The Supposed Home Stretch

Here's how it goes: At 30 weeks in and 10 weeks to go, you somehow feel like tomorrow could be the day. But it's not true. And let's be honest, thank goodness it's not true because we have a LOT to do before she's here. Then there's the work situation where I have just enough paid time off to cover my maternity leave, and that's with me begging the midwives to allow me to return to school in time to do grades. Might as well get paid to do the work that I'll be doing anyway, right? 

It's funny how with the second one I have just as many concerns as the first time. The first time (as my mother so subtly put it) you have no idea in hell about what you're getting into. It's all nursery prep and baby registries. This time, I know what's coming. I know that along with that beautiful little baby girl is a hefty side of worries. Health, bills, raising a non-psychopath... You know, the normal things parents worry about. Then there's the first kid - how will Jack react to her taking attention away from him. He's entered the selfish toddler stage and I can only hope we're talking about and planning for the changes enough to help him cope. Otherwise I can continue to worry about turning him into a psychopath as well.

Baby girl herself is doing just fine - at least according to her. She has her daily exercise sessions (about 4-5 times in an average day) and seems to have taken up permanent residence on my right side. She's big enough now that she can hit bladder and ribs at the same time! Isn't that precious? I swear she's dropped just a hair, but again, that could just be a growth spurt making her seem lower. When I had my 30 week appointment (I'm going every two weeks now) they said she's even head down! One coworker thinks she'll take after me in the fact that I'm (just a little) impatient and always ready for the next challenge. Hold your horses, kiddo. We've still got some developing to do. Plus you don't have a bed yet. That's on the list for mommy to do... 

I need to send a shout out to the people who get me through every day (other than my amazing husband, son, and extremely patient mother who fields most of my "Is that normal?" questions). My coworkers. Daily they tell me how good I look (even when I don't feel it), that I'm doing amazing work (even when I don't feel it) and that I'll be a great mommy of two (go ahead and insert that familiar phrase here, too!) I'm sure most of them get bored of hearing about my pregnancy issues, but they allow me to tell my stories and get the worries out. They help me be a better teacher, which allows me to be a better mom. I now go home with focused goals and tasks which allow me to finish my work quicker than in the past and spend more time resting and being with my boys. I even felt comfortable scheduling Jack and I for swim class starting next week. Twice a week now we'll go play together in the water and I don't have to worry about getting my work done! Thanks ladies! Lyn Knoll Dragons are on FIRE!

THIRD TRIMESTER!!

So here we are - 28 weeks! Officially into the 3rd trimester. I had my newest glucose test today and while not doing as well as the three hour one in November, I PASSED! Woo Hoo!! It's a good thing, too, because I was going to fight them over taking more tests. This saves us all some heartache... :o)

Here's the belly this week!

Looking' good right? She's moving a mile a minute in there. Too bad you can't see that part. Even as I write this she's hitting at least three sides of the belly at any given moment. Give it a rest girl! She's measuring 28.5cm which is right on target, so now extra ultrasounds at this point either. We had a great doctor's appointment today and go back again in two weeks! 

Work on her room is at a standstill until the basement room is completed.
Mitch started installing wall framing today so progress is being made! We've decided that more progress happens when I'm NOT in the room, so I'll be staying out of the way for a while.
 Once it's time for drywall I'll help with more decision-making. Until then, the current guest room (her future room) is being turned into quite the mess with boxes of clothes and such, but it's okay. It's organized, right? :o)

Morning Calesthenics!

Ha! You're probably thinking that I get up every morning and do some stretches or short workout. And you'd be wrong! The exercise person in this relationship is definitely Baby Girl. (Though I've stuck to my nutrition goal of cutting out pop. Woot!) 

Over the last two weeks we've really gotten down to a schedule. Wake up, eat breakfast, and then Mommy rests while Jack runs around and plays. It's at this point that little one likes to start her routine. Even when the schedule is slightly altered (for example being in church Sunday morning), 10:30 - 11:00 seems to be her time to move. 

What's most interesting to me is the differences between babies. Jack was moving in there, but no one could tell, not even Daddy could feel him. Princess here, on the other hand, can move my entire belly left and right so that it's visible to the naked eye. Makes me feel somewhat like Bella from Twilight towards the end... I might get my wish, finally, to see a little foot or hand print in the belly one of these days. I always thought it would be cool, but now I'm thinking that it just might freak me out... At least I have daily confirmation that she's in there and doing well, right? 

While at home the last week, though, I've been a busy little beaver. Some might call it nesting, but I don't kid myself. I'm three months away and know we've got a ways to go. Nesting, my butt! However, I've been collecting clothes and stopping at thrift stores (and soon friends houses, right Holly?) :o) getting together a wardrobe for baby girl. It's now all washed and sorted - in my neat freak way - in the spare room: 

 

Jack loved this process and I'm learning that he may just be a great big brother, with only hints of jealousy. He LOVES shopping for clothes for baby and loves to help me in whatever I'm doing. We're thinking of getting him a little baby doll of his own so he can practice holding it, putting it to sleep, etc. That's my shopping list for the month of January - baby doll furniture and supplies. I figure even once she's here, he can care for his doll while I care for her and he's not left out, right? Anyone have experience with this? Please tell me I'm on the right track. 

Anyway... just over 12 weeks to go and the clock is ticking! Next doctor's appointment is in 1.5 weeks so we'll see how she's doing (and get this crappy glucose test out of the way!)