Gwen and I had our 36 week check-up today! We’re both doing well- her heartbeat was 144bpm, we found out she’s head down (good girl!) and I’m 1cm dilated! She hasn’t dropped yet and I’m not at all effaced so we still have some time (doesn’t look like she’ll come TOO early, if early at all). I’ve also gained another 7 lbs since my last appointment and my doctor said my face is starting to look puffy. Meh.

We got to see her on the ultrasound which was fun- but not nearly as fun as when we first saw her at 18 weeks- because she’s so big now we could only see parts of her at one time, and she kept moving around making it difficult to get any good pictures lol. We saw her little heart beating, her bladder, her tailbone, her lady parts (as best we could anyway), and finally- this little face:

It’s kinda fuzzy and ghostly and the one looks like she has eye shadow and lipstick on lol. At this point, I am no longer satisfied with ultrasound images, I want to see that face in person!

As mentioned earlier, she’s still pretty active- squirming, elbowing, kicking, sticking her butt out, etc. She gets the hiccups about once a day, sometimes twice a day. I’m told that’s a good, healthy sign but for some reason it kind of annoys me (the feeling, that is). It’s like a steady tapping pulse- not like her usual movements/kicks. It’s more subtle but more annoying for some reason lol. Anyway- it’s still better than a kick in the ribs so I shouldn’t complain. It’s just a really weird feeling.

So here’s to month 9 of being with child!

Oh, and I turned 28 today. It was a good day

Quick update on our recent childbirth class:

It was a long day, filled with lots of information- but overall very useful and helpful! We watched videos, practiced different breathing techniques and patterns and also learned/practiced a few different laboring positions. Our instructor was great- emphasizing that labor and delivery is a positive experience. You’re not going into the hospital because you’re sick. You’re going to have a baby! The pain of labor is not a negative, lasting, unnatural pain, it’s a “positive pain”. It’s productive. It’s temporary, normal and natural. I can’t tell you how much hearing that helped with my fear and anxiety! I’m not sure how “positive” it will feel when the time comes, but at least going into it with that attitude gives me more confidence and I’m not as anxious as I was before the class.

Ivor and I both feel more prepared now, with many different things in mind to try when the time comes. Going into the class I planned on definitely getting an epidural (I’m a big pansy when it comes to pain)- and while I’m still keeping it in the back of my mind, and certainly won’t be disappointed in myself if I end up with one, I do kinda think I might be able to handle the majority of labor without any pain medication. Which is something I’ve never thought possible. Even Ivor, who prior to the class thought I would need an epidural as soon as humanly possible, told me that he thinks I can do it without an epidural (and he’s actually serious) lol. We’ll see. I’m keeping an open mind. Like I said, I am not anti-epidural. But as of right now, I plan to see how much I can handle on my own (with my amazing coach and husband by my side!….and lots of prayer), but if I can’t take it any longer, bring on the big needle, I say!

Update on nesting progress:

They finally finished the renovations in our apartment. We now have a washer and dryer in unit (with a load of Gwen’s clothes in there as I type). We also made a lot of progress cleaning out her room and now have space to actually set up a crib! Ivor assembled her swing and bouncy seat, and I recently put in her closet organizer.

We’re getting there.

7 weeks to go!

Here’s another fun handout we received at class (I love handouts!):