I hear moms say that they miss their pregnant bellies and miss their babies being there with them and close to them, feeling their movements and knowing they are safe. So I am embracing it. I am proudly wearing my baby bump, squeezing into clothes that no longer fit, and feeling every kick and bulge and hiccup, and taking it all in.
I hear moms say that the newborn phase is hard, yet one that we often want back, so I promise to embrace it. I know I won't get much sleep, that I'll worry, that I may cry for no reason, that I may experience postpartum blues, that I won't be able to shower as often as I'd like, and that nursing will be a full-time job. I know within a week, then two, and then a month, that Farrah will grow and change so much, and I will take photos and stare at her and take every bit of her newborn life in as possible, because I know I will want it back one day soon.
I hear moms say that newborns smell so delightful, even immediately. I will take in Farrah's newborn smell from the moment she is placed into my arms, until her newborn smell is replaced with whatever it is toddlers smell like - and I'm sure I'll enjoy that scent as well.
I saw these 12 amazing partial birth photos that I wanted to share. Please don't look at them if the whole birth process is weird or strange or gross to you. I love it. I love the process - the natural steps that our bodies go through to bring a baby into this world. I'm ready. I'm ready for my turn with Farrah. I'm thankful that I'll have a supporting husband by my side (up by my head, he says) and a loving family waiting to hear the news and meet their new family member. What a beautiful thing, and I have a mere 8 weeks until I get to experience it for myself.
I have pre-registered online for our hospital. We have decided against birthing classes. I don't plan on writing a birth plan of any sort, but I may create a music playlist. Keane doesn't think he'll be able to cut the umbilical cord, nor watch any of the birth. I'm not scared, just ready.
Cravings: Water.
Symptoms: Shortness of breath/trouble catching breath, RLS, thirst, very tired this week, heartburn, sensitive teeth.
Mood: Busy. This pregnancy hasn't really kept me from doing any of the things I would normally do. We have been mushroom hunting often, we spent most of last weekend rearranging furniture and storing things in the basement, and I still spend an hour or so in the kitchen each evening working on supper, etc. I do notice that I get worn out quicker, though.
Excited for: Starting on Farrah's nursery...and having only 7 more doctor's appointments left!. We now have combined the older kids' rooms, and it turned out awesome. The room actually seems bigger now with two beds, two desks, a nightstand, a book shelf, and a TV which we will be mounting on the wall.
Body changes: I'm feeling about the same, but I'm sure my belly (baby) is getting larger without me even realizing it. My ankles are swollen when I get home from work in the evenings and it feels so good to lay down and get some rest and sleep. My belly button is still in, my wedding ring is still on, and I don't have any stretch marks.
Sleep: I have slept great this week -- probably due to being more tired than usual. I slept throughout the entire night a few nights in a row. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it's a little slice of heaven.
Movement: This week she has been moving more. She's always kicking around, which I can see and feel and I love, love, love, or tickling down low, and I think I've felt her hiccups now, which are little like her old kicks but at regular intervals, like a slow heartbeat perhaps. I love to gently touch her little body parts that bulge out, hoping she can feel her momma's touch. She always soon moves it away, and she never will move when Keane is watching or feeling. Typical, right?
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