I’ve been spending some more time creating blog posts like I used to- actual content instead of just life updates 🙂 I’m excited to share them in the coming weeks. I’ve compiled lists of my favorite maternity clothing items, high-protein snacks, and a bunch of other things. For now, here is a smattering of random things on my mind.
How I’m Feeling
In one word- fabulous.
In all seriousness, the days from November 8 until December 25 were nothing short of terrifying. I cried a lot. I was afraid to move. After starting progesterone at 25.5 weeks and having our first re-scan around 26.5 weeks, things had significantly declined. Immediately following our appointment, we spent time in the hospital, and it was the scariest time of our lives to date. We were so grateful to have doctors who prepared us and explained everything in great detail. They kept telling us that anything was possible, but we needed to be prepared for what was likely- this guy arriving way too early. Then, at our 28 week scan, my measurements magically started to hold steady. Our doctor continues to say she cannot believe things have held where they are for this long. To any of my fellow cervically- insufficient mamas- from 28-32 weeks, I had only about 5mm of length and fully funneled from the inside. (For everyone else, that’s pretty bad.) We also had three additional hospital visits for consistent contractions that were able to be stopped with terbutaline. Magically, these instances did not cause me to dilate further. Feeling grateful and lucky doesn’t even begin to describe how we feel.
I’m sitting here at 34 weeks, and I can’t stop smiling. Our house is back to being filled with lots of silly moments and laughter. We’re getting our house ready for the baby, and it finally feels exciting. I am so proud of this little guy for staying put. Most of all, I’m thankful for our doctors and the medicine that has made this possible. Simply put, this little baby would not be here without both.
Yes, physically I feel like hot garbage much of the time. I am ‘grateful hot garbage.’ Ben and I both laughed hysterically this morning when he had to assist me in putting my socks on. Getting huge and pregnant is something I’ve always dreamed about and now it is a reality. I have just 2 more weeks of daily progesterone, and then we will just let me body and this baby do their thing. Some days that scares me. Some days that makes me feel empowered.
We have the most amazing doula who will be there to assist us during labor. Her calming presence and experience will make us feel as safe and comfortable as possible. She is friends with our doctor, so we are confident they will make a great team to support us. There is no “birth plan” other than having our guy arrive safely. I’ve continually told our doctor that I don’t need to be a hero, and I truly trust her guidance. I’m trying to focus on all that comes after we bring this little guy home by keeping expectations low and trying to learn a little about infants. I’m also going to take a pre-natal breastfeeding class as I hope to be able to breastfeed our little guy for awhile. But again, low expectations. Ultimately, we will do what ends up being best for us.
What I’m Watching
I really thought that I would get sick of watching so much TV. That is not the case. If there was a job where I could get paid to watch TV all day, I would take it. While I am watching a whole lot of TV each day, I do spend lots of time reading or needlepointing while listening to music.
I’ve never had a schedule where I could get up, enjoy breakfast, and watch the news. I’m usually out the door by 6:30. The last few weeks, I’ve been eating my breakfast with the 6am news while snuggled up on the couch with George. It has been such a great way to start my days. I’m soaking it all in.
Here is the mindless television I’ve been watching recently…
- Love Life (HBO)
- Just Like That (HBO)
- Sex Lives of College Girls (HBO)
- Schitt’s Creek (Netflix)
- RHONY (Hulu) I am finally on the bandwagon for Housewives. I can’t get enough. I also can’t commit to watching another cast right now.
What I’m Cooking
I’ve been using all the recipes from my “Dinner Ideas” board on Pinterest. I’ve taken the slowcooker back out and made this incredible lentil soup a few times. I’m also making muffins every week, and I’ve become a big fan of using green lentils for a boost of protein in our banana muffins. I also made these double chocolate muffins. They were very rich and fudge-like!
Neither myself nor Ben are fans of freezer-meals. So we aren’t planning on prepping anything before baby arrives. Maybe it’s not the most cost-efficient way to do things, but we plan on ordering dinner from a local business that makes healthy weekly meal-plans. I do have our Whole Foods shopping lists saved on Amazon to make getting groceries easier during our first weeks home. We will most certainly utilize the ready-made grilled chicken and salmon from Whole Foods as they make for the easiest dinner when thrown over greens with a sweet potato on the side. Also, I have a master-list of dinners that we can make in 20 minutes or less. I’m assuming my brain might be mush for most of the winter and early spring. I guess only time will tell!
And this guy? He’s doing great. We can’t wait to see him with his baby brother in a few weeks.
