Over Christmas our entire household got sick. Tim caught it first and was out of work for a day or two, then Jillian got it. We spent 2 hours in the ER when her daycare called us and told us she wasn't breathing right. Turns out it was due to a fever spike, she clocked in at over 102 in the ER. It was inevitable that I was next and it hit me right before Christmas. Luckily I was off work, but I spent a solid two weeks fighting a sinus infection and cold. I was miserable during vacation, of course didn't take anything because I was pregnant. I finally cleared the lingering cold a few days after New Years, but really haven't been the same since.
Next to complain about was hitting 31-32 weeks. I really slowed down. I get winded really easily running after Jillian. I am getting strong braxton hicks contracts, sometimes feeling them in my back, but they are really inconsistent so I know it's not pre-term labor. However, as I count the weeks left, I realize things probably won't get any easier from here.
But let's switch to the positive.
I am feeling glorious kicks all the time. It still feels like he has room to roll over, poke me, play and explore. I love the feeling, and have figured out his little schedule. He's awake at the following times: 8 am, 11 am, 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm and 10 pm. I love the 10 pm hour because it's when I notice it the most and every night I anxiously await for him to wake up and poke me! So far this one has a defined routine, something I really didn't pay attention to with Jillian. I am going to miss this activity as he starts to get bigger and things get tighter in there, so I am really living in the moment when they happen.
Some other things I want to remember:
- Heartburn gave me some relief for a few weeks, which was great. It's back now, but milk is still solving the problem at hand.
- I am iron deficient and am taking additional iron daily.
- I had a breakdown moment last week when I realized I didn't have any newborn clothes. My mom listened to my gripes and sent me some of the cutest onesies 0-3 month.
- We purchased a glider off Craigslist and the nursery is just about complete. The only thing left is decor on the walls!
- Our little man is still nameless however, we have narrowed down to a list of 5 names. We will probably just see which ones fits our guy when he arrives.
- I am starting to get really scared about the sleep deprivation again, let's hope our little one is one of those magical babies that loves to sleep!
- My breastfeeding woes have re-surfaced again, but I am determined to make it work. I don't want to pump for 4 solid months again, so I am willing myself with all the resources and support I can find. I want to meet with a lactation consultant before the baby to get tips and go over my concerns and hopefully meet with one in the hospital once our guy is here. I am not going to be shy to reach out for help.
- I start maternity leave soon, and will go out 4 weeks before baby. Work is coming to an end, so I am trying to get ahead on loose ends.
- I predict that I will go into labor around February 25th.
How far along? 33 weeks
Total weight gain: 33 pounds, I am trending a pound a week :)
Sleep: Solid, with two bathroom break per night
Best Moment this week: Getting a new nursing tank top and bathrobe for the hospital. I think getting some new things made me feel excited about what is to come.
Food cravings: No cravings, although I have been eating a TON of those mini cutie oranges. So good!
Gender: Boy!
Dear Son,
I look back on my weekly updates of this pregnancy and I haven't gushed about you enough and shared my feelings of happiness since I found out you were a boy. The truth is, I have been a bit scared that I am bringing a son into the world. It's taken me a while to get used to the idea that I will have an active rambunctious son, and I let the nerves get to me.
But time has passed. I have found inner peace and truly love you. I can't wait to see you, to hold you, to meet you and get to know you. In so many ways you are already very different than your sister. I can't wait to see who you are, and embrace all those unique qualities about you. I already have my own dreams for you. I have visions of you with your dad enjoying the outdoors and you with your sister playing together, teaching one another, forming a true bond. I realize one day you will be bigger, stronger and taller than me, and I hope I can do everything in my power to make sure you are raised to be true gentleman and an honest man.
You are truly the piece to our family that will make us complete! I hope you are ready to meet us, because we sure as heck can't wait for you to get here!!
