Week 30

"We prayed for this child and the Lord has granted us what we asked of Him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord." - 1 Samuel 1:27-28

I know everyone has been asking about my glucose test. Good news is I passed (which I was pretty sure I would!). My doctor actually asked me if I had passed and I had to remind her that I was waiting for her to give me the results! Apparently the lab at the hospital isn't always on the ball. And my RN said "why don't you just go to Quest and get it done over there". She obviously did not have to get the 3 hr test completed because no one in their right mind would EVER suggest that having been through it. I was poked 5 times (getting used to this needle thing by now. I'm just happy I don't cry every time). By the 5th stick, it felt like rubbing alcohol being injected into my veins. On top of that I couldn't eat or drink (even water!) until 12:30 p.m. I eat A LOT in the mornings, so this was tough. And they expect you to give a urine sample every hr even when you can't drink anything. Ridiculous! I was also walking to and from the lab, going back to work every hour, so I was going a bit crazy by the end. However, the staff at the lab was really nice and took care of me in the best way they could. And the 3 hr tang (which is twice as concentrated as the 1 hr) was much worse; it actually burned going down (and you only get 5 minutes to chug it). As an RD I was more upset about drinking 400 calories (I would have much preferred to spend it on a piece of cake!) than anything!

Speaking of calories, I've gained 20 lbs!!! My goal was 20 by the end of the pregnancy and considering I have 9+ more weeks to go, I think I'll have to give that up. I don't quite get the math though. How is it possible that the baby is less than 4 lbs, but I'm up to 20?!?! Something just doesn't add up.

Speaking of baby size, James is around 18 inches and just over 3 lbs (which equates to a head of lettuce). These last 2 weeks, his brain has been getting wrinkly (which believe it or not is a good thing; means surface area is increasing so he'll be thinking a lot more, about what I'm not sure though!). He also is losing the soft furry coat (kind of weird to type that about a baby and not an animal) as his body is regulating temperature on his own. He can use all five senses, which is likely not too important at this time given the lack of activity to sense while in my belly!  

Some of those first trimester symptoms are coming back around, I get the occasional wave of nausea, but nothing too bad. I go to bed pretty early too. I'm getting up in the middle of the night, which is not something I ever used to do, but I realize I need to get used to it at this point. And my newest issue is occasional heart burn/reflux. I also get winded just walking down the hall, which is kind of funny for a fast walker like me. I've had to learn to slow it down in order to just make it to my destination!

Otherwise, things are going well. I just purchased the crib today (yes, the Libra in me has a difficult time making choices!!) and will purchase the rest of the furniture in the next couple of weeks to get his room ready. We had our first shower this weekend (hosted by Kelly and Allison). I was overwhelmed by the amount of gifts and love shown to us. I have to say, I actually won the baby trivia game!! But also learned some very scary facts in the midst (like on average, you'll change ~7000 diapers in the first two years! Glad I'm thinking about cloth diapers after the first couple of months!) It would take me hours to list all of the things we received, but this baby has been spoiled beyond belief already! Can't wait for him to get here so he can start using them! I was not in charge of taking pictures, but as they come in, I will definitely post them.

Up for this weekend is Drew's and my Granddad's birthday celebrations! We're spanning 4 generations between our two sides of the family 

And I added a couple of pictures until the shower ones make it my way!

I just realized that the bottom of my shirt no longer actually touches me 

Our first baby 

You can just barely make out my belly button! Not quite an outie yet, but it threatens and gets closer every day!

Week 28

"Every good and perfect gift is from above"- James 1:17

We're moved in and settling quite nicely into our new house. A big thanks is owed to my parents who helped move out of our condo and to Patrick's parents who helped us move into our new house. Patrick's mom and crew spent 3 FULL days organizing, decorating and making our new house a home. Words can't come close to the appreciation for their hard work, energy and time. I definitely know the meaning of we "couldn't have done it without you".

We are still working on nursery items (I still have yet to order the furniture), but the paint is done. Also done is the baby bathroom (which I am in love with!). Patrick's mom bought our towels and mat. That bathroom is at the top of the stairs and I smile every time I climb them.

As far as the baby goes, things are still going well. He's the size of a small cabbage (which is 17 inches, 2.9 lbs). He is now apparently able to blink as well as cough and continues to improve his ability to breathe on his own. He's gaining fat (as am I!). The buds for his permanent teeth are developing this week (baby teeth buds have already done so). He kicks me pretty consistently and something on my right side (either his rear end or feet) pop out a couple of times/day, which is pretty fun and crazy to feel. 

I took and failed my glucose test today. Let me just say, I'm not about to run out and buy a case of this stuff, but honestly people, the drink was not nearly as awful as most people made it out to be. I thought I was going to have to plug my nose and chug. It tasted like flat orange Crush, I can't believe I let people build up anything different! Nonetheless, I now have to do the 3 hr test, which for this girl who has trouble sitting for short periods of time, hanging out in a lab for 3 hrs (while fasting) will probably not be my best moment of pregnancy. I like the term "hangry", which is what I get when I don't eat. The thought that I won't pass it really hasn't entered my mind. I know more people who failed the first and passed the second than not. (Which to me means they need to change their parameters for the first test; the system is flawed, not us pregnant women!). I also have a low blood count, which means I get to start taking extra iron. I appreciated my RN telling me what foods to avoid and what foods to take it with. Then they realize that I'm an RD and usually finish with the statement: "but you already knew that didn't you". They are two very sweet girls, so I listen politely, it's just funny when the light goes on. But this also means finger sticks when I go to my OB appointments (not crazy about that either). So off to work early I go tomorrow morning, interrupted by my 3 hr test and then back to work.

Our free weekends are getting fewer and farther between. After the move last week, we are going home this weekend for Patrick's Christmas present (Avett Bros concert) and a bridal shower on Saturday. Then followed by baby showers, bday party (Drew who turns 2!!!) and other odds and ends. Will keep ya'll updated on how the next glucose test goes and post nursery pics as they come along....