Tuesday: Third Trimester

Ginger Snap This Week (28) almost... 

SPECS at 28 weeks development: ~14.8" long; about 2.2 lbs!
It's been 6 weeks since I've updated?! Oh goodness, where has the time gone? I think I forgot about the blog, then when I remembered, would procrastinate writing it.  Sorry, folks! Thank you, Aunt Marilyn for the nudge in the right direction!!  Baby is also fully "developed" so to speak... Baby could live outside my womb if need be - so from here on out, we are finalizing brain and nervous system development and getting fat! =)

Factoids:"Little explorer's eyes are doing lots of blinking this week because they're now responding to light and dark... your champ's tiny industrious bone marrow is now a major construction site for blood cells." http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/calendar/week28 

Momma This Week

27 Weeks 5 days!

I think the past few weeks have happened in a blur... finished the birthing classes, finalized the registry, deep cleaned(ing) the house, planted the garden, bought a car, parked myself at the pool, and learned(ing) how to manage my hormones.  I've added a variety of vitamins to my diet, incorporated yoga and walking into my almost daily life, and am learning how to take pregnancy life easy. Not all that simple, but very worthwhile.  The more I listen to my relaxation tracks, and follow a steady exercise and eating routine, the calmer I feel. It's quite wonderful.  My belly is ever-so-growing! It's crazy! People keep saying I am "all baby" which is very nice of them! It's becoming harder to pick things up off the floor and put shoes on. It's a challenge to get into bed, as well as out of bed.  My body has definitely been hijacked! Baby is incredibly active - I have taken videos of my belly while in bed at night, and am amazed at how strong the little baby-baby is getting. I rested a plate on my stomach the other day, and the plate lifted and bounced around! My eyes bugged out of my head, then I smiled and couldn't stop. Then promptly moved the plate. Other than my belly feeling heavy by the day's end, I am doing fantastic! Time is moving fast, and and summer heat is coming, and it is really all good!

Praises for Dad

Sam gifted me with a Mother's Day pre-natal massage - I have yet to schedule! He treated me to putt-putt, we picked baby clothes out together, and he made me a number of meals this week. (Don't skip iron... it makes for extreme fatigue, and Sam fixed that with food!) He was sick last weekend, and was out of commission, but has bounced back beautifully and cheerfully. A definite encouragement! We've enjoyed "doing nothing" as well as simple outings to visit friends, family and even attended a flamenco show! I've also learned a whole lot about the NBA lately, too. Yes indeedy.  This baby will be well-rounded for sure!

Experiences

I'm quite proud of myself for purchasing a car within the past few weeks. Yes, I did! I bought a used Volvo wagon, and it's blue, awesome, comfortable, and safe! I was very stressed out looking for a car, looking at cars, and asking people for help in the search. It all worked out, and I still cannot believe I am not driving my Jeep. But this car is what I need, and I really like it!

The pool - wow. I've never been a big water/pool person, but my goodness, the buoyancy is amazing... the ability to cool down is amazing... I'm going to get a summer pass to a local pool and dip often, and I never imagined myself looking forward to pool-time! (Right, Mom?) Haha.

I've spent time with a two of my best friends - Tricia and Jenny - during the past month. Both came to Annapolis, and both brought so much encouragement, fun and laughter. I wish they both lived closer.  These are the friends the Bible talks about, that stick closer "than a sister," and to them, I owe a lot. Thanks, ladies! Also, it's been a huge blessing to have my neighbor, Jess, reach out to me, offer advice and encouragement.  I also don't know what I would do without my Rachel and Rachael =) Both listen to me on a daily basis and continue to support me along the way. And, Theresa... she gets the brunt of the chatter, and is the best of the best these days!  Who else spends all day doing research for baby things for our registry?! Thanks to each of you for your love and support lately. A few more months to go - then it's a whole new ball game!!!

~Michelle