Seven weeks to go before little KJ is due to arrive. It's panic-inducing and patience-challenging all at once. Kenny found me watching one of those TLC baby shows yesterday afternoon and I was caught up feeling envious of the showcased couple as they'd gotten past the labor and delivery part and had just taken home their newborn son. I was so jealous that they could touch him and see him - my urge to meet and hold this little guy inside me is so overwhelming that I can't fathom waiting another 7 weeks! And yet, it's ONLY 7 more weeks. Only 7 more weeks to purchase missing registry gifts, finish decorating the nursery, think about birth announcements, take a CPR class, complete outstanding home improvement projects, get organized and ready to check out at work, take a lactation class, do yoga, pack a hospital bag, etc. Ultimately, KJ's going to get here on his schedule, regardless of my impatience or anxiety.
He's supposed to be around 4.5 lbs by this week and 17.5 inches long. Apparently, he can also detect light and knows now if it's day or night. He's been kicking away inside and settling into some awkward positions. He seems to be a big fan of my right rib cage and right side in general and protrudes unevenly at times making my stomach seem oblong and lopsided. And he continues to get the hiccups - a few times a day at least. I'm hoping he gets better at learning to breathe...
I'm doing well. Emotionally, I'm still a little quick to anger, quick to laugh (inappropriately) and quick to tear up (even at seemingly bland commercials). Nothing too inconvenient though, or extreme. I'm not having any trouble getting around; I think I'm getting used to maneuvering around with this bowling ball in front and the belly support band definitely helps when I'm upright on my feet for long periods of time. My abs, I've decided, are pretty much out of commission which is why I feel like a turtle flipped on my back every time I'm in a horizontal position. I just can't propel myself up without straining my poor, stretched out ligaments. I'm having to pee more frequently, and especially at night, but that was anticipated. I'm still pounding back the tums and having some lower back pain but no increases from last time.
I think there's another reason I'm getting generally anxious; I'm not seeing the same rapid body changes in this last trimester as I did in the first two. Like I should be feeling differently or experiencing some new symptom, but it's just been kind of status quo for the last month or so. My belly is growing of course, and I do look forward to my doctor visits for weigh-ins and belly measurements. But I just don't feel all that different and I'm not (yet) experiencing any of the stereotypical symptoms like exhaustion or swelling or ?? I guess there's still plenty of time for the last minute changes to occur, like my belly dropping or my breasts to start being functional... and I should probably just relish this in-between time more. It's proving extremely hard though to live in the current moment!
My next doctor's appointment is this Thursday and I'm pumped for the weigh-in. I did go out and buy some Ensure-type drinks and though I'm having to force them down (too sweet, too thick), I'm determined to gain some weight this visit! So let's hope KJ's getting nice and fat in there :)
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