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When it comes to giving birth, so far (and don’t quote me on this later), I feel fairly calm about it all. Because really, I feel that there’s only so much I can do; and the rest is just left up to chance/fate/whatever-you-want-to-call-it.
At this point, the obedient Baby A is head down, and she has been for many, many weeks. We joke that she’s the “rule follower” of the two, because she got where she was supposed to go right away, and hasn’t budged. Though she DOES have the larger head of the two. Ow.
Baby B however, is lounging transverse style; which means she is laying horizontally in my uterus- her head on my left side. No one seems overly concerned, saying she could turn at any time, or maybe she’ll turn right after Baby A makes her debut and there’s more room, or, they can turn her manually. OW again. But then I read things about how sometimes they won’t turn, and have to come out via c-section. Which, yes, I’m in the camp of “however the babies need to come out to be healthy is fine with me”, but I’d prefer not to have to give birth vaginally AND have surgery. Though how much of a bad ass would I be if THAT happened? ;)
This all may sound like I’m totally worried; but I’m really not. I have, however, been researching natural ways to make babies turn from transverse to head down, and I think I might try some. A couple of them are yoga poses, or stretches, and then there’s things like placing a frozen bag of peas on your stomach right above the baby’s head, forcing them to turn away from it. So, I might try one of these things to help her find her way.
For now though, she seems to be our non rule-follower, lounging whichever way she pleases. And really, I know what happens will be what is meant to happen, and it’s my plan to just go with the flow with it all as much as possible, and do what feels right. You know, like Baby B. Our sideways chillin’ rebel.
~M
How far along? 29 weeks 6 days! 30 weeks tomorrow!
Total weight gain/loss: To date, 17 pounds. I have a doctor appt. next Tuesday, so I'll see then how much I'm up since the last visit.
Stretch marks? Yes. And the itching is pretty much gone! Let's hope it stays away! I'm sure more stretch marks are in my future. But? Oh well. Whaddyagonnado.
Maternity clothes? Yep. I think this week I will get a couple of spring/summer dresses and maybe a top or two, and then I think I'll be done buying maternity clothes. Though, I may just get spring tops for work, and save the dresses for weekends. I can't seem to stop my ankles form swelling, and since it's no longer tights season really, wearing dresses without any sort of compression tights makes my ankles look elephant-like quite quickly. So, it may just be slacks and tops for work for the next two months.
Sleep: Oh, you know. Not great, but whatever. I usually wake up 6-7 times night to pee, flip over on my other side, and get re situated.
Best moment this week: Watching Ian diaper and burp and swaddle our practice baby in our caring for a newborn class. It was pretty cute, and just made me all the more excited for him to be a dad.
Movement: Yep! I've started to get paranoid about how much they move, or don't move actually. I've read conflicting things; some sources say that the movement will begin to slow down now, because they're running out of room, and some say the opposite. Also, you're supposed to count their movements 1-2 times a day while laying down. This isn't difficult in and of itself, but I find it hard because I can't tell which ONE is kicking me. So, I'm just hoping that if I feel kicks frequently enough, it's ok. I'll ask my doctor next week.
Food cravings: Not really.
Genders: Still two girls!
Labor Signs: Have definitely had braxton hicks contractions, but that's it so far.
Belly Button in or out? Halfway out still. It's kind of wonky looking. :)
What I miss: Second trimester energy. I read that you'd be tired again in your third trimester, but I thought maybe it wouldn't be that much different. But yep! They were right; the sleepiness is back.
What I am looking forward to: Washing and folding all the cute newborn clothes. I think I'll do that in the next few weeks.
Weekly Wisdom: I'm trying really hard to just be patient and realize that this last bit is such a short period of time. So, I'm giving myself some wisdom, that hopefully I'll listen to. "Self? I know you are getting more uncomfortable every day, and that it's getting harder to do things and move around, and you feel like a gigantic whale, but you only have a little more than two months left. It will fly by, and it is all worth it. So, suck it up, do what you can to relax when you can, and think about those two lovely girls on their way."
Milestones: Well, it's not a REAL milestone, but honestly, this week feels like I'm actually in the 3rd trimester. It was a big shift. More tired, more sluggish, more hormonal feeling, and just more pregnant feeling in general.
And here's me, 29 weeks, 6 days! I don't love this dress because I don't think it's very flattering, and it will probably be the last time I wear it to work (see mention of elephant ankles above). Also, I spent way too long trying to get a good photo today, and well, finally just gave up:
Also, (hey, are you getting tired of this yet?) we're up to #57 on Top Baby Blogs! If I make it to 50, I'll be on the second page, which would be really cool. So, if you feel so inclined, click the below button. You can vote once a day! Thanks everyone, and have a lovely Wednesday!
~M
Well, it seems as though in the last week, I am starting in on the “I’m getting uncomfortable” phase. Before, I had moments of being uncomfortable, but I’m starting to see a glimmer of it happening much, much more frequently. I have to pee all the time, which is nothing new, but it seems to be extra frequent now. Sitting OR standing for any length of time is uncomfortable. I’m starting to get puffy ankles if I sit for too long (probably won’t be as bad today though, since I’m wearing my compression maternity tights; can you say SEXXXY? I mean, they look like regular tights, but still.) It seems as though my back and pelvic bones just sort of ache frequently too.
Rolling over in bed is funny when you have a big pregnant belly. Frequently I have to switch from one side to the other. In doing so, I just try to roll over, but it’s not that easy when you have the weight of two babies and a giant uterus all out in front of you. I’m sure it’s comical to watch. :)
Also, the first trimester fatigue seems to be back. I’m quite sleepy all the time.
It’s so crazy, most of this really did all sort of start happening within the last week or so. I’m kind of hoping that it just stays at this sort of “mild-to-medium” uncomfortable level for the next few weeks, as I still have about 8-9 weeks left.
However, one awesome thing is that my itching has pretty much disappeared! I’m so happy that the miserable-ness of that is over. I really hope it doesn’t come back, but from what I understand, it’s possible that it can; especially since I still have two more months of skin stretching ahead. I’ll just keep using that awesome Pine Tar soap that Ian found me, and hope I can keep it at bay.
I wish I had a swimming pool! Seems like feeling weightless and all floaty would feel pretty awesome right now. :)
~M
*psst! We're almost in the top 50! :)
Happy Monday everyone!
Well, we had a lovely weekend! On Saturday we had a very relaxing day of sleeping in a little, breakfast, catching up on some TV, chatting with friends on the phone, and just general hanging out.
Sunday was the big class day! From 10:30-1:00 we had our Childbirth class, and then from 2:00-4:00 we had our Caring for a Newborn class. Both classes were taught by this tiny, wacky, Orthodox Jewish lady, who was quite the character. The Childbirth class was not as informative as I thought it might be, but I did learn a few things. She mostly covered things like signs to look for to tell how you know you’re in labor, the stages of labor, some breathing exercises/coping mechanisms, some different ways the whole experience could go, etc. It’s a hard thing to teach I’d think, since everyone has a completely different experience. Like me; of course it’s still possible that I could go into labor on my own, but it’s also quite possible that I’ll just be induced, and won’t have to be on the lookout for any signs. Next class (there are 3) I think we’re going to talk about medications and epidurals, and a few more “nuts and bolts” kinds of things, so that will be helpful.
For the Caring for a Newborn class, we learned things like diapering, burping, bathing, swaddling, umbilical cord care; along with the first couple of days of the babies’ lives, and how things will be in the hospital. I knew a lot of the stuff, but some of it was new to me, so that was good. We got our own practice baby to diaper and swaddle and burp. It was pretty cute watching Ian with the practice baby. He’s going to be such a good dad. :)
We had some funny characters in our classes as well. It was kind of amazing how clueless some of the couples were; and it confirmed how well informed the both of us were. Ian has read a couple of books, and wants to read a couple more; which is way more than any of the other dads in the class. My husband rocks.
All in all, it was a fun time. Got to spend some quality time with my favorite person, and we feel a tiny bit more prepared than we did a few days ago. Also, just taking these classes makes us feel like things are getting closer; which is so exciting!
And because I like to always try and include pictures in my posts, here are two new gems I picked up from Opal Vintage last week.
Both of these can't be used until they're around 12 months or so, but how CUTE are they?? Mandy has all sorts of adorable things in her shop; and not just baby stuff! Check out her adorable shop, Opal.
Have a great day, everyone!
~M
Well, at 29 weeks, 1 day, I have officially entered in to the 30th week of my pregnancy! This is crazy to me. I have about 9 weeks left until I'll have two daughters in my arms! Wow.
This Sunday, Ian and I are going to our first childbirth class (there are 3), and then right after that, a caring for a newborn class at Mt. Sinai, where I will be delivering. It will be a full day, but I’m really excited. I’m hoping the childbirth class doesn’t freak me out, but I don’t think it will. I’m excited to be going to a class; learning something new, meeting new people. For the childbirth class, here is what we’ll learn:
Parents-to-be share common fears and concerns regarding pregnancy, labor and delivery, and parenting. The course demystifies the labor and birthing experience through:
♦ Discussion of pregnancy, labor and delivery
♦ Discussion of cesarean birth
♦ Presentation of breathing and relaxation techniques for maintaining control during labor and delivery
♦ Discussion of analgesia and anesthesia options for labor and delivery
♦ A review of the video tour of the maternity facilities at the Mount Sinai Hospital
♦ Videos and other audio-visual aids
For our “Caring for a Newborn” class, it says:
A two-hour class devoted to teaching baby-care basics. Topics include bath demonstration., swaddling, diapering, temperature taking, dressing, infant safety and basic needs.
So, we sure will be learning a lot! We’ll be pro parents by the end. :)
I’m kind of bummed, because in reading about the rules of the hospital, Ian will only be able to spend the night in our room if we get a private room (vs. a semi-private). Of course a private room is not fully covered by insurance; you have to pay the difference out-of-pocket. So, we’ll have to figure out what we want to do about that. I’d really like for him to be there, but it may not be in our budget. Anyone else have this experience; your partner not being able to stay the night with you? Just wondering if it’s standard, or a Mt. Sinai thing.
In other news, I have two butternut squashes in my uterus. Or, rather, two babies who each apparently weigh the same as a butternut squash. And to illustrate that, here is a picture of the most phallic butternut squash ever:
Ok, I just did a google image search, and I guess they all kind of look like that, but still. This one seems extra phallic to me.
Have a lovely weekend all!
~M
How far along? 28 weeks 6 days! I can't believe how close to 30 weeks I am!
Total weight gain/loss: To date, 17 pounds. I had a doctor appointment yesterday, and gained 1 pound in the last 2 weeks.
Stretch marks? Yes. And, the itching seems to be improving. Ian got me this special soap called Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap, that he read about on some PUPPP's message boards. I've been washing my belly with it 2-3 times a day for the last week, and I really think it's helping. I haven't had to ice at work so far this week. It still doesn't feel perfect, and it still is itchy, but WAY better than last week. I've also been taking Benadryl every night (which is safe during pregnancy) and I think that helps, too. I hope it keeps getting better! The Manhattan heat would make the itching really miserable if it sticks around, so I'm hoping it goes all the way away before the temperatures really start to rise.
Maternity clothes? Yep. I finally got some belly/back support thingys. I got two of these, one in black and one in white. I haven't tried them yet, just because I don't want to irritate my stomach more, but I'm thinking I can start using them soon. There are way heftier support belly things out there, but they all seem so clunky. I'm hoping I like these!
Sleep: It has been better the last few nights; I think the Benadryl helps. I haven't woken myself up scratching my belly, which I did every night last week; so that's good!
Best moment this week: Growth ultrasound on Friday. Always so great to see the babies. :) No pictures were taken, because both of the girls were face down and curled up; feeling a little camera shy. But, they are measuring normal; Baby A estimated at 2 pounds 15 ounces and Baby B estimated at 2 pounds 11 ounces. I don't know how accurate these weights are, but either way, they're looking great!
Movement: Yep! Also, in the last week, I've had root beer twice, and they seem to love it- or I'm giving them a crazy sugar rush. Probably the latter. :) Granted, I haven't had any sugary soda since I've been pregnant, so maybe they'd go all crazy with any soda, but I like to think it's specifically root beer that makes them boogie.
Food cravings: Nope.
Genders: Still two girls!
Labor Signs: No- not yet.
Belly Button in or out? It's a little more than halfway out now. But still not out all the way.
What I miss: Vanity alert; once again, I'm whining about missing clear skin. I have a new sympathy for anyone who's ever struggled with chronic acne, because my skin is really bad right now. Nothing to be done, but I miss my mostly blemish free days.
What I am looking forward to: Our Child birthing and Caring for a Newborn classes this Sunday! Pretty excited for those. :)
Weekly Wisdom: Time flies! I know; I'm blowing your mind right now. You've never heard that before, right? Well, it's true. Even though I occasionally get a little impatient and just want to meet my girls NOW.... mostly I just can't believe how quickly this time has gone by. At my baby shower, my friend Jill said something really great: In the pie of life, pregnancy & childbirth are such small slices, and go by so quickly. So, if you're having a fabulous pregnancy and a fabulous birth; enjoy them. If your pregnancy is miserable and your childbirth less-than-perfect; just know it is such a small part of things. That really stuck with me. I have really loved this experience for the most part, thus far, so I will try to soak up every moment I can!
Milestones: Hmm, I don't know that I reached any milestones this week. I guess one milestone I forgot to mention a couple of weeks back, is that Ian and I officially have two full names picked out. We aren't telling- sorry!- but it felt good to choose. We don't know which baby will get which name, or even if we'll stick with the names once we see them. But, I think we will; we've been hemming and hawing about names pretty much since 16 weeks when we discovered it was two girls.
And here's me, 28 weeks, 6 days!
Have a lovely Wednesday! And apologies if you're tired of me asking, but if you wouldn't mind, please vote for me if you have a chance. Thanks! :)
~M
Every once in a while I get all choked up just thinking about how I get to meet my two girls in such a short period of time. I get so overwhelmed with emotion; excited, nervous, overwhelmed, in awe, and just lots of love for my husband and my two little ones.
I often think about what their lives will be like, and what paths they will take. Even though they’re not even born, I already have the urge to protect them from any pain that may ever come their way. I know this isn’t possible, and that pain and hardships are just part of life, but I do wish a few things for them, and I’m going to do all I can to make sure the wishes come true:
1. I wish that you will always feel loved. By me, by your dad, by your family and by each other. I plan on telling you I love you every day, so get ready.
2. I wish that you will always feel safe. I hope that if ever you don’t feel safe, that we can be there to comfort you, or that when you’re older, you’ll have a wonderful support group of friends and family that you can lean on.
3. I wish that you will feel beautiful, always. As women, we struggle so much with our outward appearances, but I plan on doing everything in my power to show you your beauty both inside and out, and also teach you to appreciate the same in everyone.
4. I wish that you will have kind hearts, open minds, and a taste for adventure.
5. I wish that you will always have the courage and strength to follow your hearts and take your own paths, even if it’s not what everyone else thinks you should be doing.
6. I wish that you will enjoy your childhood as long as you possibly can before heading in to adulthood. You may THINK adulthood is way better, but trust me, don’t rush it.
7. I wish that when we go through our inevitable difficult period during your teen years, that we’ll still be able to communicate on some level, and that I remember what it was like when I was a teenager so I can have more patience with you.
8. I wish that you will feel loved. Yes, I said this already, but I can’t emphasize it enough. We will always love you, and I hope that above everything in your life, that you find endless amounts of love.
I can’t wait to meet you girls. I love you so much already, I can’t even imagine what it will feel like to finally see you and hold you.
Love, your Mom
~M
*photo credit here
P.S. A quick plea- we are climbing up the list, but it seems to be slowing down a bit. Just click the box below, and then once more, and you can do it every day! :)
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