30 Weeks

We have embarked upon week 30 of this pregnancy. Ten (or so) weeks to go!

Kyle and I participated in a 12-hour childbirth class through our hospital, and it was absolutely wonderful. I really enjoyed our instructor, a doula, and her encouragement regarding natural childbirth. I don’t know how I will hold up this time, but I hope I can be a bit more mobile and use natural methods (aka gravity) to assist in the progress of our labor. I have already experienced a delivery with an epidural, so I have no anxiety, but I would prefer to make it without one. (I definitely waited until I absolutely needed it last time.) Although our instructor stated most moms experience anxiety and slowed labor as they enter the hospital, I, on the other hand, expect to breathe a sigh of relief upon my hospital arrival. After our last pregnancy, I know I will feel better once we are in the hands of our caregivers. Sitting in class, I appreciated the instructor’s honesty and longed to have heard the experiences and “what to expect” scenarios before going into labor with Duncan. Though I am already familiar with the less-than-desirable aspects of birth, I am thankful our classmates are now aware of the bodily changes that will occur.  November will hold a breastfeeding class, cloth diapering class, tour of  Labor & Delivery, and a baby wearing class. We are looking forward to baby information overload!

29 Weeks!

Our 29-week visit with the doctor went really well.  My fundal height measured between 29 & 30 cm, which is right on schedule, and Samuel's heartbeat was around 155. We were able to ask a lot of questions regarding circumcision, doulas, delivery, placental encapsulation (We aren’t doing this, but we wanted to learn more about it.), flu shots, vaccinations, etc. I was also given my rhogam shot. We are now at the point where we will follow-up every two weeks until we deliver.  For the first time during this pregnancy, I didn’t ask to see Samuel but was okay with hearing his heartbeat. It wasn’t until we left that I realized we didn’t see him. I can only attribute this peace to God.  I know we aren’t in the clear (are we ever?), but I am trusting my Father to provide and walk us through this pregnancy hand-in-hand.

Samuel is pretty active. I enjoy watching my belly move when he kicks! I am experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions in full force and often have to stop and breathe through the tightness and discomfort. Instead of complaining about them, I try to offer reassurance to Samuel. It is a challenge to remember these are a natural preparation for his birth. I am thankful for my “mommy” friends and family who have been so encouraging as I ask questions and express pregnancy stress and pains. It is such a blessing to have empathy and reassurance.

Samuel is already a blessed little boy! A dear friend shipped a box of toys and a play mat to us. (This shipment also revealed Abner’s penchant for squeak toys, which was quickly satisfied after a trip to PetSmart.) Another dear friend shipped me a huge box of maternity clothes, which turned our den into a maternity Christmas! Kyle endured a fashion show as I tried on every item and put outfits together. How I wish my friend could have been here to play “dress up” with me! Through these years of moving, I am reminded of the beautiful friendships God has given us. I am so thankful for all of them and look forward to continued and new friendships throughout our travels.

Abner is becoming more and more protective of me. He is my shadow, following me from room to room to make sure I am ok. If I am in bed and groan during a B-H contraction, he is quick to leave Kyle and lay with me. When I cry, he becomes anxious and attempts to calm me. He walks much slower with me than with Kyle and stops if I drop his leash. I continue to pray he has a gentle protective heart for Samuel.  He spent about five hours at Camp Bow Wow for an interview day and did okay, spending most of the time hiding under the stairs in the tunnel. Given we have a pretty calm and quiet home, this experience was a bit overwhelming, but I want to take him a few more times before Samuel is born and am praying he begins to really enjoy his time there.  

Per Kyle, I have begun to nest, as I am in a constant state of planning and preparation. I am making to-do lists and planning for possible family arrivals, meal planning, cleaning, care for Abner, and an upcoming move. A quick trip to the vet produced an adequate supply of preventative medications for our pup to get us through Samuel’s first four months. I have scheduled our pup’s Spring vaccination and check-up appointments, too.  Things are going to be forgotten, so we will just address those when we face them.  Samuel’s arrival will be during an incredibly busy semester for Kyle; my goal is to alleviate additional stress before he comes.

Wow. Ten Weeks. Time is flying by!