Well, I am about 36 weeks pregnant now. I felt well from about 25 weeks til about 30/31 weeks. Now I am just really uncomfortably big. People say I am all baby, so I'm glad I'm not really fat and all baby. I've gained about 20 lbs. prepregnancy. We'll see on Friday at the doctor.
Thank the Lord that I sleep well though! That I can do for most of the night and day! ha! God knew the perfect timing for the pregnancy. I don't know how I would teach right now...not on my own strength that's for sure.
She moves all the time. She's powerful. I call her fiesty! I wish I had written down when I think she turned but one time it was in the middle of the night and my whole belly moved. Now I think she's just running out of room. Her head has been down for a couple months now. Her feet kick the left side of my belly and sometimes that results in her bottom pressing on the right side of my belly at about the same time. That's a real comfy feeling! She'll press her head down too which isn't real pleasant either. I'd rather feel her move than not though. I tend to try to "wake" her if she hasn't moved for awhile. It is such a relief when she finally does. No need to worry.
We have tons of clothes for her. Lots of pink. A few things of yellow, green, purple, blue...I have tried to get bigger sizes now at rummage sales. My mom has come a couple Saturdays to wash all the clothes, bassinet covering, etc. That's been a lot of help. It's hard to go up and down the stairs with swollen/hurting feet and running out of breath.
A couple weeks ago was the first time I had noticeably swollen feet, some blurred vision, and protein in my urine. So, the doctor had me come back in a week instead of 2, but I needed to drink lots of water during that week. When I went back I didn't have anymore edema in my ankles, just normal swelling of my feet, no protein. My blood pressure has always been excellent throughout the pregnancy. So, no preeclampsia, just dehydrated. It seems like an easy solution to just drink lots of water and rest often, but it isn't always. But I'm glad that I can do something to help it.
We attended classes in June. I went to a breastfeeding one. Then both Blake and I went to the child passenger safety class, baby care basics, and childbirth preparation. They were all helpful in some way. I feel as prepared as I can be for breastfeeding. I got an electric pump. I didn't feel I needed the really expensive one since I will be home most of the time and will only use it occassionally. The one I bought, Lansinoh, was on the list the hospital recommended too, so I felt good about that. I even got it on sale for $40 less and free shipping off my Target registry! It'll be interesting. I grew up with breastfeeding, but when it came down to me actually doing it it felt a bit strange to think about it. The first time I tried on a nursing bra in the store I freaked out in the dressing room. It was too strange and I left the store. ha! Now I am looking forward to providing for my baby.
The carseat safety class was good so we know what to do and what not to do to keep the baby safe. The baby care basics was good because she showed lots of pictures of what is normal or okay in a baby. Some of the things I think I would be concerned about but she explained why it is normal. Then we "bathed" a doll.
The childbirth prep. class was good. I knew a lot of it already but it was good to discuss things with Blake as he was learning it. We had to practice breathing techniques while putting a hand in a bag of ice water to symbolize a contraction. I think a focal point and a birthing ball may help me too. We'll see. My plan is to try to do everything natural...take it's course...but I am willing to have an epidural if it comes to that. I do not want to induce with pitocin, absolutely no stadol. There is such a high link of pitocin, to epidural, to c-sections that I want to avoid that as much as possible. But who knows. I am going in with a plan, but things can change quickly if needed. I just don't want to go in there feeling one way and coming out feeling like I failed if it doesn't happen that way. But I have seen births on TV(Baby Story/Birth Day), movies (The Business of Being Born/class video), etc. and see how wonderful it is to do it all natural. God is the deliverer.
All natural...is almost the "new" way of doing things. I think that is strange. Why is the way God intended things the strange, or less used way. I'm thinking in ways of birth and breastfeeding especially. It's interesting. I have learned a new word that I have heard twice now pertaining to natural ways...granola. Example-That lady who makes her own soap and does things all natural is really granola. Some say it negatively, some say it positively. I'm still learning it so I may be using it a bit incorrectly.
I'm not sure if using cloth diapers/wipes is considered granola, but maybe. We plan on using a combination of disposable and cloth diapers and wipes. A friend from church knew someone who was selling her cloth diapers, wipes, etc. and I was able to get them. So, I got several size medium fuzzi bunz. Plus, tons of inserts and cloth wipes. She gave me a very reasonable price and they are in pretty good condition. I was excited to get them.
I'll have to post some pictures soon. I'm getting tired and you're probably getting tired of reading.
So, until next time...
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