29 and holding

29 weeks! Whooo Hooo!

Your baby is growing rapidly now. This week he weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is getting bigger to accommodate his growing brain — which is busy developing billions of neurons. Every day, about 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton, which is now hardening. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester.

I can tell I've hit the last trimester. Getting more tired in the afternoon and evenings, but still doing good. You are moving crazy, hiccupping and I'm feeling different parts all the time now. Felt your bottom last night and I think a knee earlier in the day. Your hands and feet are still my favorite though, as they feel like intentional gesture for some mommy love.

29 always reminds me of Rusty Greer, who played for the Texas Rangers when I first came to Dallas. He is a nice guy and was a fan favorite.

And since your big brother absolutely loves baseball and the Rangers, Rusty you'll be this week. Reece was watching the Ranger/Oakland game on the couch Friday night, when from no where cheered, "Go Michael Young! Hit a home run, Michael Young!" Cracked me up. He truly enjoys watching the game, and looks forward to teaching you, baby boy.

Thank you, Lord, for another day.

worry

Got an email today titled, "What your belly will look like after pregnancy?" I'd like to know who seriously thinks this is helpful information right now?

I thought of Matthew 6:25-34.
34 says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

It's a good reminder for me. Although my after pregnancy body is far from my mind, thoughts of labor, excruiciating pain, the hopes of having a natural childbirth, and the baby and my safety enter my mind pretty often. I know worrying accomplishes nothing, and my heart knows that prayer can do a lot. If this incredible pregnancy has taught me anything, it is that.

So, I will commit to turn my worries into prayers. Feel free to pray along with me. : )
Thank you, Lord, for another day.

Inversion

Yoga today was interesting. We had a sub, who normally teaches the mommy and me class. I think she's used to bodies that are a bit more flexible and in need of getting back into shape, rather than those trying to adjust to a temporary one.

For one, we did the splits. Now, I'm not suggesting that all of us got all the way into the splits, but we came pretty darn close for moms 28 weeks plus.

Better yet, next she had us do inversions...uh, you know, HANDSTANDS! We climbed up backwards onto the wall using our feet, but the end result was pretty much the same. The 33 and 36 week gals sat that one out - wise choice.

Afterward she asked, "Did that feel great or what?"
I honestly couldn't tell her. I was so focused on not falling and so proud that I did it that I didn't even notice how it felt.

I guess it was being right side up for you, little guy. Hope you enjoyed it. While that was an adventure, I won't be inverting again anytime soon. I feared later than my boy, who just painfully turned head down, would come back out after that crazy move.

Alas, he didn't. I can tell from the movements waaaaay down low, and also the location of the sweet, sweet hiccups that have occurred so many times this week.

Thank you, Lord, for another day.

Thank heaven

28 weeks...the start of 7 months.
Oh thank heaven for seven...and thank heaven for little boys. <3

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can open and close his eyes, which now sport lashes. This movement is more of a reflexive blink than a deliberate opening and closing, but it won't be long before he's batting those beauties at you.

With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Sweet baby, I've got no silly names for you this week.
Daddy and I have come close to a name and now that's all that comes to mind for these posts. Common or not, somehow it just fits. We're not ready to share just yet, but soon enough, you'll get a real name.

What is most important is that you are a child of God's. He has been so gracious to bring you to us. We love you, and we thank heaven for you.

Thank you, Lord, for another day.

hic

felt you hiccup last night while i was trying to sleep.
it was rhythmic and sweet.

thanks for the tickle, elmo.
and thank you, lord, for another day.

eyes wide open

So here's the latest belly shot...I'm stealing it from Kir's b day post. We went to NP mall after our Bob Armstrong dip (mmmmmm) at Matt's and man, people could not stop staring. It wasn't just our good looks either.

A few people actually smiled at me (mostly moms), but many people glanced quickly at my face and flat out stared at my belly. I felt sooo conspicuous...and huge.

Dude, my arms have gotten quite a bit fatter and so has my face, among other places. Honestly I didn't realize it until I looked at these photos later - I thought I was super cute this day until then.

But, eh, what do I care? Arm fat, chipmonk cheeks, long gazes in the abdominal area - bring it on. I'm pregnant and loving it.

Thank you, Lord, for another day.

downward facing

Had my 28 week appointment today. Saw Dr. E instead of Dr. H as they accidentally messed up my appt. I really enjoyed my time getting to know him better, though.

Turns out Tuesday night's 3 hour discomfort was actually productive.
It's nice to have an explanation, and one that is good.

Mr Man is now facing down. I believe that's what he did on Tuesday night.
I couldn't sit, I couldn't lie down. I did yoga poses and laid over the birth ball groaning for about 3 hours until eventually I could go to bed. Didn't sleep that well either. I even sang songs to Reece laying over the birth ball instead of lying in bed with him. If it hadn't been in the evening, I would have called the dr office. But alas, now we know the man was making a gigantic move.

And now things are different. I have to go ALL the time. I'm more achy, and the thumps feel even lower and more rigorous than before. I'm having a ton more Braxton Hicks too, which just tightening and really nothing compared to the movements. Dr said to drink even more water...oh great...more water = more p.

; )
I still can't believe how much sooner everything happens with baby #2. But, oh how much fun it is to even write the words baby #2.

Thank you, Lord, for another day.

P

I cough, therefore I ___.
I sneeze, therefore I ___.
...and every 5 minutes I need to ___.

poke through

When you move...my belly moves, my insides move.

When you kick or stretch downward, I actually have to tell my brain that an arm or leg isn't really going to poke through.

At 27 weeks, I can't imagine the feeling that 12 more weeks will bring.
But, clearly you are growing, active, and happy. <3

Thank you, Lord, for another day.

basketball

Darren got home tonight, looked at me and said,
"You look like you have a basketball in your belly."
; )
Thank you, Lord, for another day.

Elmo

27 weeks...thank heaven for 27.
Every week that gets closer to 28, is a sigh of relief. 28 weeks is the length I have in my head that this baby is viable should he somehow come earlier. Not sure why I even allow my head to think about such things, let's blame it on the hormones. And even once 28 comes, I'll still be praying he makes it full term. Those boys need as long as they can get. : )

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

I was going to call you Cal (for cauliflower), but simply cannot resist the desire to feel you tickle me, Elmo. ; ) No hiccups yet, but OH MY what crazy movements you are making. Last night, it wasn't just a little thump, where if you stare in the right spot you can see. Last night, it was at least a 1/2 inch lifting of my belly. It even freaked Dad out a little, as you did it repeatedly. Ouchy! The weirdest movements though are the ones straight down. Momma is not a big fan of those and will usually find a new position pretty quickly.

I'm starting to see more of a pattern in your activity, particularly BUSY in the late evening. In the morning, I usually wake up before you do. While I'm still in bed starting to think about the day ahead, I feel my my heart rate going up, and then you start moving. We're so connected like that. <3

Looking forward to the giggles and tickles.
Thank you, Lord, for another day.

Brothers

The last time we were all together, I had planned to try to get a pic of my 2 nephews together (and then 3 with Reece) for a Mother's Day present.

I wanted to do it quickly though, so no one would notice. But, I wasn't sure how well these two that often rough-house with each other, would do for a picture together.I was blown away by their cooperation when I told them it was something I wanted to do for their mother. (Be proud, Michell.) Seriously, there were several to choose from.

When I was cropping and editing it for the necklace, the picture spoke to me in a another way.

Brothers.

My heart truly overflows with gratefulness that Reece gets to have a brother.
I could blabber on about what all that means to me and hopefully will mean to him one day, but I think in many ways the picture says it.

Thank you, thank you, Lord, for another day.

Iron Woman

Took the 1 hour glucose test on Friday. I remember well, failing it with Reece, and sitting in the office doing the 3 hour test, working with my computer on my lap.

I remember feeling grateful then, for a stick at each hour, just being where I was...pregnant. (Plus, I have good veins and that REALLY helps.)

Got the call that I passed the one hour this time. Whoo Hoo!
Bloodwork came back a little anemic, so iron supplements it is. No biggie.
Sounds pretty good to be Iron Woman! : )

Thank you, Lord, for another day.

Good question

Back from yoga class just before nap Reece asks, "How can you push your baby out of your tummy without it making a big hole?" : )

Great question, Reece. Truth is that you can't. But...God specifically designed a place for them to come out.

We don't use silly names for body parts around here. I've actually told him where several times, but tummy seems to stick since it is so much more obvious. (more obvious EVERY DAY).

I'm hoping this little baby gets to be welcomed into the world the way God specifically designed them to. But if not, instead they will make a big hole in my tummy. : )

Kool

26 weeks.

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. His testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take two to three days.

If you're anything like your dad, little guy, you're cool as a cucumber. In the spirit of your disco momma, I'll call you Robert Bell, also known as "Kool" from Kool & the Gang.

Pretty crazy stuff going on in that little body of yours...impt man stuff.
Reece has been talking to you more, and he's excited about teaching you to play baseball. Your movements have changed from me feeling a kick on one side, to feeling your moves left, right, and down all at the same time. Guess we've both grown this week. : ) Pretty Kool stuff.

Thank you, Lord, for another day.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day.
What an incredible privilege it is to be one.
I still feel exactly the same way I did just months after having Reece: Humbled and Honored (and in some ways even more so). Read it here.
Happy, Happy Mother's Day to each one of you special ladies.
<3 <3 <3

Last monthly

Today was the glucose test and a quick check-up.
I failed the 1 hour test with Reece and had to go back in for the 3 hour test. Hopefully I'll pass this one with 'Rudy'.

Heart beat was 145 today and I measured right at 26 weeks, so on track. I gained 4 1/2 pounds from last month, which surprised me a little. I'm not sure why it surprised me given that I saw my belly pop within 2 days. I'm still well within the optimal weight gain. Dr H says he thinks my little body needed it. : )

He said I was on the borderline for when to start the two week appointments and since ... (pause by Dr. H)...
I jumped in and said, "I'm higher risk b/c I'm old!" He said, "oh, I hate to say it like that."

Not me! I told him about Wednesday morning and how cool it is for me to be in the place, 40 and fertile. I know how old I am and I know the stats. So bring on the 2 week appointments. I mean, who minds seeing this great doctor and just checking in every two weeks instead of every month? NOT ME! : )

Thank you, Lord, for another day.

Fertile ground

A lady at bible study today asked me when I was due. I told her and she replied, "You look farther along!" Oh the things people say.
I said, "thank you". Someone else might have had a different response.

Just this morning I looked in the mirror at a belly that has grown much this week. I absolutely love being 40 and fertile, 40 and pregnant. I may be feeling it a little more and earlier the second time around, and with a few more years under my belt. But, for so long, I thought something was wrong with my body, that I was infertile for a reason and I was less than a woman.

Botox, tanning, crazy diets, plastic surgery - forget them all. Nothing beats being pregnant at 40 to help you feel young.
40 and fertile...I love it.

Thank you, Lord, for another day.

25

25 weeks and I am officially into my 6th month.
Many of my low waisted pregger pants have become too tight or uncomfortable, so bring on the big panels!

I'm still swimming in photos, so haven't had as much time lately to update. I just ran outside and made D take a pic of my belly, so here you go.(Oh my, I just looked back at the last time I took a door pic! My how I've grown!)

Today was a fun day. Daddy ran his first sprint triathlon, and we got up around 5am to see him. I was sooo proud of him, and he did great. He only decided about 2 weeks ago, and never even attempted to get in a pool. Needless to say, the swim was by far the most difficult part.

You, however, little baby boy, seem to in fact be a great swimmer. Today, you were the most active I have ever felt, arms and legs going strong and all at the same time. Perhaps you were showing daddy your breast stroke. It was pretty good from what I could tell. While I was putting Reece down for his nap, I let him feel you. He giggled every time. I also felt either a hand or foot today so clearly sticking out, as if asking to be held...so I did. <3

Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. He's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

Well, my little rutabaga, looks like you're Rudy this week.
My back has been aching more lately, and Kir said some yoga would really help. So thanks to both encouragement and Reece-sitting by her, I took my first yoga class this week (dude, FREE at Pea in the Pod!). I LOVED it. My body really needs that, both for comfort and preparation for a birth to come. I'd love to get 2 classes in a week, but so far I've at least got one officially scheduled in.

Reece asked me if they have yogurt at my class, and I think that's a GREAT idea.I still look down and blown away by this belly and little life.
And at the same time, pregnant and getting bigger, I haven't lost my sassy self!

Happy 25 weeks!
Thank you, thank you, Lord, for another day.