Thirty Weeks
Here is a picture of me faking it. I actually have a bit of a cold and I am trying to avoid too much medicine. I think the smile is pretty convincing though!
Yes, there are 2.5 months left; no, I have no idea how she will fit, but she will! Usually, all things considered, I feel pretty good. My last doctor report was just about perfect: I do not have gestational diabetes, my blood pressure is low to normal, I am not anemic (which I have had a history of in the past), I have gained very little weight, but she is growing right on target, her heart rate is normal, and my dentist said that I do not have swollen gums (which is common for pregnant women).
I have been spending my time organizing things and setting up schedules of chores and such in a way that I hope will be baby friendly. I don't want household tasks like laundry to become overwhelming when she is here- my goal is little by little. I am also working on the painting I will create for her room. In the past, I have painted pictures for friends' nurseries, so I, of course, want to make sure I do something for my own. This has been no easy feat! However, I think I finally have the right design sketched out and I am ready (as soon as I kick this sinus headache) to give it a try! Here are a few pictures I did for Amie's nursery. They hold a special place in my heart because they were my first and because she loved them so much, she asked for more!
Claire's nursery is going to be black and off white (per the pics of the bedding below) and I decided to use plum and lilac accents. I have been very drawn to purple lately.
Otherwise, I admit to more than a fair amount of momma-to-be anxiety. I feel like it is probably a fear of the unknown that will mellow after she is born and we start to adjust to the many changes that will take place. I very much understand the wanting the best for your child instinct and fear, on occasion, letting her down- though I will do my best and know that I have plenty to offer over all.
Here are some things I use input or encouragement on (please leave me comments- all you have to do is click the comments at the bottom and type away! I can't tell you how much it means to me to read all the things my loved ones write!):
1) I am blessed with 5 months maternity leave because my leave will run straight into summer vacation. I am aware that this is a blessing, but think to myself- 5 months is SO young! I can't believe I have to turn over my baby at 5 months. She will not be old enough to understand or know what is going on. She will not be old enough to play, learn or bond, so I can't justify it as she is "getting something out of it". Yes, I have done the math and the investigation on staying home for a year and, sadly, no, is not possible for me. Luckily, I have a good job that I am grateful for and, next to staying home, it will allow me the most time with my sweet girl. Where I need help is- I need child care advice. I am looking into sitters and private day care centers. I have heard debates either way. Please let me know what you think and if you live close to me and know of any opportunities in my area, I'd love to hear about them!
2) Obvious concern of all mothers (and the country as a whole right now) is saving money. If you have any tips about how to save money, what expenses you have found unnecessary, and ways that you manage, please pass them on! I have decided to take cues from friends and begin clipping coupons. I want to reduce my grocery and toiletry bills by up to 1/3! (must have a goal!) Wish me luck! Anyway, I want your tips for money savings and cutting the unnecessary! Please share!
3) Right now, everything still seems so surreal to me. I think I am going to write Claire letters or something. I want to try bonding with her without feeling silly. I do talk to her. Sometimes, I poke her back (gently) when she kicks me and she lightly responds. If anyone has any ideas as to how to bond with a bump, I am also game.
Mostly, I feel that comfort and answered prayers are found by those who calm down long enough to talk to God and are patient enough for a reply. This is a constant challenge for me. Admittedly, I am prone to worry and have difficulty letting go when I need to. I think I am going to start journaling my prayers again. I tend to focus better when I write it down, than when I rely on a stream of subconscious thought.
Thank you to all of my supportive friends and family that read this and all of the prayers. Things are going to be just fine. I am just super hormonal / emotional. I cried for no reason during my last doctor appointment. My doctor must have felt bad for me because he hugged me before I left! I have a really good OB.
Love,
Linds