31/32 Weeks

Moving right along - and fast!  Hard to believe we're so close to meeting our son.

I've officially entered that pesky uncomfortable stage of pregnancy.  I've had some cramping and can feel my tummy stretching, and when I walk, I occasionally have so much pressure that I feel like Benjamin may just fall out at any minute.

I'm still sleeping okay though.  Some nights I have at least one bathroom run, others I can sleep through until morning.  When I do wake up, I realize how much my hips hurt.  It literally feels like my pelvis might crack in half.  I give a new definition to the word "wobble."  All of this said, I am truly grateful that I can sleep at all and that I'm just now feeling this way.  With Madeline, all of this started in the 20 weeks timeframe.

I was concerned about the cramping and intense pressure (the timing of it) so I asked the doctor at my 32 week appointment.  No need to worry, according to the doc.  Apparently with each pregnancy, these feelings and symptoms come on earlier and earlier.  She also assured me that because I carried Madeline to term, the chances of me going into pre-term labor were slim.  I feel much better about it all now.  I just want him to stay put until he is full term and ready to meet the world.  His heart beat was still beating strong at this last appointment and I'm up 23 lbs.  No doubt with Halloween lurking around the corner, I will pack on a few extras (these mini Snickers bars will be the end of me).

We're still enjoying watching our little guy move up a storm and having fun trying to figure out which body part is poking out - even when it's a little painful.  He's a strong little man!  So grateful for this experience. 

30 weeks

It officially feels real...we have set our c-section date.  Benjamin's birthday will be December 10, 2013.  So many emotions - excitement, happiness, uneasiness.  The uneasy is for both the known (surgery) and the unknown (two kids!).  I know we'll be fine though, and we feel extremely fortunate that we've been blessed with these two children.  

At my 30 week appointment, all looked great.  Benjamin's heart beat was strong, I'm measuring right on target and all of my blood work from last appointment was good. Thank the good Lord!  

I have had some strong (what I think to be) Braxton Hicks contractions over the weekend.  A little cramping and some tightening in my abdomen. It's not random or reoccurring...it comes on late in the day, lasts for a bit, but with a little rest, it's gone.  We're just keeping an eye on it and will call the doc this week if things continue. 

My sweet college friends held a wonderful "sprinkle" for Elizabeth and me today to celebrate Benjamin and Elizabeth's little guy on the way, Camden.  We ate lunch at Carrabba's, laughed, caught up and laughed some more.  They completely spoiled our baby boys (and their mamas!) and I am so grateful for each and every single one of them.  

29 weeks

Same to report here - big, growing boy, big, growing mama!  I go to the doctor next week and will continue to go every two weeks (already!?).  Benjamin is continuing to move, kick, stretch and push in there.  Sometimes causing mama a little grief.  All worth it - he's most precious already!  We love to talk to him (especially big sister, who kisses mama's belly to say good morning each day) and watch him in action.  December will be here before we know it!!