I definitely feel like my body is giving me signs her arrival is drawing near, and for the first time in the past 8 months, I am okay with it. What a drastic change from the fear and worry that has crippled me through this pregnancy journey.
They say the end of pregnancy isn't for the faint of heart, and I guess I'm starting to see why. I've officially hit the "I'm uncomfortable" stage, and the "tired of feeling yucky" point. I remind myself that this is such a special time in my life, something I've always wanted and to be thankful, even for the hard parts.
I've found myself in the past few weeks becoming more like a waddling penguin, than a person. My back seems to finally reached a point where its not comfortable in sustaining the basketball on the front of my stomach, and my body feels like its swelling in places I didn't realize would swell (i.e. my toes).
Sleep has pretty much become foreign to me, between the trips to the bathroom, the pills I take every 4 hours and the sickness that accompanies the Nifedipine, I've watched A LOT of The Office over the past week... I'm thinking I might actually finish the entire series before she comes. That's about all I can truly say I've accomplished in the last several months. At least its something right? ;-)
Yet despite me spending the last 4 paragraphs complaining, I wouldn't change this feeling, aches or pains for anything else. This is my dream coming true, and I haven't forgotten for a second, just how big of a blessing this is.
This week, week 33 brought the start (or actual continuation) of my twice a week doctors appointments, yet this time we are now having a weekly ultrasound to see how the baby is, followed by another appointment 3 days later where the baby and I get to do a non-stress test to make sure she is well.
While the contractions are no longer 6 minutes a part, they have remained constant, continuous and sometimes really strong. Yesterday I did not feel well all day and tried to take things extra easy. Isabelle was home with me and one of the 80 times a day she calls for me to come help her, I got up and walked to her room. Its common for me that every time I get up to walk, I will have a contraction, so when it happened this time I didn't think much of it. As I got to her room, Isabelle needed help putting on her shoes so I went and sat on her chair, bent over slightly to help her and sat there for a minute afterwards to just let everything relax. I then went to stand up to go back to my spot on the couch when a really strong contraction came on, it took away my breath, shot pains through my back and stomach and took my breath away. I bend over her dresser and tried to breath through it. After a minute or so the pain finally let up and I was able to go back to the couch to rest. Having those strong contractions reminded me, of the fun labor pains that await.
Earlier this week we got to see baby girl again on the ultrasound and each time I see her I fall farther and farther in love. My anticipation for her arrival grows and the dreams of what our life together will be like, grow rapidly in my mind. I've finally allowed myself to think... she will come home with us. I just pray that my thoughts become my reality.
Baby girl had 30 minutes this week to perform show off some of her skills. I can't remember everything she was supposed to do in the time allotted... I think show signs of practice breathing, stretch a couple of times and move her arms and legs were a few of them. Our wonderful friend Marybeth who has been there for us each week for so many months, said sometimes babies take the full 30 minutes and sometimes they finish right away. As she put the wand on my stomach, it was clear baby girl was awake and active. About 4 minutes later, after seeing her cute round belly rise and fall, her kick her legs and move her arms, and wiggle around my belly, Marybeth said, "Well, she's basically done everything we need her to do!" Again she had passed her test with flying colors. My little overachiever. :-)
Thankfully Marybeth allowed me to watch her for a few more minutes and captured some great photos. Baby girl has continued to fill out, now sporting a cute little fat roll along her wrist. Each time I see her I think about Isabelle as a baby and how tiny thin she was. Seeing "Sweetie Pie" I'm thinking she's going to be the exact opposite. What fun it will be to see her on the outside.
Here are some pictures from this week's ultrasound...
This scan type is supposed to reflect the actual texture of skin and what she'd look like on the outside. Isn't it amazing the detail they can see in these pictures?
See her little wrist with the start of her crease in her hand. I think its the cutest thing ever and can't wait to kiss those little hands.
She was willing to let us see her face for a few great shots...
And then she crossed her hands in front of her face and said, "Enough pictures for today!" Look at those long fingers.
Returning home after the ultrasound I realized that my time with her riding along with me inside, is coming to an end and my nesting urges kicked in. Thankfully I am feeling like we are pretty much ready to meet her. Her clothes have been washed (thanks Nana and Papa), we have her car seat installed (again thanks Nana and Papa) and we have all the supplies I think we could need to welcome her into our lives (thanks to so many).
And speaking of supplies given by so many, I want to conclude this post by sharing that we were again showered in great love this past weekend as two of my greatest friends hosting a baby shower for us. Janelle and Sonya, (and their families) have been truly remarkable to me and our family from the very beginning but especially this past year. They were pillars of strength for me, for our family and extended loved ones as we journeyed with Noah, celebrating with us as we told them we were expecting our son Noah, being oh so supportive and helpful while we were in the hospital with Noah, providing unending support, love and kindness in our grief and now showering us with so much love as we look forward to continuing on with life and our littlest blessing. I don't know how I was blessed with their amazing friendship, but its been life saving for me to have them in my life.
Sonya and Janelle hosted a beautiful party and so many wonderful friends were able to come. I loved getting to see friends I hadn't seen in a long time and to sharing a beautiful morning together. While their time in being together was gift enough, so many generous and very wonderful gifts were shared with us. Here are some photos of the fun we shared...
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| Isn't that the prettiest diaper cake ever? Thanks Jane for creating such a masterpiece! I'm afraid to use any of the diapers as I don't want to take apart such a beautiful creation! |
Isabelle and her friend Matt, helped me open the gifts. This big box of diapers was a two man project!
Thank you Janelle, Sonya and so many great friends for celebrating this joyous time. We are so thankful for the support and love shared with us. And thank you for helping us get prepared.
And while us girls were having fun being showered in love, Dad and his boys had a busy morning playing too. They had Gabriel's baseball game, followed by lunch at Panda Express (the boys' favorite) and then got to go bowling. Here they are "pretending" to be exhausted from their busy morning!
Until next time,
Angie
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