Liam’s Week 1

Liam loves to sleep. Obviously. He sleeps about 20 hours a day in pretty much any position. He loves to lay on Daddy’s chest or be wrapped up in the baby wrap on me. He breastfeeds about 5-7 hours a day and produces enough diapers to show for it. Lots of laundry has been done, probably more this past week than the month prior! He loves to poop and spit up as soon as we change him into clean clothes. Plus, we’re cloth diapering and somehow knows when he has a clean one on. So thankful for our washer & dryer! The dogs have grown used to their little brother and are very protective of him, switching couches if Ryan or I move Liam. They will follow us upstairs when we change his diaper and come running if they hear him crying.

We’ve seen some pretty hilarious faces from our little guy.  A few smiles, though probably accidental, are still adorable. He makes lots of noises when he’s awake and loves to wave his arms around. He is not a fan of diaper changes but the past day has gotten better about it. Liam loves to cosleep with me and falls right asleep no matter what position we’re in. Of course he wakes me up every 2 hours like clockwork to eat so I’m glad he’s right next to me in bed. Makes my life so much easier!

We’re getting ready to move on Monday and should be in Virginia by Friday. Hoping our stuff will arrive shortly after that so we can get settled into our new home and not disrupt things too much for him. Say a little prayer for us on Wed-Fri as we drive 800 miles in separate cars from IL to VA. It’s gonna be an interesting trip.

Our Birth Story

Since today was our “official” due date, I figured it would be appropriate to write our birth story as best I can remember it. Parts of it are hazy but I tried to take notes during the early stages so I could recant it accurately. Here goes-

I started prodromal labor on January 30th around 2pm. It was the first time I’d had steady, painful contractions for more than a few minutes. I had an appointment the following day and the OB confirmed I had started early labor after hooking me up to the monitor. Of course, I didn’t know that I had two more weeks of nonsense before Liam decided it was time to arrive. You can read my prodromal labor lamentations in earlier posts.

Fast forward to Valentine’s Day. I woke up with contractions pretty strong that morning and started saying to myself “You are going into labor” “You are going to have your baby today” over and over again. I noticed when I said the mantras to myself the contractions would get stronger and not fade out like they had been doing the previous weeks. I tried to put the eagerness in the back of my mind as Ryan and I ran errands and attempted to stay busy during the day. Thankfully his job the past month has been pretty relaxed so he has been able to be home with me which was really nice for walking the dogs and helping me with stuff around the house. We made chicken parm that night and I kept having contractions. These were definitely different but how different? I didn’t want to sound the alarm and go to the hospital, only to be sent home. I had seen the OB the day before and I was dilated a bit more but labor hadn’t kick started or anything. At about 10pm I told Ryan we should probably head to the hospital.

Last belly shot before we left for the hospital!

Side note- some of you may be wondering why we went to the hospital since we had planned on a homebirth. A few weeks prior to me going into labor, Ryan & I made the difficult decision to switch our care to the OB team and birth at Highland Park hospital instead of at home. Most of the reasons are personal having to do with the midwife and NONE of them have to do with homebirth in an of itself. We still believe it is the best way to birth a baby and after Liam was born, found ourselves on many occasions wishing we were home. However, you need to be 100% on the same page with not only your spouse but your birthing team and bottom line: we weren’t. Fortunately I’d found the OB team who I was really comfortable with and while making the switch was hard and definitely stressful for me (I worried about interventions out of the OB team’s control) I’m really happy we did it. As I said before, the only downside the birthing in the hospital was the interruptions after Liam was born. It felt like someone was always coming in and out of the room to check on me or him or both of us. We left as soon as possible the next day and had a much better time relaxing at home.

Ok… so we arrived at the hospital around 11 and I was 3cm dilated, about 1/2 cm more than at my appointment the day before. My contractions were steady at about 8 minutes (since this is my second baby, and Aden was born early they wanted me to come in when the contractions were 7-8 min apart instead of 5). After they hooked me to the monitor, Ryan & I walked the halls for about 15 minutes until I was tired. Checked again and I was dilated to 4cm. They decided to admit me at 2am since it was clear active labor was just around the corner.

I tried to sleep but was pretty amped up with excitement and the contractions were impossible to ignore throughout the night. They slowed down around 5am and I worried that I was going to be sent home but the nurse assured me we were on our way to having a baby and they weren’t sending me anywhere. Ryan left around 6 to take the dogs to the boarding facility and I went for a walk in the halls. At 8am my water broke. Ryan showed up at 8:15. I got in the shower and was having what I would call painful period cramps. Nothing too difficult to deal with but definitely worth paying attention to. I got out of the shower and walked around the room a bit, sat on the birth ball and felt the contractions grow stronger with each minute.

I think they checked me again around 9 and I was at 5cm, my cervix had completely moved forward and things were moving along nicely. It was quite painful at this point. I used groaning and swaying with Ryan to try to and ease the pain at the height of each contraction. I remember having the urge to pee over and over and being glad there was a bathroom so close to the area where I was laboring. During the really painful points, I visualized running a marathon and how it feels to be halfway through- utterly spent and wanting to give up but then, how amazing it feels to cross the finish line. I tried to envision that and work towards the goal of crossing the finish line. Temporary pain for long term gain.

At 10am they checked me and I was at 6cm. Transition hit. Here’s where I start to lose it. I’m crying with every contraction and telling Ryan “no, no”, shaking my head. I’m sure I said “I can’t do this” a few times. I would groan when the contraction started and then be crying by the time it was over. The nursing team was in and out of the room this whole time, whispering and getting things set up to deliver. Never once did they ask me if I wanted pain medication. Never once did they bother me except when I was hyperventalting and the nurse got in my face and helped me breathe slowly. Ryan was steadfast in our birth plan- “You CAN do this. Remember why we chose this. Do it for our son. You can handle this. It will be over soon.” Those are the phrases that stick out to me a week later. He didn’t cave, despite the fact I was in obvious agony, and for that I am so, SO thankful. To be honest, Liam was born so fast by the time they would’ve gotten drugs in me, it would’ve been too late but I’m so proud of myself for not even asking for them. I wanted to, believe me. But part of me didn’t want to let Ryan down and the other part knew I was doing the best thing for our child.

I vaguely remember the nurse telling me to let her know when I got the urge to push. I have no idea what time it was but probably 10:30/10:40 and I REALLY needed to push. Dr. Wong rushed in and said “Are you ready to have your baby?” or something to that effect. I think I probably just cried.

With Ryan on one side and the nurse on the other, I pushed through three contractions. I probably could’ve gotten him out in two but I was hoping to not tear too badly and knew he needed to essentially help me push him out so I took breaks even when they were telling me to push. Someone had grabbed me an oxygen mask because I was having a hard time breathing, probably due to my asthma and heart PVC’s but I’m SO grateful it was there because I needed it a few times during the pushing stage. Ryan was right next to me, telling me how great I was doing and that he could see the head. Next thing I knew, he was out. After two weeks and two days of pre-labor and 3 hours of active labor Liam Angelo was born on 2/15 at 10:58am, weighing 9.2 lbs! and 20.5 inches. Our little bundle of joy.

They gave him to me immediately and we waited for the cord to stop pulsing. Ryan cut the cord and they took Liam over to the table to “pink” him up a bit. I forgot to ask what his Apgar score was but they gave him right back and I laid him on my chest, skin to skin. Dr. Wong put in a few stitches, helped me deliver my placenta and it was all over. Minutes later, I got Liam to latch. The room cleared out and it was just us.

We were able to leave the hospital the next afternoon. The boys were understandably very curious when they were introduced to their little brother but have been absolutely great with him. They get concerned when they hear him cry but don’t bark like they used to when hearing babies on tv. They come up to us when I’m nursing and lick his head and try to sit on my lap. They seem very protective of him.

So that’s it. The story of Liam’s birth. I am beyond proud of myself for doing it completely drug free including labor augmenting pitocin and any pain medication. I wish I’d been calmer during transition but I’m not ashamed at how I got through the pain. It was purely instinctual. My birth experience was SO fast and for that I am thankful because I’m not sure I could’ve taken more than a few hours of the intense pain. Bottom line: I delivered a 9 pound baby without drugs. I AM AWESOME!

I’m going to try and post weekly Liam updates/milestones as we go but no promises. I was pretty good about keeping up with the pregnancy posts but it may be a little difficult some weeks. I do want to document our journey as he grows and believe this is the best way to do it so I’m hoping I can be consistent with it. They grow so fast and I want to remember each and every step of the way. Here are some pictures from Liam’s birth day-

Tags: birth story

Baby Blessing

My dear son,

“I bless you with joy and peace and love that won’t let go.
I bless you with grace and faith and fire in your soul.
I bless you with dreams and visions most men don’t know of.
I bless you with deeper knowledge of our Father’s Love.
I bless you with strength and power, grace through any trial.
I bless you with wisdom and with comfort in your smile.
I bless you with great adventures, journeys yet unknown.
I bless you with hearts gone wild because you are His own.

I bless you with the heart of a warrior, grace to stand and fight.
I bless you with brothers who will stand right by your side.
I bless you with courage ’til the battles have been won.
I bless you with the faith to hear your Father say, “Well done!”

I bless you with joy and laughter.
I bless you with a steadfast faith.
I bless you with the hopes and the dreams that your heart goes after.
I bless you with amazing grace.”

I love you little Liam. Welcome to the world.

Love,

Your Momma

Knocked Up – 37 & 38 Weeks

Nothing has really changed since my last post in regards to the pregnancy except I’m getting bigger and more uncomfortable. Still having tons of contractions for hours and hours (they lasted 8 hours the night before last) but no baby. I read a birth story on Birth Without Fear blog the other day that made me cry because she was having weeks of prodromal labor as well. One line resonated with me- “The past two weeks of contractions that started the same way but always left us empty handed had also nearly emptied me of my confidence in my own body, my own dream birth, my own story.”

I’m trying to not get discouraged and stay positive that he WILL come but it’s very tough to not lose faith in my ability to birth considering how many “false” starts I seem to have had.

To complicate things, we found out a few days ago that we are moving in 3 weeks. Ryan is going to school in Dahlgren, VA and we need to report by 2/28. Liam is due 2/21. You can see where the issue is. If he does decide to wait until his due date (or even after, God forbid) we’re in trouble. Fortunately Ryan was able to get an extension on when we need to report to VA but his last date to report to Great Lakes is 2/28. So anytime we take outside the allotted three days to arrive to VA is going to use his leave. However, the Dahlgren school is allowing us to arrive “in March” so that is definitely helpful. Our issue now lies in when to schedule the movers. We’re both so anxious for Liam to arrive. He’s making planning this move quite difficult!

We were told by the midwife I need two weeks to recover and establish a breastfeeding relationship with Liam so matter when he arrives, we will be here for two weeks after his birth. The movers need a date when they’re packing us, Dahlgren housing needs a date when we’re arriving, and Great Lakes housing needs a date when we’re moving out. But right now, we have nothing. Because he’s not ready to come out yet.

We’ve been asked by numerous people why we don’t get induced. Yes, it would be much more convenient to have him born today. However, I am unwilling to put him or myself at risk for convenience sake. Liam will be born when his body is ready. I refuse to have artificial hormones put into my body to trick it into doing what it WILL do on its own, eventually. Yes I am uncomfortable. Yes I’d like to control things. Yes I’d like him born ASAP but there are just somethings both Ryan & I are unwilling to mess with. I’m so thankful my husband is on the same page as I am with this because having a united front is so important in a birthing situation.

So that’s where we are. Stuck in the middle. I’m doing what I can around the house, which is precious little. We need to sell some furniture and clean a few things but for the most part we’re ready to move. We’ve only been here since May so we haven’t accumulated too many unnecessary items. The main issue is going to be what to pack for Liam to be on the road and away from our stuff for 7-10 days. We’ll keep you guys posted!

Here’s me in Target dressing room yesterday. I went to stock up on nursing gear so we can discreetly breastfeed on the road and around strangers while we move. I caught a glimpse of myself from behind where I barely look pregnant and then laughed out loud when I turned sideways so I had to share both. I love being pregnant but I can’t wait to get back in shape!

He’s Not Here Yet! (A mid-week labor update)

Last Sunday afternoon I went into labor. And it’s a week later and obviously Liam is still not here. False labor? I think not. Midwives and doctors are now calling this extended early labor as prodromal labor. Here are a few websites I’ve found helpful to explain the situation:

The Birth Teacher

Prodromal labor isn’t all in vain. These annoying contractions condition the uterus, and prepare the cervix for dilation and effacement. In fact, sometimes the cervix may even dilate and efface as a result. It’s all about your body preparing for the big day.

Supported Birth

In a classic labor the woman notices the progressive nature of the frequency and intensity of her contractions. But there are some early labors that drag. Often referred to as prodromal labor, this is actually a day-long (or more) prelude to active labor. It is almost like another phase of labor for some women, especially first-timers. Prodromal labor may be considered as a very drawn-out early or “latent” phase (although there is nothing latent about the mother’s experience) that slowly effaces the cervix over two or three days. Prodromal labor is not only difficult to interpret, but also difficult to endure – physically and emotionally. The contractions characteristically drag on with little or no acceleration in their frequency or intensity and very little or no cervical dilation. An example of prodromal labor would be a woman having contractions every 8-10 minutes for three full days during which her cervix effaces to 75% but dilates only 1 or 2 centimeters. The contractions are usually not overwhelmingly painful, but they are strong enough to keep the woman awake and in need of some comfort measures. The greatest difficulty with this kind of labor is the exhaustion and discouragement that a woman may feel. This can snowball into making mild contractions seem strong and the prospect of dealing with the “real” labor yet to come seem overwhelming.

While I realize my official due date is more than 2 weeks away, the thought of having to do this for another 2 weeks (plus more because he could go over) is very depressing and disheartening. I had to stop working on Monday because of how exhausted I am. Essentially I have these randomly throughout the day and consistently at night- usually in the evenings and always between 1-5am. I’ve been taking a lot of middle of the night baths, enjoying a glass of wine and sleeping during the day. I’m trying to not get discouraged but it is honestly difficult to keep my positivity in the face of such physical discomfort.

I am thankful for my momma friends on Twitter and their support. Many have been through this very thing so I know I’m not alone and their encouragement helps make feel I’m not crazy. Because there are moments where I feel as if I’m going insane. I’ve stopped timing, for the most part. I did an hour or so last night because they were so strong and long but after 8 hours (yes, EIGHT HOURS) they went away around 4am. See why I might be feeling a little out of sorts??

My other fear (except for the irrational one that I will NEVER have this baby) is not knowing when I’m actually in labor. With all these false starts and real contractions, how will I truly know when “it’s time”? So far I’m ~2cm dilated, 100% effaced and Liam’s head has descended and is engaged into my pelvis. I have an appointment tomorrow morning and am curious to see if anything has changed since Thursday when I was checked last.

At this point there’s obviously nothing to do but wait. I’m trying to do little things around the house without wearing myself out. I got a hair cut last week and went thrifting in an attempt to keep myself busy so other than distraction measures, it’s a lot of nocturnal wakings and sleeping during the day. Ryan’s been absolutely wonderful- taking the dogs out 3-4 times a day, cooking most every meal, waiting on me hand and foot essentially. I am quite lucky to have such a sweet husband and know it’s because of him I’m able to relax at all. So, thanks sweetie. I promise our son will be here soon(ish). <3

In the meantime, here’s what I’m carrying around these days…

 

Knocked Up – 36 Weeks

Last week I got really, really sick with some sort of head cold that had me sneezing non-stop, battling a sinus infection and an ear infection. A week later and I still can’t smell but things seem to be clearing up. Of course it’s all settled into my lungs but the sickness is definitely on its way out. Tuesday was my last day at work and it seems that I won’t be going back now. When I went in for my appointment on Monday, I had dilated more and was 100% effaced. Regular contractions and other things have been happening too but I’ll save those details for the birth story. It’s a waiting game for now but it looks like Liam will be arriving in the not-so-distant future! That’s all for now. Back to timing my contractions.

Knocked Up – Week 35

We’re into week 36 at this point and I know I haven’t been the best at updating lately but rest assured we are alive and well! Things have been good as we near the end of the pregnancy. I’m SUPER uncomfortable pretty much 100% of the time. Sitting, laying, walking, whatever. I feel huge. I AM huge (not abnormally big, just late pregnancy large) for my body type and stature so I’m trying to stay positive but sometimes I honestly wonder what he’s doing in there and how it’s possible for such a little guy to kick so damn hard! Little feet get stuck in my ribs. Hands seem to try and break out through my belly button. Who knows what presses against my bladder in any position I lay. Acid reflux & heartburn are constantly plaguing me, peeing all day and all night. Excruciating pain when I get up from sitting but it passes after I walk around for a minute. Despite all the normal pregnancy complaints, I am making an effort to enjoy the beauty of pregnancy and the miracle that is happening and has happened in my body over the past 9 months. I feel so honored to have carried our son this far with very few complications and I hope the last few weeks will be just as smooth.

Gained 1 lb from last week’s OB appointment to this week’s but my fundal height (measurement from pubic bone to top of uterus) also grew by 2 centimeters (measuring at 37 now) so he must be getting ready to come out and is packing on the pounds. +30 overall total weight gain- give or take. Will have a more exact weight after midwife appointment on Saturday.

Based on our follow up ultrasound today, he’s about 7 pounds right now which sounds just right. Of course those can be off by a pound or more in either direction, however Aden was born this week in my pregnancy 14 years ago and he weighed in at 7lb 9oz so if Liam is 7lbs, he’s right on track with his brother. Let’s just hope I don’t go over my due date or we’re looking at a 10 pounder here! Ultrasound is still measuring him a week early (2/14) so we’re taking bets at work for his arrival date. I wouldn’t be upset if he came the first week or two in February.

Dilated 1cm; 50% effaced which is totally normal for 36 weeks. This morning he was lying head down, facing inward towards my belly, spine against my right side which is a good laboring position. But he still flip flops from one side to the other so he’s definitely not in final birthing position yet.

Liam’s room is completely done! It still looks kind of half-finished because we have no crib but everything that’s supposed to be in there, is there. Our plan is to have him sleep in the bassinette next to the bed for awhile and then upgrade to a King so he can co-sleep with us. We’re just not sure how he’s going to be so we don’t want to invest in a larger bed if it turns out he sleeps better alone. In which case, we’ll get a crib and set it up in our room. But we figure we have some trial & error ahead of us before we buy any more furniture.

Birth supplies have been completely assembled. Birth kit with the medical supplies, birth certificate, etc came a week or two ago and once our waterproof mattress cover arrives, I’ll make the bed up as directed by the midwife (like three sets of sheets need to go on there). Not sure when I’ll have Ryan line the floors with plastic but probably not until I actually start labor. Debbie will be visiting next week for our home visit which will mark the official “IN THE CLEAR” date! As of 1/31, I’m green light to give birth at home. We are totally going to make it, right Liam?!

Last week was bitter sweet in our house. My best friend Lauren lost her father on Wednesday to cancer. She has been taking care of him for the past four months in California and was there when he passed. Steve was such a wonderful person and profoundly influenced who Lauren is today. If you had the privilege of knowing him, you understand what I mean when I say this is a man who lived and loved life. He did not let himself be held back by fears and inhibitions and yet remained kind and generous to the core. Thankfully his legacy will live on through his daughters as they recognize what a truly unique man their father was and strive to make him proud every day of their lives. My heart is with all of the Ungaro family as they mourn the loss of such a great man.

On Friday, my co-workers surprised me with a baby shower which was totally unexpected and wonderful. I have really enjoyed working there and it was nice to feel appreciated and celebrated as I know the pregnancy was less than convenient for our department.

Nothing else to report. We’re ready to meet our little boy and are seriously coming to grips with the fact we’re going to be PARENTS in like 1-4 weeks. Woah. Parents.

Tags: baby shower, homebirth, pregnancy update

Knocked Up – Week 34

I honestly get so confused with how far along I am since the OB has one due date (which she won’t change) and my MW has another (who also won’t change it). I just know I’m pregnant.

I actually haven’t gained any weight since my last appointment which is crazy but due to the fact I’ve lost lots of fluid weight/swelling. I really feel like I’m all belly. People have been saying that from the beginning but after you see these pictures from this week, you’ll know what I mean.

My days seem to be a never ending stream of heartburn, intense thirst, small appetite and crazy busy baby. Sitting is uncomfortable because his feet are in my ribs and lying down just exacerbates the heartburn. My nights are basically made up of little sleep and lots of pee trips. Yep, I’m pregnant.

As some of you know, my birthday was Wednesday. Ryan did a fantastic job with making me feel very spoiled and special. Last weekend he found a Pho place in downtown Chicago as well as a Chinese bakery which meant I was pretty much in food heaven. On Wednesday I thought we were headed to dinner but it turned out Ryan booked me an hour long prenatal massage. It couldn’t have come at a more perfect time and I can’t wait to have another one before Liam comes. I’ve felt SO much better in the days after the massage. My body really needed it. After the massage, we got take-out Mexican and watched a movie. Still waiting on my ice cream cake but he assures me tonight is the last night of celebration so I’m counting on it for dessert.

Nancy, my co-worker surprised me with balloons, an orchid, and fried pickles and Oreos. It was a nice treat and so thoughtful of her. To add to my super fun birthday week, we got our first real snow storm which was exciting for me. Now it probably won’t melt until May but I’m happy now. Not much else to report so here are the pictures you’re all waiting for:

Smiling is SO for 31 year olds…

Week 12 –> Week 34/36

Tags: baby bump, birthday week, pregnancy update

Knocked Up – Weeks 32 & 33

Sorry to my faithful readers for the slacking. I didn’t realize I was TWO weeks behind on posting until yesterday so here ya go…

Weight:  158 (+28 lbs) This has actually fluctuated the past weeks. I was up to about 163 quite suddenly once we got back to Chicago but I figured it was due to spending about 24 hours total in the car on the trip home for Christmas. I’ve since upped my fluids and protein and have gone back to what should be “normal”. Weight gain should be approximately 1/2 lb a week (for baby) until delivery. I plan on staying within those parameters. I really don’t want to gain more than 35 lbs so keep your fingers crossed for us!

Still absolutely no stretch marks which I’m pretty DAMN excited about. Twice daily coconut oil massages has probably helped but also the fact I was already so stretched out by Aden, my body knew what to do. I love having a huge pregnant belly because you can barely see that I have any marks at all. Of course, when my stomach is flat, it’s a different story.

Baby size & Weight: 17 inches; 4 lbs (pineapple size) but I’m pretty sure he’s going to measure bigger at our sonogram in a few weeks.

Physical: UGH. It’s impossible for me to get comfortable at night. I’m a right side sleeper and can’t lie on that side without having the insatiable urge to pee. Left side is my only reliable option. Lack of restful sleep = extremely run down during the day = body freaking out. I had more concerning contractions this week, pretty painful & very low. I met my OB at the hospital and she checked everything out. I’m very slightly dilated but nothing to be concerned about. Great news is Liam has officially dropped into place! He’s head down and engaged so no breech baby for us!!

I waddle when I walk. I wince when I get up from sitting. Pretty typical late pregnancy stuff. I was able to drop my hours down at work to 30 a week instead of 37.5. I’m hoping with the ability to come in later, I’ll feel like I can get more sleep in the morning and not have to get up while still exhausted. I’m so proud of myself for working this whole pregnancy! I was definitely worried it wouldn’t happen.

Emotional: Drained. Ready to meet him but at the same time, understanding the need for him to stay safely tucked away in my belly for at least another 4 weeks. I can feel myself getting excited and anxious for parenthood. I’ve read so many books and blogs and advice, I’m just ready to do it for myself.

Activity: None. After my swimming at home, I aggravated my pelvis and had serious pain for a few weeks. It has mostly calmed down but I’m not going to push things. I walk to the bathroom at work about 20 times a day so I’m counting that for now.

Baby Prep: His room is almost done! We went to Ikea a few weeks ago and got the dresser I had my eye on. It’s assembled and this weekend I’ll put all his clothes in it. Pictures, toys & books from the baby shower were brought home and now have a spot. I’ll post pictures next week.

Birth Prep: Contractions. Tailor sitting. Got a big exercise ball I’ve been sitting on and doing stretches which feels really nice. Should’ve gotten one months ago.

Supplements: Rainbow Light Prenatal, Trader Joe’s Omega 3, Mother to Be tea, Trader Joe’s Folic Acid, B6 & B12, and liquid D3 (5,000 IU)

Cravings: baby carrots, bananas, string cheese & ice cream

Now for my headless belly shots. Not sure why I took both without my face but oh well. You know what I look like.

32 Weeks with Charlie growing out of my belly button

33 Weeks

 

Tags: baby size, coconut oil, late pregnancy

Knocked Up – Week 31

Weight: 157 (+27 lbs) I can feel every last pound of this these days.

Baby size & weight:

During your 31st week of pregnancy, your baby’s body and brain continue to make the connections that enable his systems to work as a whole. Also when you’re 31 weeks pregnant:

• Your baby weighs more than 3 pounds and is 11 inches long from crown to rump, which is about the length of a bunch of bok choy (a type of Chinese cabbage).
• Your baby’s reproductive system continues to develop. In boys, testicles are moving from the kidneys through the groin to the scrotum.
• Your baby’s lungs are now more developed but are not completely mature.
• As trillions of brain connections develop, your baby is already using all five senses.
• You might notice that your baby has more defined periods of being awake (and active) or asleep.

Physical: Oh how do I hurt. My back, hips & pelvis ache pretty much constantly. I’ve been to my chiropractor since being home but walking is pretty painful and I look rather pathetic.

Emotional: Definitely happy to be home for Christmas and starting to really embrace the fact we’re going to be parents in a few weeks. It’s down to WEEKS in my book because it’s less than 10 and that is really soon. We cannot wait to meet our little one, no matter how he arrives, as long as he’s safe and sound, we are going to be thrilled.

Activity: Swimming! Swimming has been happening and it is glorious. I feel so weightless in the water, though my stamina is much lower than it was when I swam before I got pregnant, I’m thrilled to be able to do something physical without my entire body hurting. Shopping, running errands and sitting around has also been happening.

Baby Prep: Working on a few sewing projects while I have extra time on my hands, reading the Baby Book by Dr. Sears and thrifting at the awesome stores here in NOVA.

Birth Prep: Went to see my OB (see last week’s post) and I absolutely love her. She is low intervention and very knowledgable about many of the things I would like even if we give birth in the hospital (delayed cord clamping, skin-to-skin, intermittent monitoring, various laboring positions, etc). She calculated my due date as 2/7 based on my LMP but the midwife’s is most likely more accurate (2/21) though I have a feeling I’m going to give birth before the 21st. She is up for being my back-up doctor and fully supports my desire to have a homebirth. I feel so much better knowing she’ll be there should a transfer be necessary.

Supplements: Rainbow Light Prenatal, Trader Joe’s Omega 3, Mother to Be tea, Trader Joe’s Folic Acid, B6 & B12, and liquid D3 (5,000 IU)

Cravings: back on my chocolate kick. Anything high quality. Ice cream. Bread (even though it makes me feel like crap). Clementines (I eat 5-6 a day). Baby carrots. Apples & cheese.

Diana of Studio Diana took some shots of me the other day and at first I wasn’t going to share them but honestly, I’m thrilled with how they turned out. These days, I feel so uncomfortable in my own skin so just looking at these make me realize how beautiful pregnancy is. And I feel honored to be pregnant and carrying our son for these nine months. So here they are!

And one with clothes!