26 Weeks!

Wow, only 14 weeks left! We can’t wait to hold Samuel in our arms!

After feeling pain for several days last week, I called our nurse who suggested going to Labor and Delivery. Given our history with Duncan, she is extra cautious with us. Thankfully, Sam had a strong heartbeat, they confirmed my pains were growth, my contractions are still focal, and my cervix is closed. So, with mom and baby looking good, we went home.  We had wonderful nurses and doctors and told them we hope to not see them again until January!

25 Weeks!

On Thursday, we saw our doctor for another check-up. He greeted me with “I leave the country, come back and you are big!” Of course, I responded with, “You just called me fat.” He laughed. He is excited to see we are growing appropriately. I am definitely looking pregnant. Several people have mentioned my belly looks small for 26 weeks, which the doctor said was due to my long torso and build.  I was able to follow up with him about our L& D visit and talk to him about my discomforts & pains.  My abs are separating, and my five abdominal surgical and laparoscopic scars, one of which is in my bellybutton, are causing a good deal of pain. He said there is a slight possibility of an umbilical hernia, but that would be okay during the pregnancy. He reinforced his instruction to wear a maternity belt and mentioned I might have to purchase one with shoulder straps. We ended our visit with a quick peek at Samuel. It is so exciting to see his spine, arms, feet, toes, lungs, and heart.  After our appointment, I completed my Glucose Tolerance Test and should receive those results soon. I confess the orange drink wasn’t so bad, which I proudly attribute to my recent rediscovery of Southern Sweet Tea! 

On a more fun note, Kyle and I attended a beautiful wedding for one of his professors. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed great conversation and amazing food. (I had no clue butternut squash soup was so delicious!) Samuel did well this time and appreciated my refusal to dance.  After Kyle and I danced at the last wedding we attended, Samuel had the unfortunate introduction to Braxton Hicks contractions. I am saving the dancing for January. Or maybe after!

Wedding Food!

Kyle, Samuel & me at the wedding!

I continue to encounter a lot of interesting people during my walks with Abner. One evening, I met a lady in the parking lot across the street who asked about the baby. I was able to share Samuel’s little story, and she shared the story of her pregnancies and children and the infertility and “miracle birth” story of a couple at her church. It was such a sweet encouraging time. A few days later, I met another lady with a dog that looked like Abner. As we talked, she shared her story of being told she could not have children, her six miscarriages, and her two beautiful college-age children. She was so encouraging and offered such sweet compassion. I really do believe our interactions with others are purposeful and have appreciated the conversations God has recently provided. I value my friendships more than ever and have longed for encouragement and compassion this past year. I am so thankful for my friends and family who have provided amazing support across the miles. I continue to see how God answers prayers in His perfect way. Even through Duncan’s delivery, He provided compassionate friends and caregivers and took him home without suffering. He is still providing perfect conversations and compassionate friends, family, and caregivers just when we need them.

We continue to pray our Shih Tzu, Abner, will be a great friend to Samuel. I am still amazed at how much we love our little pup. We laugh that he is training us for the baby. After we adopted him in April, we discovered he was never socialized; he is warming up to the dogs in the neighborhood, and he loves sweet children. He prefers a calm atmosphere, as he is an extremely low energy dog who is most content sitting beside you on the sofa (or snuggled up beside you during a nap.) Since we found out we were pregnant a couple of weeks after his adoption, he has been spoiled with a lot of quiet nap time with mom! I am not sure how he will respond to the weather in New York, but I am certain he is going to enjoy finally having a yard. Regarding the weather, go ahead and prepare yourself for an onslaught of pictures of Abner in sweaters. If I am lucky, I can dress him and Samuel alike. Ha. Just kidding. Sort of. 

Abner and Mom at work.

A special treat for our friends:

Samuel kicking. (It's the bounce about halfway through the video.)