden I had a strong back pain, which was weird because I haven't actually had any back pain. It was this strong dull, almost numbing, pain in my lower back. After about 30 seconds I decided to stand up. As soon as I stood up, I doubled over on the floor beside the bed as the pain was now in my lower abdomen/uterus. I called for Mark and he brought me my birth ball and a pillow. I spent a few minutes laying over the ball on all fours because Mark insisted upon it. I kind of thought he was being silly, as he was really wanting me to get in the bathtub too. After about 5 minutes or so, what felt like 20 minutes to me, the pain went away. Mark was on top of everything. I was just confused and knew it wasn't an emergency because it wasn't a stabbing pain, although it was a strong pain. Well, after processing what happen the next day, it was a strong contraction.
Mark was the best help and remembered everything we were taught in our class. He is going to be the best birth coach. And, I probably should listen to him next time. I probably should have got in the bathtub, which is what you are suppose to do if you go into preterm labor. And, I probably should have called someone, but I wouldn't let him because it was 2 am. So, Mark is just going to have to take the pack n play apart because now Charlotte thinks we are ready for her to come.
It's Getting a Little Crowded
I am continuing to grow. Most people who see me make some kind of comment along the lines of "wow! You're big!" I think its funny, and I do have to agree I am big. I can say that Charlotte is getting a little more cramp inside the womb as she continues to grow. And, her movements are getting much stronger. She is still just as active as ever. It's such a weird feeling when she rolls across my stomach and stick out a body part. You can just look down and see her sticking out of my stomach. Also, as of last Friday, I have started to really swell. My feet and hands get real puffy at random times. I probably need to drink more water. Here are some updated belly pics.
