Bumpday – 31 Weeks
I’m now into the single digit countdown. The next ~9 weeks are going to go so fast! EEEEEEE!
Baby size:16-ish inches long; 3.3-ish lbs (about the size of a pineapple)
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I’m feeling: Ehn. I’ve felt better. This is my last week of intense writing for my capstone, and I’ll be glad to put that behind me. I am going to concentrate on swimming & yoga for the next month & try to keep my pelvis happy.
Physical changes: The belly button is still an innie! I am still humongous! I run into things with my belly a lot. I’ve started to wake up with calf cramps on occasion, which has been a little annoying. I’m trying really hard to stay super-hydrated, because I know that helps w/ the leg cramps and the Braxton Hicks, although it does mean more waking up to pee. Sleeping is getting really difficult, although I’ve slept semi-propped up on the couch the last two nights, and have slept really well; only waking up 2-3 times to pee. I hate the thought of couch sleeping for the next two months, but not as much as I hate being exhausted!
Baby stuff: I think someone gave Alvie Bean a little pick-axe so he could try to dig his way out through my right rib cage. I don’t necessarily appreciate that! As of this week, all of his 1-2-3-4-5 senses [are] working overtime! (ha ha ha – I kill me!).
Body Image: Comes & goes – I am obsessed with training plans for post-baby, and keep looking for post-partum exercise plans. However, on almost every website I’ve looked at, in the first couple paragraphs, it mentions that exercise won’t get rid of stretch marks. I am not worried about that! I want fitness, strength & endurance!
Food stuff: I finally got my chicken & dumplings, and so am okay there. Nothing else, really, although my sugar cravings are getting crazy! I want something sweet after every meal, which is ridiculous. I’m trying to resist as much as possible, and only do sweet desserts a couple of times/week.
Things I miss: Running. Walking without pain. Being able to tie my shoes without a plan. Taking rolling over for granted.
Prep Work (Things to do between now & Alvie Bean Day)
January: Find a pediatrician, lock down a daycare (two more tours scheduled!), recycle all the old electronics in the office, get the carpet cleaning appointment made, find a maid service for quarterly deep cleans, finalize shower list for shower giver! Find a new doula!
February: Attend childbirth class, take babymoon, make sure all essentials are purchased (diapers and carseat at this point!), pack hospital bag
March: Attend breastfeeding & newborn care class; finish getting less essential essentials (rocking chair, crib, changing table, other random stuff), make a plan for freezer meals, finish getting nursery ready, sign up for FMLA
In conclusion:
Right now, Alvie is practicing his kung fu moves, and I am so excited to meet him. Last night when he was trying to dig to China, I grounded him until he was 24. The closer we get, the more excited I am to meet this little man who is going to be such a huge, important piece of my life. Watching the architect talk about all the things he wants to do with our son makes me mist up. Contemplating introducing my baby to his grandparents is just so emotional. I am so happy/scared/excited/terrified of all the changes that are coming our way. Learning to balance something completely new will be quite an adventure.
PICTURES!
Belly pic montage!
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