Balancing Act

My center of gravity is so out of whack these days. I feel like I have a large, heavy, and moving ball strapped to my stomach. But, I definitely have the pregnant waddle down: hands on the lower back, shuffle like a penguin, ah yeah. My extremities have also taken to swelling. The only other swelling experience I had during pregnancy was during my sunburn debacle in Hawaii. However, now my toes are constantly swollen, my feet and ankles have miraculously expanded at the end of most days, and after barely managing to pull off my wedding and engagement rings the other day, I'm scared to put them back on for fear that circulation will be cut off. I'm currently wearing a rubber CTR ring in lieu of my real rings. Pregnancy is fun!

Baby: It is entirely possible that baby is done growing and is just gearing up for the big day. The one thing that he is still developing is his brain. Gotta grow those neurons.

In just the last few days he has slowed down slightly, but still has his moments (hours) of activity. Especially in the middle of the night. Cannot wait for all that squirming to happen on the outside. And I think my stomach has noticeably dropped in the last little while. It has made walking and all other activities a totally new experience.

Cravings/Aversions: Frozen yogurt. Frozen yogurt. Frozen yogurt!!!!! Fruit also continues to be my go-to food day in and day out.

The other day we had a coupon for a free frozen yogurt, and naturally I took advantage. While we were at the yogurt shop, they were having a 50% off sale on to-go cups already in their freezer. Will asked if I wanted anything, but feeling guilty and a bit spoiled, I said no. After stopping for some food for Will, with my initial cup of frozen yogurt long gone, we were on the way home when Will again asked if I wanted a to-go cup to keep at home. I said there was no way he would turn around just to get me frozen yogurt. He immediately pulled a u-turn, returned to the frozen yogurt shop, and bought me a to-go cup of the same flavor I had eaten earlier--cake batter. yum. When he made the second purchase the cashier asked if his wife was craving that flavor or something. Two frozen yogurt stops in one night--I am spoiled.

Theme Song: Ice Cream Jingle, All Ice Cream Trucks

Modern Medicine

I'm not very into medicine. I like to just exercise a little patience when it comes to something like a headache or a cold. If my body is in pain, there must be a reason--like I need rest, or I'm a bit dehydrated. I think it makes sense to listen to my body, rather than use a drug to cover up discomfort or pain.

That's not to say I am anti-medicine. I am grateful every day of my allergy season for Zyrtec. I think vaccines are important, and there are many other times when medications are very necessary.

My opposition to unnecessary medication, however, has kept me stubbornly in the camp of saltines, small frequent meals, breathing techniques, ginger, and "this too shall pass" when it comes to the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.

Then, two doctor's appointments ago Will got me to admit to the doctor just how much the nausea affects my day to day routine. I finally said yes to a prescription. Then it took me two weeks to actually pick up the meds (despite many difficult nausea days in between). Today is the first day I have actually taken one of the pills, and we'll see how it goes. Thus far, I feel just as nauseated as ever...

Baby: Little Man is finishing up his brain and lung development in preparation for the big day. At a little over six pounds and 19 inches long (approximately) he is rapidly running out of room. All the movement I feel all day every day I'm taking as a sign that he's just as ready to be out in the open as I am to see him.

Cravings/Aversions: My attachment to fruit has actually slowed down over the last little while. Mainly because the last few times I've had an apple, I've thrown up a few minutes later. I still really really want to eat them all the time, I'm just scared to. Hopefully my new medication will work with me and I can enjoy my apples again.

Theme Song: Bad Medicine, Bon Jovi

Picture Perfect

Our friend Mitch is a talented photographer, and was kind enough to take some maternity shots for us. Will found a pretty area behind a local restaurant with walking paths and a barn, and the pictures turned out great! There were so many to choose from, but here are a few favorites. It was so hard to narrow it down.

We also took a few photos to pay homage to some favorite engagement and wedding photos:

Will's Favorite from our Engagement Photos

Our new take on that picture

The morning of the wedding at Will's Mom's house on the most gorgeous white couch. When she moved we got the couch! It is my favorite piece of furniture that we own.

Our expanding (hah! expanding...) family on that same couch.

I'm now 36 weeks along. It's a comfort to be considered "early term" should baby come now. Just a few more weeks to the due date. Cannot wait to meet him!

Theme Song: We're Gonna Be Friends, The White Stripes

Showered with Surprises

My plans for this past Saturday were spending the morning at Ikea furniture shopping and taking maternity photos in the evening. Those things both happened, but something else happened too. 

After returning home from Ikea, Will tried to open the door without his keys, which I thought was odd. Then he pulled out his keys, only to realize, "Oh my gosh, my apartment key is missing. It must have fallen off?" So, a bit concerned I pulled out my keys and unlocked the apartment. Walking in the front door, I saw our friend Daniel standing in our kitchen.

When Dan and Will were in college, sometimes Dan would break into Will's apartment for a joke. So, naturally, my first thought was "oh my gosh, he broke a window." My next thought was "did he steal Will's key?" Then, moving down the hallway, the living room came into view, covered in Baby Boy themed decorations and full of people. Will's Mom had planned a surprise baby shower!

The Food Spread

Will's Mom decorated this cake! So cute.

It was a great shower with fun games and fabulous people. It was also great to see friends and family who came from as far away as Baltimore! Thanks to everyone. Especially to Will's Mom for pulling it all off! A special shout out to Will for keeping me in the dark on this, as he has done on so many things in the past. What a guy.

Baby is due this month. Counting down the days!

Theme Song: Haven't Met You Yet, Michael Buble