(written August 14th)
30s!!! I can’t even believe we’re here. Somehow, this has simultaneously felt like the longest journey ever and also a mystery as to where the last 7 months have gone. We’re at that point in time now where I feel like we’re so close to the end, but still so far.
Baby’s size: My apps say just over 3 pounds and about 16 inches long. Random size comparisons for this week include a platypus, a motorcycle helmet, or a cantaloupe!
Maternity clothes?: Should this even be a question at this point? Nella always wants to match clothes with me, and she still tries to choose tops out of my regular drawer. It’s so sad when I have to tell her that none of those fit right now because she makes the most let-down pouty face ever.
To be honest, I feel kind of huge this time around. My weight is right around where it always is at this point… It’s just amazing how there can be so much variability in bump size and shape based on so many different factors.
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: I’ve been doing okay! I went back and read my 30-week post with Eve, and apparently, I was already having Braxton Hicks contractions, which seems totally crazy! I am surprised that I haven’t noticed any yet, since it seems like many moms get them earlier and earlier with each subsequent pregnancy. I am definitely not complaining!
Sleep: I’ve been having a hard time falling asleep at night again. My brain just won’t quiet down, and if Michael falls asleep before me, it’s even harder for me. I am still napping every day, but I’ve been really trying to limit for how long, since I know that can affect my nighttime sleep. It kind of feels like a vicious cycle. I’ve had some weird dreams this week, too- one where I went over my due date, and another where I saw my placenta and it was all gray and dead-looking, not like a placenta should be at all. It was pretty creepy, actually.
Movement: He is still my strong, wild boy! I love feeling him dance around as I fall asleep and wake up. He’s getting so strong and sometimes his movements hurt a little or surprise me! He was breech at our ultrasound last week, and I know he probably has been flipping around throughout the pregnancy, but overall, I feel like he’s spent the vast majority of the last 12 weeks head-down. I’m pretty sure he’s been head-down again because his super strong feet keep pushing up above my belly button. Also, he had hiccups for the first time that I’ve noticed! They were as low as possible in my belly, so I’m still thinking he flipped back.
Cravings: Nothing really. I feel like I eat because I have to most of the time, not because I really want to.
What I miss: Maybe just not feeling so tired all the time.
Anything making you queasy or sick?: Sometimes I wake up feeling queasy, and I’m usually nauseous again after dinnertime. I get nauseous when I go uphill on my runs, which is kind of annoying, but it’s really been okay. I have been able to eat and I’m not confined to my bed like I was so much with Eve. I’m trying my hardest to stay functional.
Belly Button in or out?: Flat, and just when I think it can’t get any flatter, it does! I apparently have a freckle that is usually in my belly button that’s now just visible on my belly. Weird.
Exercising?: Ran 21.9 miles (longest run was 5.1 miles); walked 1 mile. Best average pace this week was 10:06 min/mile. Running has been good this week. My biggest enemy is just fatigue! I’ve also really been cracking down on doing more yoga consistently, which helps with any hip soreness for sure.
Mood: I’ve been really working hard on controlling any fears and trying to stay positive. Also, I’ve still just been nesting like crazy. I organized all our holiday stuff into plastic bins, and came up with a bag to donate and a bag to trash. I also bought a headboard for our bed (which unfortunately came damaged) because I really want to make that a cozy space before I’m in there nursing a baby so often. I still have things I want to hang on the wall, and I really want to get started with painting the guest room/baby’s future room.
Best moment this week: Michael took Kaya and Kaelyn on a hike this week, and they had the best time. It also meant that I got to have a whole day with Nella and Eve! It felt special to just be with the two of them. We played American Girl Dolls and I gave them thin mint cookies with their lunch.
Looking forward to: Doing some more little projects around the house! I’m also figuring out if I’m making him a baby blanket and what that might look like.
Big sisters: Kaya and Kaelyn have made him some cards for when he comes home. They are sad that they won’t be allowed to visit at the hospital due to COVID-19. All the girls kiss my belly (Eve says, “Say hi to baby!”) when she comes to kiss my belly. So sweet.
Comparison: 30 weeks with Kaya; 30 weeks with Kaelyn; 30 weeks with Nella; 30 weeks with Eve.
P.S.- Michael loves to leave these silly pictures on my camera. Ha!