Pregnancy Just Got Real: Weeks 25-28

The third trimester has arrived (insert happy dance!). I will admit, there were times I thought this day would never come. But here we are! :) As I sit here writing I can feel our son kicking, rolling, and dancing in my belly. Every night my husband talks to him and tells him how he excited we are for his November arrival. Baby B always responds, and my husband’s face lights up with pure joy. Aaron has asked me a few times to describe how it feels and I struggle to put it into words. I know after baby arrives I will miss those little flutters, but having our son there beside us will be such a gift.

Third Trimester: A Time of Transition

My husband and I are finalizing the details for our move to Seattle, and what I’ve learned is that selling a home, buying a home, and uprooting your life takes a bit of time. We are fortunate enough to be living with my parents before our home in Seattle closes, saving us a ton of money and stress. We made the decision to move a month or so before we put our home on the market, receiving advice that relocating before baby was wiser. Truthfully, I’ve been so nervous about everything. Although I’ve moved to new cities a few times, leaving family made the choice challenging. But I know that a new city will bring new opportunities for myself and hubby. I am beyond excited to get our house settled, prep for baby, network, meet new people in the Seattle community, and explore. I’ve found the Seattle momma community so welcoming and inclusive, and I can’t wait to meet everyone. Let’s get this party started!

Weeks 25-28: Pregnancy Update

Pregnancy got real during weeks 25-28. My belly has really started to grow and simple activities like tying my shoes have become a bit more challenging. #thestruggleisreal :) Baby B is actively moving (I do my kick counts!) and complete strangers comment on my belly size and ask about the gender and due date. People are convinced baby is a boy or girl on a regular basis. Seriously, how can you tell? A few weeks ago I completed my glucose test. As described from friends, the experience was less than glamorous. If you’ve never had the test before, the lab or doctor gives you a mini bottle of what appears to be orange soda. Kenan & Kel would be less excited about this version. via GIPHYAbout five sips in I realized this high sugar drink was more nauseating, less delicious. Personally, If I’m going to have this much sugar, I’d rather have it in the form of chocolate cake :) I received confirmation a few days later that I do not have gestational diabetes, but rather hypoglycemia. I have been diagnosed previously, which is why I always carry snacks with me. Hangry Erica is a scary thing. In the upcoming weeks my husband and I look forward to reviewing our birth plan with my new doctor, taking a hospital tour and newborn classes, and preparing the nursery for baby. We also have maternity photos scheduled at 33 weeks. One of my biggest fears (beyond labor of course) is breastfeeding. The amount of information and products out there is overwhelming. I had never heard of a lactation consultant until recently, but something tells me I will be using one. 

Pregnancy: Lessons Learned So Far

Pregnancy has taught me a lot about speaking to and interacting with pregnant women, postpartum mommas, and those trying to conceive (TTC). I find myself extra sensitive or paranoid by questions about my body, my birth plan, or how I got pregnant in the first place. With that in mind, a few takeaways for me are:  

• Never comment on a pregnant woman’s size. You never know how far along she is or if she's carrying multiples. A friend of mine was told “wow, you’re about to pop,” when in fact, she was only six months pregnant. I myself have been told “wow, I can barely tell. You’re so small.” For weeks this made me paranoid about our baby’s growth until I received confirmation from my doctor that he was right on track. My weight held steady until recently, which my doctor also said would happen.
• Skip the horror birth stories. First time moms like me are already terrified about pushing a watermelon out of our women parts, so please skip the gory details :)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnWqAtQFYHd/?taken-by=legendairymilk

• Be inclusive.  I have had a few experiences at studios where I am left to fend for myself and/or the instructor ignores me completely. The look of “oh crap a preggo” washes over their face when I walk in. My advice for instructors is to gain some experience working with special populations, and make us feel welcome :) For the most part I can do everything everyone else can with a few modifications.

• Judge free zone. Every momma has her own plan when it comes to mothering, birth, breastfeeding, and more. Although I do plan to breastfeed, if for some reason I cannot, I will not let myself feel defeated or less of a mother. We will simply use formula. I am not planning for a natural birth, but would never judge those parents that do desire this experience. For the sanity of my husband I plan on having an epidural because I have a low pain tolerance. This doesn’t make me wrong, it just makes me different.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl_boX3HaeD/?hl=enPregnancy is truly a gift. The third trimester will undoubtedly introduce a lot of changes to our lives and we are excited to be inching closer to Baby B’s arrival. Below is a photo from a 4D Ultrasound we did a few weeks ago. My mom claims he looks like my husband, but he’s still a little alien-like to me. We can’t wait to meet our Thanksgiving turkey!Wishing you lots of love. Xoxo,Erica