Week 31

How I feel: This week I've experienced a case of extreme mood swings. Between my long commute to work, the constant stress of getting things wrapped up in the office before my maternity leave, and the anxiety of the next few weeks ahead, I think anyone would feel a little exhausted and out of their element too.  Luckily, my husband and sweet mom have been the there along the way to help me get through the highs and lows. I've been a bit of a hormonal monster, but they've been nothing but supportive and extremely forgiving. Every preggy should have a strong support system, so thank you mom and hubby!

 

How I'm preparing: I have to be honest, due to the limited amount of "free-time" I have, it's been difficult for me to catch up on reading or attend as many classes as I would like. The classes are extremely time consuming, lasting anywhere between 3-5 hours. I just don't have that kind of time! So, I've resorted to the next best thing...online videos. I've found Baby Center and You Tube to be particularly resourceful. Another fantastic resource has been Babies R Us. Do you know that they offer parenting classes every other Wednesday of the month?! The best part? They are FREE and only last about an hour! On the 27th I will be attending the first class on breast feeding! So, if you're strapped on time and/or cash, this may be a good alternative. I'll keep you posted.  

 

About Week 31: Baby Sofia measures over 16 inches long and weighs about 3 lbs. (Baby Center compares it to carrying 4 naval oranges). She can now turn her head from side to side, and her little body is starting to plump out. She's extremely active and seems like she's developing as expected. Only 8 more weeks until her arrival! Hooray!

 

Week 30

30 Weeks today! Can you believe it?! Exactly 9 weeks from today I will be holding my sweet baby girl in my arms! And yes, I said 9 weeks. To fill you in, I have decided to schedule my C-section for Week 39, April 12th. I know it may seem unnatural but during the early stages of my pregnancy my doctor discovered a very large cyst on my ovary. Luckily it is not cancerous, but it must come out! After much consideration I spoke to my doctor and decided to schedule my C-section and cyst operation at the same time. Since we're already going to cut me open, might as well take care of everything at once! I am scared of the surgery, but I trust my doctor very much and I trust that I am making a good decision for myself and my baby. So, unless she decides to comes early...on April 12th she will be making her first grand appearance!

About week 30: Baby Sofia weighs anywhere between 2.75-3lbs, about the size of a head of cabbage. I have gained approximately 12 lbs, and should continue to average +1 pound a week. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it is not very keen- 20/400 vision (normal adult vision is 20/20).

How I am preparing: For the past several weeks I have been working on getting the nursery ready, finalizing my registries, and tying up any lose ends at my job before my leave. With less than 10 weeks to go I still have so much ahead! I haven't registered for any birth classes, but I did manage to squeeze in 2 birthing videos (which I'm still dreading!). Just a helpful tip for any preggies out there, stay away from youtube videos about birth. If you missed that day in anatomy class, this isn't the time to catch up on reproduction. What they show on these videos is graphic and scary. I think I cried for one solid hour after watching. Both options (c-section and vaginal) are very intimidating (to put it nicely) and can make anyone question WTH they've gotten themselves into. Luckily I've had some great family and friends who have more than reassured me that everything will be just fine and it will all be worth it once I'm holding Sweet Sofia in my arms. :) Happy Friday!

Week 29

Hello! Today marks 29 weeks into my pregnancy. Things are starting to feel much more different than they ever have. Miss Sofia is kicking and moving around a ton! Every now and then I get a little startled by her sudden jabs. It's such an interesting feeling...very hard to describe- you must experience it to even begin to understand. It's like I have a little alien inside of me. Creepy, I know! None the less, it's a beautiful time in my pregnancy. With only 11 more weeks until our bundle of joy arrives, I couldn't feel more happy and excited about all of the changes taking place- physically, emotionally, and mentally!