It’s update time! I’m clearly super bad at blogging because it’s been almost a month since my last post… SORRY!! I promise to get better! There are a couple things I’ve been experiencing that it seems like not many like to talk about. I’ve started 2 blog posts in the past couple weeks and haven’t had the guts to post or finish them. Well, that’s just dumb. So be on the look out over the next couple of days for some pretty vulnerable posts sharing some things I’m struggling with right now.

On to happier things – We’re now at the 6.25 month mark. Today I’m exactly 26 weeks, so crazy! I’ve been going to these doctors appointments/baby classes called “Centering” and the latest one was on Friday. The class was quite interesting as we talked a lot about breastfeeding. We watched a very informative 12 minute video, which quite honestly ruined boobs for me. I’m excited to breastfeed and go through that experience but watching that video took me from thinking of my boobs as sexy to I’m about to be a milk machine/cow utter… yay.

I’ve been asked a lot lately “How are you feeling” soooo here are some answers:

– I feel great! Besides the whole out of breath all the time gig, growing a person isn’t horrible right now
– Baby girl is CONSTANTLY moving around in there! It’s like she’s trying to get comfortable or remind me she’s in there – I haven’t figured out which one
– My calves have randomly been cramping which is super fun and have woken me up a couple of nights with the random seizing
– My back is starting to hurt a little bit, which I’m crediting to the extra 10 lbs I’m holding in my boobs/belly.
– I recently got a pregnancy massage and it was the greatest thing ever! I’m going to try to continue to get them as funds allow because it was seriously magical and relieved so much muscle tension
– Our baby’s heart rate is extremely strong
– The doc said my stomach muscles are really strong; which will hopefully bode well for me during delivery
– My blood pressure has been pretty low each time (113/58 on Friday) which is great right now
– I’ve gained 10 lbs which is a little under weight, but still healthy 🙂 *I try not to step on the scale at home because I tend to freak out a bit
– Sometime within the next 2 weeks I’ll need to  get some blood work and a glucose test. I’ll be tested for anemia, and will have a glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes.

With the exception of a few minor breakdowns, I’m feeling pretty good about myself so far. I almost lost it the other day when I went to the YMCA for the first time. I was changing into workout clothes, when a super fit, slender woman started changing right next to me. I totally checked out her abs and internally whispered to myself, ‘Don’t worry, they’ll be back’ as I squeezed into what use to be my “loose” workout shirt. I got a little self conscious, but then I walked out and saw Brice.

Knowing me oh so well he said – “hey, are you a bit self conscious right now?” as I crossed my arms in front of my belly. I looked down and said a little. The caring, loving, thoughtful, motivating hubby that he is then said – “Don’t be! You look super sexy and man – look at that butt!! ;)” Of course my eyes welled up, I laughed, then uncrossed my arms and felt pumped to show the bump! Mental breakdown avoided!

There are so many baby books out there it’s hard to know which ones to read. I know that my body is strong and was created for delivering babes so I’m trying not to sweat the delivery part. And quite frankly, the farther I get and the more I read about what’s ahead, it freaks me out and makes me nervous so I’ve decided to be prepared by just going with the flow and letting my body do what it’s built for. Plus, that means I don’t have to watch someone else’s childbirth!

In the most recent Centering class, we discussed trying to stay relaxed during delivery (psh, like that’s going to happen). The doc recommended bringing in a photo from a fun vacation or from a moment in time that would remind us of our “Happy Place”. When she said that I immediately thought of a photo I wanted to bring – A photo from Beauty Mountain in WV where Brice and I went on our first date. We were overlooking the gorge and the sunlight (according to Brice) was hitting me just right as I sat on a rock. He began pacing back and forth like something was wrong. I asked him ‘whats up’ to which he replied ‘I can’t tell you or you’ll freak out’. With a little coaxing I got him to tell me. He said, “I know it’s crazy, and I know this is our first date but… *insert long pause*, I’m going to marry you.” Hands down the craziest sentence I had ever heard on a date, but it gave me goosebumps all over my body. Sure enough, less than a year later, we were standing at the alter promising to love one another for the rest of our lives.

When things start to get rough in the delivery room or I feel like I just can’t do it any more, I’m going to think back to these moments. Then I’ll grab for Brice’s hand, look him straight in the eye, and know that he is my happy place.

*Photo back at the car at Beauty Mountain in West Virginia, circa June 2008.

 

Here’s the most recent pics of Baby Girl!