Amazing that I've made it to 31 weeks and haven't written all that much about the Pancake, isn't it?
Most importantly, the Pancake and I are both staying healthy and feeling well. I've gained about 21 pounds so far, and about 20 of them are shaped like a basketball in my abdomen! I am still active, working out 4-5 times a week, although I'm getting progressively slower. I'm down to about 2.2 miles in a 30-minute stretch on the treadmill, but I go at a steep incline to get the benefit of a more intense workout. I'm also adding variety with the stationary bike on occasion and, as of late, swimming laps once a week, too.
Fully into the third trimester, I'm starting to feel that overwhelming fatigue again, which leaves me unproductive most evenings and ready for bed by about 8:00. Also, I unfortunately am starting to swell just a bit, and I think the recent 90-degree weather we've had is responsible at least in part. I've also woken up on occasion with horrible cramps in my legs that are then sore for about 4 days afterwards. Who knew this preggo symptom? Otherwise, I still really can't complain and have been blessed with a far smoother pregnancy than many.
Pancake is active and growing (by the way, a name has been chosen, but we're keeping it to ourselves and immediate family for now). He's starting to kick me in the ribs in ways that don't feel so good. And Bob and Lisa and I all have fun feeling his punches and kicks, and we're especially amused when he's so active that you can visibly see my stomach rippling and shifting. The app says he is now about 17 inches long and 3.5 pounds.
In other news, Bob and I have been attending Bradley Method birthing classes and are now about half-way through the 12-week course, preparing ourselves for a natural birth at Fruitful Vine Birthing Center. We are learning quite a bit and have homework each week, centering on exercises that prepare my body and husband-coached relaxation techniques that we'll use during labor.
Speaking of Bob, he has been hard at work the past few weeks getting the nursery ready (with some much-appreciated help from Lisa). The walls are painted 100 Acre Raindrop (light grey), a new ceiling fan is installed, and the crib and dresser/changing table have been put together. We still have a lot to finish in the room, but the big stuff is done and looking mighty spiffy.
What we don't have yet is a daycare arrangement worked out or a pediatrician chosen. They both have stars next to them on the to-do list, but - despite the Type A's that we are - we just haven't done them. Yet. Perhaps I'm in denial that I'll have to leave my baby to get back to work.
We have, as Bob says, done our part to stimulate the economy recently, partly for baby and partly just for me. We purchased a recliner that can double as a rocking chair, and we have ordered a bigger car for me hopefully to arrive in June (my poor little Mazda2 only fits a car seat in the back if the passenger seat is pushed all the way forward, and the trunk will barely fit a stroller). The other new toy is an iPhone for me, which was a surprise from Bob about two weeks ago!
Looking ahead I will be traveling two weeks in a row at the end of May (any words of wisdom?), then we plan to have a quiet and relaxing June (except for the daycare and pediatrician search) in advance of his expected arrival in early July.
Nine more weeks - but who is counting, anyway?
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