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My bump at 30.5 weeks
Q. Is your husband excited?
A. He's thrilled and scared all at the same time. We've been taking baby classes through Douglas College, and even though it's exhausting to be out so late every week, I think it's prepared us much more for what's in store. It warms my heart when he talks to my belly and worries about us both.
Q. How are you feeling?
A. I'm utterly exhausted. I have heartburn all the time, I'm swollen, and I don't sleep all that well. Baby is also moving around A LOT which is exciting and strange all at the same time.
Q. Do you have any cravings?
A. My cravings have changed since the beginning and even since my last post 5 weeks ago. I crave milk (mostly chocolate milk) and mandarin oranges currently. The oranges aren't a strange one for me because I've been a citrus lover forever, but I hadn't drank a glass of milk since I was a kid and now I guzzle it like it's water.
Q. Do you know what you're having? Do you think you have a feeling as to what you're having?
A. We didn't find out because Aaron really wanted the surprise factor. Strangely enough, half of our birthing class chose to not find out, which seemed odd to me because most people these days opt for knowing in advance. I felt in the beginning that it was a girl. Aaron believes it's a boy. My acne, dairy cravings, and the way I carry point to girl, but at my office pool at work, it's exactly split 50/50 on boy vs. girl.
Q. Do you have names picked out?
A. I do in my head. I'm stuck on a girl name and a boy name, but I do have quite a few options. Aaron has a girl name that he really wants, but no preference on boys names yet. But we both agree that we have to meet the little person before we decide.
Q. Do you feel the baby kicking?
A. At first the baby was resigned to dance on my bladder exclusively. It's gotten higher, and sometimes I get the double whammy of a punch and a kick at the same time. My favorite though is seeing the movement through my shirt. I love it! And Aaron's been able to feel it more now too!
Q. Is the nursery finished?
A. We had my family over for my birthday Saturday a week and a half ago. We made very good progress. The crib was assembled, as was the stroller and play pen system. The nursery was painted and the closet was installed. We also changed out the door handle, cleaned the windows, and got some other small things done around the house. Aaron still has to finish the dresser and rocking chair, and we're having a family friend over on Sunday to paint a mural on the wall. I can't wait to see it all done.
Q. How are you handling your changing body?
A. I feel like a house basically! At my last check-up, I'd gained a substantial amount of weight, but this week it was slower - just 3lbs over 4 weeks. I felt better about that, but I've still gained about 30lbs so far in the 31.5 weeks of pregnancy. It's a bit more than I'd wanted because I still have 8 weeks to go!
Q. Are you taking birthing classes?
A. Our last class is tonight. I've enjoyed hearing about other people's journeys and meeting other moms in our neighborhood. It's been a good journey for me though because Jay and Emily experienced it right before me and I've never felt alone. But taking the classes gave me new perspective on what to expect.
Q. What's your birth plan?
A. I am planning on no drugs, but if it's better for me and the baby, I'll relent. I learned that gas is a much better option to get through contractions and doesn't affect the baby at all, so that may be my main method of pain management. I also want to just deal with it through breathing exercises and massage therapy. I've learned a lot more about this in our class. I highly recommend the classes.
Q. Do you plan on breastfeeding?
A. I am. I wholeheartedly want to and always have. However, at 19 years old, I had a breast reduction and was told at the time that I may or may not be able to breastfeed when the time came. At 19, this wasn't really a factor for my decision. I've never regretted my decision. But now that I'm gearing up to give birth and give my child essential nutrients through my body's natural source of food, I'm concerned. However, both my doctor and my birth coach assure me that I could be just fine. Another potential issue is that both my mom and my aunt (my mom's sister) had issues with breastfeeding. My mom was clogged and developed a painful infection, but in the end could still breastfeed us. My aunt couldn't at all. If I struggle, I'll go through any means necessary to ensure that I am able to do this for my baby. I know the positives of natural breastfeeding vs. formula, and I'm going to do everything in my power to ensure that my baby has the best start to life!
Q. Is your hospital bag packed yet?
A. Yes, as far as I can anyways. I have my overnight bag and also the diaper bag for baby packed. I continue to add to them, and will of course have last minute things to pack like my maternity pajamas. But I think most of the essentials are ready to go.
Q. Are you having a shower?
A. 3 of my amazing girlfriends banned together to throw me a shower. I decided, with the help of Lisa, that it's much more fun to have a shower pre-baby as a last hurrah to my life without a child. I know this may sound strange, but I feared all the chaos that surrounds the baby once it's born. So, my shower will be in January, and the invitations have now all been sent and received. I can't wait to see what they have come up with and spend some time with all the important ladies in my life.
Q. How much time are you taking for maternity leave?
A. I'm leaving 3 weeks before I'm due for the start of my maternity leave. I convinced Jay to do the same, and she ended up having Lil C 2 weeks early so it was good that she planned it the way she did. My last day at work is the day before my shower, so I'll be able to relax and enjoy myself and then await Peanut's arrival at home. I plan on taking my full year of maternity to take advantage of the limited time I have with baby and see her/him grow and start all the firsts that I may miss if I go back early. Aaron and I are both very aware of how much of a financial strain this will be on us, but the way I see it - your child is the most important thing in the world and there is no sacrifice too large for time with her/him. We'll be in debt for the rest of our lives regardless - I'd rather go deeper happy than go back early and miss out on valuable time.
Please feel free to ask if you have any other questions!
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