Week 32

So.  We are at week number 32 now.  Cray.  

Days have really been flying by as of late.  It was quite a busy week.  It started out with a maternity photo shoot.  That was super fun!  I still haven't seen all of the photos, but from a quick preview that we received I am in love with them already!  I also had a couple of date nights with girlfriends mid-week.  And then I had an unplanned visit to the Dr.'s office in the middle of the week.  

I thought I was over being a paranoid mess a long time ago, but I proved myself wrong.  Remember how I mentioned that this baby was a crazy kick monster?  Well, one morning it decided to be nice to me.  I noticed that it wasn't kicking as hard or as frequently.  And so I sort of freaked out, contacted my Dr., and was instructed to get to the office as soon as possible for a Fetal Nonstress Test.  Doesn't sound scary at all, right?  

When I got to the exam room, they strapped a heartbeat monitor around my belly, sat me down, and left me for a good chunk of time to listen to the most relieving sound a mother could hear: the baby's heartbeat. The heartbeat was recorded on graph paper for the duration of the test.  Eventually, the nurse came back to the room to read the graphs and assured me that everything looked normal.  Phew!  I, of course, felt super silly for being so paranoid.  But better safe than sorry?  At the end the nurse signed me up for a follow-up test at 33 weeks, just to be safe.  So yeah, super paranoid crazy mom over here.  Watch out.

Next week I have another exciting appointment to look forward to: a 33 week ultrasound.  Ultrasounds are my fav.  The upcoming weekend is also baby shower time, thanks to my mom and sister!  It's going to be a busy month, but I like it that way. 

Symptoms: Feet still hurting if I stand up for too long, but it's nothing super uncomfortable.  Moody-ish?  I think I've been moodier than usual.  Been kind of in a Dont Give A F mode to people and things around me.  I hope I haven't been too mean. 
Thoughts on Food: Food and eating it has gone pretty well this past week.  I think I'm eating more.  

Cravings: Sweets.  I've had a bit of a sweet tooth. 

Thankful For:  A mean baby.  I hope it continues to kick me violently and relentlessly for the next 8 weeks so that I have nothing to worry about ever again.

Current Weight: 122.5

3rd Trimester

Oh heyyyy third trimester!  So I guess this is it.  The final stretch.  Time for baby to put on some layers of fat, and for me to deal with that extra weight.  There's no doubt that this baby is fattening up and growing.  Its movements are starting to get stronger and sometimes really uncomfortable!  It's almost like baby is not happy with its lack of space.  It punches and kicks me in all the wrong places, trying to stretch and readjust itself.  Not cool, baby.

Baby's due date still seems far away to me, but days have been really flying by.  I'm four weeks into this third tri and just barely getting some down time to blog.  For one, I got sick at the start of week 28.  It was a harsh reminder that my immune system is still compromised.  Not fun.  I'm all better now, but then husband and I went into full-on nesting mode.  Getting rid of furniture, replacing it with more functional pieces, decluttering, reorganizing, figuring out how to fit a crib into a 700 sq ft loft.  You know, making space for our new roommate.  It has been fun, but very time consuming.  There is still plenty of work to be done, but I think we are in a good place.

Even though I haven't kept up with the weekly blog update, I've been good about the weekly pictures.  Each week I look at this belly and can't imagine how it can get any bigger.  I feel so stretched out; it's kind of uncomfortable!  But baby is just doing its job, and I'm happy for that.

Symptoms: Big.  I feel big.  And heavy.  If I walk too much, my feet start to hurt.  If I sit for too long, my back gets achy.  Indigestion sneaks up on me from time to time.  And I still have to pee all the damn time.  Yay pregnancy - so glamorous!

Thoughts on Food: I've been eating pretty well, but I have to be careful because I never know when those nasty indigestion symptoms will show up.  Sometimes I can eat a whole, hearty meal and feel content.  Some days I'll eat a salad and burp it up the rest of the day. 
Cravings: None.  I'm starting to think this whole "pregnant women have insane cravings" thing is a myth. 
Thankful For: An active baby.  Yes, its movements can be really uncomfortable at times but I'm still in awe that there is a living human being inside of that bump.  A strong, healthy, and active one.

Current Weight: 121.5 lbs at 31 weeks.  Slow but steady weight gain.

Wrapping up Trimester Numero Dos

We made it to the final week of the 2nd trimester!  All I can say about the past several weeks is that they have been incredibly pleasant.  The bump officially made itself known, and I'm feeling super.  Most importantly, the baby has done a great deal of developing and growing.  It is reassuring to know that from now on the baby is viable with the help of medical intervention, should anything happen.  Ugh, it freaks me out just to say that.  Needless to say, I'm very much looking forward to baby staying comfortable inside of its current dwelling place for the next few months.  It may be developed enough, but it's got some fattening up to do!  And I like me a fat baby.  So let's keep growing, okay, little one?

With that, I'm mentally preparing myself for the uncomfortable phase of pregnancy.  Heavy, overbearing bump, me moving at the pace of a slug, muscle cramps, swollen joints.  From what I've read, it can get pretty ugly.  But every pregnancy is different, so who knows what's in store for me.  I'm just trying to stay prepared and approach it with positivity.  However the final trimester pans out, it's all for the good!  For now, I shall enjoy this final week of the 2nd trimester to the fullest.  I'm already so proud of this baby for how far it has come!

Symptoms: Itchy belly, but manageable.  And I have to pee.  All the time.
Thoughts on Food: Food is okay.  I've been eating a bit better this week, but try not to eat too fast or too much because then I start burping nonstop.  Gross.
Cravings: Nah, not really. 
Thankful For: A happy, healthy 2nd trimester.
Current Weight:  Still hovering at 119.

26

Hey, hey 26 weeks!  We are nearing the end of Trimester Numero Dos and things are goooood.  I've felt a bit more energetic this week.  I'm still pretty pooped by the end of the day, but it's been an improvement from last week.  Instead of turning into a zombie by 4/5pm, I can hold out until about 9/10pm.  Woop!  I feel like a granny having to call it a night so early, but sleep is important!  Especially when I wake up every day anywhere between 2 to 3am because my bladder is about to explode.

One exciting development for this week is that we sealed the deal on a doula.  Doula?  I know, I didn't know what a doula was either before entering the world of baby.  Basically, she is someone who provides support to the mother and her partner in preparation for birth and during labor; a birthing coach!  I know, I knowwww; how hippy/yuppie/whatevs of me.  I don't personally know of anyone in my family or circle of friends who has used a doula.  I haven't even told my Mom yet, but I'm sure I'm going to get an earful from her.  The truth is, the baby will be born and many women have done it without the support of a doula.  Here's the thing.  I want a natural birth.  I believe that my body is capable of doing what it is designed to do.  However, I'm having my baby at the hospital.  The odds are stacked very much against my favor when it comes to actually having a natural, unmedicated, interventionless birth.  So why did I decide to birth at a hospital in the first place, you ask?  Well, I still strongly believe in science and have faith in the medical community.  Also, if something goes wrong, trained doctors will be there if I need them.  I am reluctant, though, to blindly trust the hospital and their decisions.  I don't believe in trusting much of anything blindly, so I've been doing a lot of my own research.  Reading, searching, soaking up as much information as possible to decide the best way (for me) to bring my baby into this world.
And holy hell, the cesarian rate in California is sitting at roughly 33% and has been on a steady increase for the past decade.  That, combined with epidural, medical induction, etc. rates makes for a sad prospect for the type of birth that I'd prefer to have.  (Disclaimer: not saying my preference is right/wrong.  It is exactly that: a personal preference.  I totes have respect for all mamas who bring life into this world.)

I guess my point is there is a world of knowledge to acquire in the birthing realm.  I am in no way an expert, nor do I expect to become one.  The plan is to arm myself with enough knowledge and preparation so that the birth experience is a positive one for baby, me, and husband.  Having a doula as part of our team is part of that preparation.  I've learned so much already from our first meeting.  Let me just say that the birthing process and the way the human body handles it at a chemical level is effing fascinating.  I'm so eager to learn more.  So, yeah, I'm already experiencing the benefits of working with a doula!  Knowledge is power, yo.  And when I'm at the hospital, in labor, acting all primitive and shit, I have the peace of mind that there will be a voice of reason to speak on my behalf, communicate my preferences, and explain to husband & I (in normal language) what the heck is going on when nurses/doctors are throwing around all this medical terminology.

Along with being a doula, she's a certified lactation consultant.  Double win!  In my ongoing pursuit of a natural health-based lifestyle in this over-industrialized society, I plan on using these mammaries for their intended evolutionary purpose.  And (surprise, surprise) the chances of me being successful with breastfeeding are equally as slim.  There is a lot I can do to prepare now, and my doula is helping me with that process.  So, I'm really happy to have this extra support as we prepare for baby.  Necessary?  No.  Beneficial?  Definitely.

Okay enough blabber for this post.  Photo time:

Symptoms: Itchy belly!  I didn't expect this one, but I guess it makes sense.  I've already been moisturizing with tummy butter 2x a day, but now I gotta start moisturizing more often.  That tends to relieve the itch.  
Thoughts on Food: I'm still whatevs on food.  Not too hungry recently.  
Cravings: I've been on another smoothie binge this week.  Tropical smoothies with coconut flakes.  Extra ice.  MmmMm
Thankful for: Baby kicks.  I used to be the one to initiate the "poke the baby" game.  Now baby likes to play "poke the mama" all day long.  I'll never get over how wonderful it feels.
Current weight: 119.  No change from last week.  Must be my lack of appetite.

25

Back to reality at 25 weeks.  The past three weeks were like a dream.  It made it hard to come back to daily life as usual.  I've been super tired this week, too, so that has also put a damper on my mood.  I'm not sure if it's a jet lag thing or what.  I slept most of the day Sunday when we returned, and I've been getting plenty of regular nighttime sleep this entire week.  But for some reason as soon as 5/6pm hits I get so fatigued.  I'm looking forward to this weekend so that I can sleep in a bit for two days in a row.  Hopefully that will solve my sleepy-headedness.

Despite being sad about having to end our vacation, we did come home excited to start doing some solid baby space planning.  I think the correct term is "nesting?"  Yes, we can't wait to start nesting!  The plan is to dedicate these upcoming weekends to de-cluttering and getting rid of some furniture.  Our little loft is not baby friendly at all right now, so we have a lot of work to do.  But we are super excited to get started on it and make room for this child.

I've missed my fun weekly survey, so let's get back to that.

Symptoms: Tired.  So tired. I feel like a zombie as soon as 5pm hits.  Like I said, I'm not sure if my body is still recovering from crossing so many time zones or if I'm just being a tired preggo.  I'm hoping this will resolve itself next week after getting some extra Zzz's this weekend.
Thoughts on Food: Why do I still not have a raging appetite?  That whole thing about your appetite returning with a vengeance during the 2nd trimester is lies.  All lies.  I have no more food aversions, but I'm not necessarily hungry either. I was a little disappointed during our vacation that I couldn't eat more. The options of delicious foods were plentiful during our travels, but I just couldn't eat more than a small portion at a time. It's like my stomach has gotten smaller or something. 
Thankful for: Coming home safely from a fantastic vacation.  I can't wait to travel more as a family of 3.
Current weight: 119!  The last time I weighed myself was at 19 weeks, and I was at 115.5 lbs.  This baby is growing!  Hooray!

24 In Thailand

This time around we're celebrating week 24 in Phuket, Thailand. It's our final leg in our mini "tour de Thai."  After Bali, we packed up our backpacks and spent a few days in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and now Phuket. Each Thai region has been so unique and beautiful in its own way. I'm a city girl, so naturally Bangkok and its energy was my favorite. Chiang Mai, serene and boutiquey, was a welcomed relief from the hectic atmosphere of Bangkok. Phuket was like hitting the Pause button. The pristine beaches are the best I've ever visited. Our guesthouse is in a small Thai village far away from the touristy areas, so the local beach is nothing but peace & quiet. Husband, baby and I had a blast splashing around in the Thai Indian Ocean. 

Besides this growing belly, there isn't much new to report from last week. Baby is still kicking up a storm, I'm feeling great, and husband appears to be enjoying making fun of my disappearing belly button. I can't believe how well this trip has been going. I'm sure some people think I'm absolutely crazy for deciding to backpack for 2.5 weeks through 3 completely foreign countries at almost 6 months pregnant. I had my reservations as well, but figured that I'm feeling as well as I'll ever feel. And this was the last time that husband and I will be able to travel this way in a long time; all on our own, semi-planning things, mostly figuring it out as we go. So why not, eh?  We have managed just fine and all has gone swimmingly. 

I can't explain how thankful I feel for all of this. I use the Baby Center app to read up on the baby's weekly developmental updates, and one of the app's features is a "Birth Club" message board. Other women using the app are automatically placed in a certain month's Birth Club, depending on their due date. I'll usually browse the message boards for fun when I have down time and wifi. Most of the posts are fun or silly, like "today I cried because my husband ate the last bag of Fritos."  But some posts are scary and almost make me want to cry. For example, one woman, also due in July, who posted a picture of her son who was born prematurely. Or other women posting about how the have been put on bed rest due to premature labor, severe preeclampsia, or some other serious complication. It makes me so sad to come across these posts. Here I am, on the other side of the world, doing yoga in Bali, canoeing through caves in islands off of Phuket, bargaining for goods in the Chiang Mai night markets. I feel almost...guilty?  I don't know. All I can do is remain positive and be really, really effing grateful for all of this. And send positive vibes to all those mothers and their little ones being born early. 

We have one more AirAsia plane to catch before our journey back to the states. We'll land in Singapore, spend a night, and then board our Cathay Pacific flight to LAX. I'm looking forward to beig back in the comfort of our home, but will forever be thankful and happy that we took this trip as a little family of three. 

24 weeks in Phuket

23

We're still in Southeast Asia and welcoming week 23 in Ubud, Bali. This town is so charming and bursting with spirituality. There's a Hindu temple or statue every 50 meters or so. Every home or establishment leaves a handmade offering in front of their place every day, making it tricky to walk down the sidewalks (you don't want to step on them!) There's a spot to practice yoga on every corner, and even in the middle of rice paddie fields. If you need to stop for a massage or reflexology session, there are no shortage of spas and wellness centers either!  Husband and I took advantage of this by booking a 75 minute traditional Indonesian massage (him) and prenatal massage (me). The Uma Spa at the Como hotel was the only spa that I could find in the area that offered (or at least advertised) a specialized prenatal massage. It was a bit pricier than spas off the streets, but very cheap compared to American standards. The place was an oasis and the experience heavenly. Baby and I enjoyed it very much. 

Baby experienced its first yoga sessions this week. Our hotel happened to be located just next door to The Yoga Barn, a yoga retreat center unlike any other. Husband and I started off our mornings in Ubud with a 1.5 hour morning flow class at 7am. With its sense of movement now developed, the little one kicked, twisted, and turned throughout my Down Dogs and Warriors. It was a lot of fun feeling it respond to my poses!  Of course there were certain poses I had to refrain from doing. But I listened to my body and modified as needed. The instructors were all very supportive and helpful, too.  The Yoga Barn is an amazing facility with several studios and classes & activities running all day long. I wanted so badly to take a specialized class, like acrobatic yoga!  I'll just have to wait until this baby is safely out of my body. The light morning flow classes offered at least the perfect yoga fix for me. 

In general, I'm feeling healthy and great during month 5. Most of all, EXTREMELY fortunate and grateful for this experience. It is wonderful to be on this trip with my husband right now, with our baby, learning more and more about the world and ourselves every day.

The bump: 23 weeks