We had a doctor's appointment last week with one of our favorite docs in the practice. It was a great appointment. His heartbeat was perfect, he is growing at a good rate, and I've put on a healthy, just-right amount of weight so far. She says there is no indication of pre-term labor (although she also said there aren't always signs of early labor). Starting next week, we will be going every week.
We're continuing with our birthing classes. We've had 3 of the 5 including one on mommy and baby nutrition. I think I'm doing pretty well, picking smart foods to eat, especially in this last month or so. We have learned about all kinds of relaxation methods and massage for labor. We've also learned about the process/progression of labor and I'm feeling less nervous having a better understanding of how things could happen. Scott has been wonderful in the classes... massaging, asking questions, and being supportive all around. We'll go to a breast feeding class on Saturday morning and the maternity ward tour on Sunday afternoon. One more class this Wednesday and one the next and we'll be all finished.
The nursery is officially finished! We've got the pictures hung, the curtains up, the bed is ready and clothes are washed. I only washed some newborn (just in case he's a big boy!) and 3 month clothes. Sheets and towels are done too. It feels pretty good to have all of this part finished. Scott did an awesome job hanging the Winnie-the-Pooh pics. They're perfect!
Work is starting to get progressively harder. I find that I've started feeling tired earlier in the day (around 1:00) and it's harder to get around. The kids are so cute and helpful. In lessons, I can hand them materials and they lay them out for me after we've discussed them. They continue to say cute things and are increasingly curious about Turtle's size and how he makes me feel. We currently have a 20 inch line drawn on the board and a five pound weight out so that they can get an idea of his size. They are amazed! Today, one of my little boys gave me a stocking for Turtle with 'Turtle' written in puffy paint. He told me I could use it this year if he comes early or next year if he's on time. I'll definitely use it!
I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful best friend in Caitlin. She is AMAZING! She's mapped out routes to the hospital, told her team that if I go into labor at school she is out of there, and she's going on our maternity ward tour with us on Sunday. If Scott's not around when the time comes, I know that she is more than ready to be my go to gal. Caitlin... I love you!!!
Turtle continues to move around, although the movements have definitely changed. He has a limb or two that like to poke and roll down my left side. Since he's head down, his bum is up by my right side ribs and sometimes he likes to push it up and shake it around. It's pretty funny. He gets the hiccups a fair amount, and even got them at the same time as his big brother the other day. I was cuddled with Jack and both of my boys were hiccuping... it was super cute!
'Tis the season... Turtle is now getting to enjoy (hopefully!!!) his mommy singing Christmas songs as I listen in the car and around the house. Hopefully he'll love them as much as his mommy and daddy. I've also started singing camp songs to him every opportunity I get. Maybe if he hears my singing voice now he'll learn to deal with it as he gets older!
Enjoy some pictures of the nursery and my belly... which yes, I realize has totally popped!
The crib complete with mobile, breathable bumper and Pooh blanket. Look at the cute pictures!
Glider and crib. Look at the cute curtains (thanks mom) and matching pillow in the chair.
The changer, basket of onesies, diapers, and of course, Scott's handy work with the Pooh pictures.
Week 35... there he is!
