Aches and Pains

I am...in a word...uncomfortable. Everything about me at this stage (33 weeks)just seems awkward. Here are just a few of my pangs…

Bending over to pick things up off the floor is more trouble than it’s worth these days…so lots of things just stay on the floor. Putting on shoes is more and more difficult as time passes.  I am making an attempt to go back to the gym and tying the laces on my shoes is the most annoying part of the whole process.  My back is a constant irritation. I haven’t slept through the night in weeks mostly because I have to readjust my position several times a night.  I have found what works best for me is to sleep with a dozen blankets around me so that I am fully supported. I also hate to sneeze now. It just plain-old hurts.  The blood vessels in my nose appear to be collapsing because I have weird nose bleeds now. I haven’t had anymore leg cramps, but I’m also afraid to point my toes because, if I do, I feel like they’ll start cramping again…weird. I’m getting some new freckles—even though I’m not in the sun.  Oh, and I can’t forget the beautiful spider veins that are creeping all around my thighs and belly.

But honestly from the bottom of my heart, being pregnant is still the best experience I’ve ever had.  I get a little weepy thinking about it. Megan has been growing in me for so long that it will be strange not to feel her rumble and tumble inside of me anymore.

32 Week Check-up

On January 3rd we went to another doctor appointment. We had the chance to meet Barbora, the midwife. She spent a lot of time with us, more than the doctors did, and I think because of that, I felt very comfortable with her. The weigh-in was a bit tough to swallow this time around.  I've gained 10lbs since my 28 week check up.  Barbora said I shouldn't be concerned--"After all, it's the holidays," she said. I like her already :-)  We would really like for her to deliver Megan, but she is only available during the week, so I've been talking to Megan and telling her that she needs to come on a week-day.  We'll see if that works :-) My blood pressure was low again, but in the normal range. Megan's heart-rate was 135 beats per minute.  So far so good!

28 Week Check-up

Here's my update from the Dr. appointment this morning:
Glucose Screening: 123--I passed :) No gestational diabetes for me. 
Blood Pressure: 110/62--which we thought was pretty low but the nurse wasn't concerned
Weight:  139.7--I've gained 27lbs since I found out I was pregnant. Yikes!  The doc said it's nothing to worry about, so I'm going with that--bring on Christmas lunch and dinner!
Belly Button: successfully poking out--where are the band-aids???

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year..."

I love love love the Christmas season! Our house is sea of green and red with some twinkling lights mixed into the fold. I'm so excited to celebrate and visit with family and friends this season. As I was putting up the ornaments and other decorations, I couldn't help but think how different things will be next year.  Megan will be about 10 months and definitely mobile in one way or another. I doubt I will feel so comfortable leaving our ornaments and breakables strewn about on the floor. We also will bring her to our favorite Christmas tree farm where you can drink warm apple cider and listen to the Charlie Brown Christmas cd as you pick out the perfect tree. It's like we've stepped into Mayberry whenever we go.  I love it :-)

And the beat goes on...

Today we head to our 28 week doctor's appointment. In about 1 1/2 hours I'll be drinking a pretty sugary mixture aimed at testing whether or not I have gestational diabetes.  I'm not looking forward to that, but hopefully all will be well. More and more I am beginning to feel the pangs of pregnancy--mostly in my lower back and feet. I can neither sit or stand for long periods of time which is a bit annoying.  Reclining is also an issue.  I probably wake-up between 5 and 10 times a night just to re-adjust and get in a comfortable position. 

I've started reading aloud The Hunger Games series to Megan. I've been so disappointed that I haven't had time to finish the second book, that I thought 'why not kill two birds with one stone.' So...I am hosting my own little read aloud to her.  Sure it's taking me a lot longer than reading silently, but I like that we are both experiencing the book together. I hope this sparks a love of literature and how words can make music when put in the right order.

We are still working on getting Megan's room finished. I have hung and folded her clothes. I'm holding off on washing them for right now. We still need to purchase the dresser and crib and a few other essentials.  I'm oddly enough not too concerned.  It feels like there is plenty of time before Megan comes, but I'm probably just kidding myself. 

Gratitude

My heart has never been filled with more thanks and gratitude than this past Thanksgiving.  I spent the break from school doing exactly what I love: visiting with family and friends and nesting! Pregnancy has taught me a lot about myself.  Most importantly, it has taught me that the relationships I build with people are so much more important than my to-do-list. 

My sister came over this past week and helped me organize my house.  I am quite proud of all the work we were able to accomplish.  We put together the swings, moved the bed and other furniture, cleaned out the closets, hung curtains, decorated the house for Christmas, and organized Megan's clothes.  We had so much fun giggling and hanging out.  I also am working on getting the downstairs outfitted with curtains while Travis is working on getting the basement bar finished. It's amazing how having a baby can really light a fire under you!

My to-do-list is still long and overwhelming, but I feel like I'm finally getting a handle on things.  My priorities seem to be in the right spot--getting life ready for Megan. I'm not as concerned with the essays I have to grade, the cheers I have to teach, or the final exam I have to create.  I know (or hope) that it will all get done. As the weekend draws to a close, I know that I am most thankful for my relationships with the people that have graced my life. 

It Keeps Getting Better!

The farther I get along in the pregnancy, the more I realize the things that have changed in my life.  Here's my list of  how life has changed for me thus far:
1.  I can no longer easily shave my legs, put on socks or shoes while standing, or pick up something off the floor.
2.  I go to bed early and wake up early--we're talking in bed by 8:30 and up as early as 4:30am...and I love it!  Who knew!?!
3.  I cannot hop on the counter like I used. I actually tried it today and almost fell over.  "Bad Idea Jeans."
4.  I cannot touch my toes :-( 
5.  I cannot get off the couch without doing the old "heave-ho" motion.
6.  I cannot sleep through the night.  The back aches usually wake me from my slumber.
7.  I cannot motivate myself to eat healthy or go to the gym.  I hope that this changes soon.
8.  I cannot sit or stand for long periods of time.
9.  And finally I cannot imagine my life being more wonderful than it is right now!

Uh-oh

I feel like my to-do-list before February is a mile long.  Friends have told me making a list helps, so here it goes--a little preview of the things cluttering and clogging my brain...
1. organize office  2.  buy a crib  3. buy a car seat  4.  order white baby bedding  5. get sound machine (Trav's job)  6. order photo books (Galley Bay, Czech Rep and Holland, past trips, and pregnancy journey) 7. get Megan's room ready  8. organize closets  9. take tour of hospital  10. order cheerleading stuff  11. get final exam ready  12. get lessons done for 12 wks I'll be out  13. buy a dresser  14. buy curtains for downstairs and bedrooms 

As I look at the list, I see that most of the stressors are self-induced and few are pressing. Hopefully, I can now re-prioritize what really needs to be done before the big day! 

26 Weeks!

Time really does fly.  I can't believe we're already at the third trimester marker.  Overall, Megan and I are doing great.  I still love love love being pregnant.  Her movements are getting more pronounced.  Instead of slight jabs and kicks, I can actually feel waves of her moving. I guess that will happen the bigger she gets.  Last night Travis and I went to Ovo, the Cirque show. I guess Megan really enjoyed the music and her mom hanging on every dare-devil move because she was moving up a storm! Maybe we do have a little gymnast on our hands :-) 


I haven't been doing the greatest job lately of taking it easy.  Basketball cheerleading and my 6th graders have been keeping me on my toes.  I wish I didn't get so worked up over trivial things.  If only I could "lighten-up."  I'm hoping this 3rd trimester and the "nesting" mode will kick in to remind me of what is really important--providing Megan with a healthy environment for the next 14 weeks.  


I went clothes shopping for the first time last week since finding out I was pregnant.  What a different experience that was! Usually new clothes make me feel great about myself...well...not this time. I have gained over 20lbs, and it was naive of me to think that I was going to "look" the same.  So... I went and bought a cute pair of riding boots. After all, you don't have to take your clothes off when trying on shoes :-)

Showered with Love

 

 

Being able to celebrate our pregnancy with all of our family and friends is so special to us. I was overwhelmed with joy, love, and gratitude at the shower hosted by my wonderful friends at Chamblee Middle School. 

I was running a tad late to the festivities, but when I walked into the CMS library, I saw the most beautiful site--wonderful friends that I admire and respect and the CMS guys chugging baby bottles. It was awesome!  The fun continued as we took on the next challenge--which team could change a baby's diaper the fastest. I'm proud to say our team won, not because of my pitiful efforts, but because I was on a team with true mommy professionals! The decorations and balloons were decked out in pink and the food was fabulous. 

There were so many wonderful friends that had a hand in making the shower so special. It's true what they say--sometimes words are just not enough to express your gratitude. I also couldn't believe all the people that chose to stay after work and celebrate this happy time with us. As Travis and I were walking out, a flood of emotion consumed me. I hope that everyone has a chance to feel the way I felt last Tuesday night:  showered--in spades--with love!