Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. - Psalm 127:4-5

Saturday, February 25, 2012

38 weeks!

Still pregnant.

I can't believe I've still got a couple weeks to go!  I REALLY hope I won't be a 42-weeker..  The thought of it drives me nuts.  Not that I would ever go the route of inducing labor when it isn't ready, but I'm starting to see why people plan their labor and do it on their own terms.  
It isn't easy getting bigger and slower each week!

This week I've been experiencing some cramping and heaviness.  The other night I struggled to get out of the tub, and had to wait until the cramps passed.  I wondered if I was going into labor.. but it never went anywhere.  Hopefully my body's preparing itself and slowly dilating over time.  It'd be so nice for labor to start and already have half the work behind me! 

Scott and I have been very busy with our "To-Do" list this week..  Things like "finish the decals on the nursery wall", "write out Thank You cards from the church shower", "pack the baby bag", and "install the car seat".  I did bulk grocery shopping the other day, with plans to prepare and freeze a number of recipes.  That night, Scott and I attended a breastfeeding class and learned the basics.  Our instructor said nursing, in the first couple of weeks, can be as frequent as 12x a day for 40 minutes at a time!  That's a big commitment, but absolutely worth every second.  The benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and child are innumerable. 

I stepped on the scale the other day at the birth center, and I was up by 44 pounds.  Good heavens!  I'm really hoping it's mostly water weight that'll come off quickly once Bennett's here.  I haven't been this weight in five years!  Of course I'm carrying much different these days, and it's mostly in my belly.  But there are only so many places 44 pounds can go.. 
Hopefully it'll start to slow down very soon. 

Still going to the gym when we can find the time.  I'm pretty impressed with myself on the treadmill.  I can't wait to get back to working out once Bennett arrives.  Zumba may not be on my list of things to do right away, but my plan is to return one day!


Bennett and I at 38 weeks. 

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

37 weeks - TERM!

Wow, we made it!  I'm now considered "term". 

"Term" is when the baby's lungs are thought to be developed enough to survive without medical aid outside the womb; but most babies still aren't ready to come yet, even at this point.  They say the baby benefits from every added day in the womb.  But I wonder when Bennett will make his big arrival! 

So now I'm officially in my ninth month of pregnancy.  Praise the Lord for His kindness to all three of us in this pregnancy!  I truly never thought we'd make it this far, with all the anxiety about my chromosomes. 
But it seems God had different plans. 

Scott and I have read a lot about "due dates" in our natural child-birthing books.  The whole idea of 40 weeks was developed by a doctor in the 1900's.  It's since been proven to not be the most effective way of calculating the length of a pregnancy.  The truth is, it's actually ten lunar months.  My midwife says the new rule of thumb is "41-1".  41 weeks and 1 day is generally the average for expecting women, especially if it's their first child.  So we're not getting too caught up in expecting Bennett on his due date..
After all - only 5% of babies are actually born on their due date. 

I'm continuing to take the Raspberry Leaf tea.  I wasn't enjoying it hot, so I've learned to make an iced tea out of it.  That way I actually have a shot at the three to four recommended servings a day.  It's no easy task!  

Bennett's movements are less obvious these days.  He's getting relatively cramped in there, so I often feel more of a rolling sensation than a kicking one.  BUT he continues to hiccup frequently.  
I have to be honest and say I really don't love the way it feels. 


Let's see what this week holds! 
Theoretically, I can go into labor any day now...

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

36 weeks!

36 weeks.  Just one week away from term!

This week was an exciting week, because it was also my birthday!  The same day I hit 36 weeks, I turned 28 years old.  I've been wondering recently if that's late to have your first child..  It all seems to depend upon who you ask, though.  Some women start having children young, in their early 20's..  But other women have told me they're glad they waited until they hit 30.  I guess I don't really have an opinion, either way. I'm just glad that I'm pregnant with my first, and will be meeting him soon.

Scott and I had a lovely birthday dinner.  Bennett and I both enjoyed P.F. Chang's Chinese food and a chocolatey dessert.  The time we had been there prior, the manager gave us a coupon for a free appetizer because I was pregnant!  This time we redeemed it.. 
There truly are some perks to being with child.  

Christine said everything is looking good.  I've hit 39 total pounds of weight gain, so far.  I guess I just carry it well though, because it's not as bad as it sounds..  Thank heavens.  My numbers are still great.  Sleep has gotten a bit easier, now that Bennett has dropped lower down.  I'm no longer desperate for air in certain sleeping positions. 
That has been a BIG relief these days. 

I've also started drinking Raspberry Leaf Tea.  It's supposed to help tone the uterus and prepare it for labor and post-labor recovery.  I've also started taking Evening Primrose Oil which intends to soften the cervix.  Both are supposed to prepare the body for labor and move things along.  So far I'm truly enjoying the natural route of herbs and supplements. 
I feel like it's the best thing I can do for Bennett and I. 


All dolled up for my birthday!

We're getting there!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

35 weeks!

Let's see.. How would I describe my 35th week of pregnancy?  
Breathing has gotten a little easier, sleeping has gotten a little easier, and Bennett's moving a ton!!

There was a day or two that I had insistent little feet sticking out the side of my stomach.  Sounds freakish, but it's actually quite neat.  Once or twice though, it pinched a little bit..  But otherwise, it was fun to behold.  I went to the dentist for a pre-natal cleaning, and Bennett was squirming about.  Maybe he was continuing to position himself for birth, but things have quieted down towards the end of the week. 
But that isn't a bad thing when it's 2AM and you're seriously needing sleep.

Scott and I also made it to the gym a couple times.  I'm impressing myself on the treadmill, because I really expected the worst.. but I guess I'm not as far behind as I thought!  I've also been doing some leg-strengthening machines to get ready for this impending labor. 

Scott and I attended our last Bradley child-birthing class.  I couldn't believe it!  We've learned so much over these past three months.  We all took a group shot at the end of class, which I'll share at the end of this entry.  Our teacher showed us a video of a woman giving natural birth at home to twins!  And the crazy thing was the second twin to come out was breech.  The woman took it in stride and gave birth on her bathroom floor.  It was a crazy sight to behold, but it really shows how women were designed for this. 
If she can do that, I can do this!

So it's February 1st, and Bennett's due March 1st.  Wow.. Time to get ready!  For those of you out there reading, please pray for a safe and happy labor for Bennett and I. 
Many thanks.