Week 34

Very happy to report that things are still going really well.  I had my 34 week check-up yesterday - my blood pressure was good, baby's heart rate was perfect (150's), and I was measuring 34.5 cm. I asked about the shots of pelvic pain I've been having and my dr. said that is normal.  He could describe my aches and pains to a T, which reassured me that they are indeed normal.  He said right now the baby is head down - yay - please stay there lil one! My next appt will be in two weeks, at 36 weeks.  That appointment will be the start of the "coveted weekly appointments" as he phrased it.  I will have the Strep B test at this appt and my cervix will be checked!  

We also interviewed our first pediatrician this week.  I had received numerous recommendations from friends for this specific pediatrician, so felt like it was a good starting point.  Well, we loved her - definitely a match!  She explained to us that she will come see baby within 24 hours of his birth and then went over how often she would see him after that, gave us information about the practice, etc.   She was a young doctor (35) and extremely outgoing and easy to talk to.  So we have our pediatrician!!!

We also registered with the hospital for my upcoming stay.  Things are definitely starting to feel more real.

I want to be completely honest on this blog and document ALL of my feelings. I can't sit here and say that my life has been anxiety free.  That is far from the truth.  I still am having a hard time letting go to fully enjoy this pregnancy.  Every night and every morning I continue to pray that this little guy gets here safely.  I also pray that God will comfort me during this time and reassure me that everything will be okay.  Some days are much better than others.  I don't know if this is something every pregnant woman goes through or if its an effect of everything I've been through.  I remember being early on in the second trimester and people saying, "Oh you will feel better once you can feel him moving around."  That held true, for awhile.  But now that he is so active, I freak out any time I don't feel him (even though I'm fully aware he has a sleep-wake cycle).

I really appreciate a recent blog post from "M" over at a A Fine Mess.  She posted a passage called "Don't Worry" from the book, Journey to the Heart by Melodie Beattie.  M, I hope you don't mind, but I'm going to post it here too, because I really found it to be helpful.

"Worrying doesn't help. Our worries haven't prevented one disaster along the way. At times, the only thing they've prevented is our joy. Our worries are fear. We say, I will worry and be fearful until things have worked out, only then can I relax and enjoy. Our worries are self-punishment, a form of not forgiving ourselves, not loving ourselves, not trusting. 

We may think that worrying helps ward off trouble, but that's an illusion. Sometimes worrying brings troubles upon us, because we're so caught up in our fear that we don't take the responsible steps we need to take. By neglecting our lives due to worry and fear, we may bring needless consequences upon ourselves. 

The lesson is trust. When we're trusting, we let go of our fear, confident that what we want and need will come. We trust that if what comes appears to be trouble or hardship, we will get what we need to get through that, too. When we trust, we get peaceful first, before we get what we want, before we see what the future brings. 

Worry and fear are the opposite of love.
Love yourself more that you ever have.
Love yourself enough to stop worrying.
Love yourself enough to give yourself the gift of peace." 

I'm going to work real hard at achieving this message - giving myself the gift of peace by trusting God.  A good friend of mine texted me the other day and said "God will take care of both of you".  I keep repeating that over and over in my head and it really does help.

Hope all of you are doing well wherever you may be in your journey.  I continue to pray for each and every one of you.

I can't wait to post again soon and tell you all about the amazing shower my sister threw for me last weekend.  :)

I always try to post a weekly pic - and the only one I have (other than baby shower pics)  is a pic right after my massage last week.  SO relaxing! :)

33 Weeks

Well, I am a day early - but tomorrow is 33 weeks already!!!!! I haven't updated in awhile because things have been so hectic with finishing up the school year.  I have lots of updates though.  :)

I'm officially done with school. We finished up with students last week, but I had been there a few extra days preparing my maternity plans for the substitute in the fall.  Feels so good to have that accomplished.  I may go in late August and help the sub set up my room, but if for some reason, I can't - all the lesson plans & copies are set and ready to go! I sure will miss my babies though. It's crazy to think that the next time I see them...baby boy will be here!

Saying goodbye 

On one of the last days of school one of my best friends from work threw me a shower.  It was wonderful! I was overwhelmed with how many staff members came to celebrate with me.  There were numerous times throughout the shower where I was very teary eyed thinking I just couldn't believe the shower was actually for me?!?! I can't tell you how many baby showers I've sat through wondering if I would every get to experience one and here I was sitting there amidst my own shower.  One of my teaching partners gave a speech about my struggle that literally put me into tears.  It was a memorable day.

A couple weeks ago my sister came down and surprised me by taking me to get a 3D/4D ultrasound.  We had such a great time and it was amazing to see baby boy again.  He really likes his feet!  He kept putting his toes up by his mouth.  The ultrasound tech commented that he has some meat on his bones, which I like to hear! It was so surreal to see him moving around like crazy and think that is all going on inside of me...special moments.

This is my sisters favorite pic of the lil guy. 

Hubby and I have been going to birthing class the past couple of weeks.  Our last class is this upcoming Thursday.  I'm super excited for it - because we will finally get a tour of the birthing center.  Thus far, I have only been able to see pictures.  The class has been very informative and I would recommend that any first time mom takes them.  We have learned so much that I'm sure will make our experience go more smoothly come August.  My hubby is amazing - he takes pride during the massaging portion of the class learning the techniques that feel the best to me.   As scared as I am to labor, I feel comforted knowing I will have him by my side helping me get through it.  

Headed to class

We had our 32 OB appointment last week and I still am measuring right on track.  Baby's heart rate was great and my blood pressure is also good.  We are now moving to appointments every 2 weeks - so we go back already next Wednesday.  I definitely am liking the appointments getting closer and closer together.  

2 days shy of 33 weeks

The crazy exciting month of June continues.  We have our maternity photo shoot this evening and our family/friends shower this Saturday!  Then the last weekend in June we are heading back to Chicago to buy our furniture! I know, I know - I'm behind with setting up the nursery.  Looking forward to spending lots of time in there in July! :)

I'll leave you with one of my all time favorite pregnancy photos. Here's a pic of Buckwheat starting the bonding process with baby boy.  I kind of feel bad for him, because he has no clue how his life is about to change.  The poor guy won't be my only "baby" anymore.  

30 Weeks & Counting

30 down...10 to go. It still seems so surreal. I remember telling my husband that once we make it through the school year we are almost "there", meaning close to our due date. And now here we are - officially 7 days left of school. I'm starting to pack up my classroom and it's hard to envision not being back until November. Hard to envision because me not returning in September means there will be an actual real baby here to take care of.

Symptoms wise I've been feeling pretty good. My appetite has finally slowed down and is back to normal. I've noticed I'm easily winded after a simple flight of stairs. I do miss my ankles - ha! The swelling has come into full effect. One of my former students told me on Friday that I have really fat ankles now. Why thank you!

Baby boy seems to be doing well! :) He has been moving around like crazy and providing quite the show from the outside. I find myself in awe daily just laying on the couch watching my tummy move. I love it!

Big week ahead here. I have my school shower at work and our first birthing class - so excited.

I'll leave you with a bump shot from today. We had such amazing weather this weekend. Thinking of you all!