Week 32

Hey little man!

Somehow we are at Week 32! It feels like this pregnancy is going by so quickly. In just a few weekends' time- 8 weekends to be exact- you will be here!

My favorite moments with you are when I'm laying down and there's no rush to be anywhere and I feel you kicking, pushing and playing in my tummy. Within the last week, I've really felt the weight of you- it's like you went from weighing nothing to being a little tiny bowling ball in my tummy.

Your dad and I have been having dreams about you. T dreaming about you being a little older and using him to climb up into bed, and me about breastfeeding you. I know that sounds weird, but I was practicing the technique the nurse taught us during our class. "Slam dunk!" I saw your little face in my dream and I wonder if that's what you'll look like.

In the next couple weeks we have:

Aunt Bekah & Uncle Mario visiting
Your dad's 40th birthday
Aunt Kimberly's wedding
Mommy's appointment
Aunt Savannah's baby shower
Aunt Callyan coming to visit from Stockton
Grandma Cheri and Grandma Naomi's baby shower
Uncle Steven's birthday
Valentine's Day

Something wonderful has been happening over the last week- I haven't been getting up in the middle of the night! I've been able to sleep straight through. Which, I know, I know, isn't exactly getting me into the practice of when you are here. But I have thoroughly enjoyed getting this rest right now.

I think the biggest things right now are me savoring special moments that I've come to appreciate before your arrival- like cuddling with your dad on the couch, sleeping in...stuff like that. Once you're here, little man, things will be so different.

 I'm excited for you to be here, little guy. Love you!

Parenthood

Dear Ian,

Today your dad and I went to the hospital where you'll be born and took a baby and parenting class.

We had a great instructor, watched some intense videos and learned a lot.

The classroom was really easy to find thankfully. Hospitals tend to scare me so it was nice not to be overwhelmed.

It was a pretty big class. Unfortunately we didn't make any new friends, BUT they did tell us about a mommy support group and I really want to check it out after you're here.

As a class we practiced relaxing and your dad gave me a great massage. For lunch we ate at Wendy's and it was so good!

Then when we came back we had a tour of labor and delivery, the nursery and a post baby room. I did feel a little overwhelmed thinking about what everything will be like...but I know it'll all be OK.

We learned about breastfeeding and bathing. It's so weird to think you'll be here soon. I can't believe it and I really don't know how different it's going to be.

The first video we watched was 10 Things I Wish People Had Told Me. Number 1 was being prepared to love something more than you've ever loved anything... And what will that be like?

Love you son of mine! 9 weeks and 2 days until you're here.

Lazy Sunday

The weather is chill and a little overcast today, which I’m surprised at how happy that makes me.

Yesterday was overcast and a little drizzly and I felt relaxed. Not sure why, but it was a good feeling.

This weekend has been nice. T and I have spent some time together cuddled up on the sofa just watching TV. Earlier this week on Monday we went to my doctor’s appointment together. He got to see the ultrasound, which meant a lot. I still can’t believe we’re going to have a baby! So exciting! I’m having trouble not wishing the time away. It’s great and glorious to feel the baby inside of me, but it’s also a little weird. Like I’m very conscious of my body at all times, and that in itself is an uncomfortable feeling.

We’re getting the house ready bit by bit. What we need to do now is paint. Then we can get the crib and changing station set up.

I wish I had more energy to get things done!

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Baby: Boy or Girl?

On Friday, I realized I missed a call on Monday from the doctor’s office. Pat the nurse said that everything came back normal on the Maternity 21 test—praise God!!—and if I wanted to know the gender I could call back.

I went into the phone room at work. I sat with my calendar open, ready to write. The room was bright and I watched the cars on the street below me driving by. I dialed the number and when I finally reached her, she said again everything looked good and asked if I wanted to know the gender and I said, “Yes!” and then she asked if I had any thoughts on what it is. I really haven’t had a feeling one way or the other and I said, “I dunno, maybe a girl?”

She paused for a moment and said, “Nope, a boy!!”

I was immediately giddy and thanked her so much. She told me to have a wonderful weekend and I said the same and we hung up.

I immediately called T because I didn’t want to tell him via text, and I did the same thing the nurse did—I asked, “What do you think?”

He said, “A girl?” and I said, “Nope, we’re having a boy!”

I started tearing up a little bit.

We’re having a boy and I’m so excited!

Baby: We're having one!

When T and I first got together and even through most of our marriage we thought we wouldn't be interested in having any kids. We'd be happy with just us. But then I don't know what happened, but we both decided we wanted to have a baby!

So we started trying in April, and when May rolled around I was really disappointed when it didn't happen. We decided not to stress about it and we took a beach trip at the end of June to relax. I was late by the time the beach trip rolled around, but didn't want to think too much about it. Maybe it was a fluke? Maybe I was more stressed than I thought? Maybe I was just incredibly exhausted from life?

But when we came home from the beach trip and I still hadn't had my period, we decided to take a test. So on my birthday weekend, we took two tests and both confirmed our hope--we are pregnant! So surreal!

T's parents were coming over for a birthday dinner, and I called my parents over at the same time and it was then that we announced to them that we were expecting. It worked out for the best and I'm glad we got to tell them together.

It's so exciting! We're nervous of course, but ready for what comes next! We're having a baby!

Day 4: Beach Trip

This was our last day at the beach, in our little home away from home. We got up early again to enjoy some time out on the patio watching the waves roll in and drinking coffee. It was a nice morning.

After we cleaned up the apartment and dropped the key off, we stopped at The Ruby Slipper. I wanted to stop here because it reminded me of our time in New Orleans together and I remembered really enjoying our meal.

T got the Eggs Cochon and Hot Smoked Salmon bennie.

And I decided to go with the Eggs Cochon and Chicken St. Charles. The Eggs Cochon is so, so good. 

Day 3: Beach Trip

Day 2: Beach Trip