We are officially in the third trimester and moving right along! This pregnancy has flown by. Even with the stay-at-home orders and not being able to spend our time out and about the way we like, the days have still seemed to zoom by. Alex and I were talking about it the other night and it’s like we only half believe there’s a baby coming. Logically we know there is, but sometimes I don’t actually think I realize it’s true. Probably because I just don’t have the time to leisurely ponder what life will be like with a new baby the way I did with the other two. Just going to have to take it one step at a time I guess. 😅
This morning I had my final ultrasound (an optional growth scan which of course we opted for! Another chance to see that cute face before the birth!). I also had a regular check in appointment with my midwife and my 1 hour glucose test (blech) which I’ll get the results from next week. Overall everything is looking great! Baby weighed in at 2lbs, 11oz (44th percentile) which is right on track for the due date, the heartbeat was a strong 138bpm, and my fluid levels were perfect. The only thing they’re a little concerned about is, as usual, my weight gain. There’s been no progress on my end since my last appointment four weeks ago, although the baby is measuring exactly right. I believe I’m only up 4lbs total since the start of pregnancy, but half of that is the baby’s weight! Plus the placenta and extra fluid and all that. My midwife today wasn’t overly concerned since this same thing happened with Nora, but she did recommend I try and up my protein intake and just eat whatever I want in general. The baby will obviously take what he/she needs from me to grow but I need to make sure I’m nourished enough to be in good shape after delivery, and to make some good healthy milk for this little one. Hopefully there will be a little more progress at my next appointment.
I’ll start going in for checkups every two weeks now that I’m in the third trimester, which is kind of a pain but means we’re getting close to the end!
How far along: 28 weeks, 3 days
How big is baby: About the size of a head of lettuce, but sometimes feels muuuuch larger.
Movement: As I mentioned in my last post, this baby is all movement all the time. Little whirlwind of motion. My midwife even commented today as she was checking things that I have a very wiggly one! Yes, yes I do. Most active times of the day are…always. Ha! But really, movement picks up when I sit or lay down, when I’m eating, or when I read aloud to the kids. He/she also loves to show off for Jameson and Nora and will actually respond to their little voices! It is so sweet to watch. They put their mouths veeeery close (too close) to my belly and say, “HellOOOOO baby!!!” And then the baby will wiggle and scoot around. The kids also love having little poke wars with the baby, gently poking their fingers wherever the baby is and then waiting for the inevitable kick back!
Major symptoms: Tired forever and always except after I’ve worked out (always boosts my energy, which is why I save it for the afternoons when I’m needing a little pick-me-up), having to pee every three seconds (like for real, sometimes I’ll walk away from the bathroom and then suddenly get a swift kick to the bladder which makes me have to pee again), Braxton Hicks contractions on the regular (which has been happening since maybe like 20 weeks or so), and just general third trimester soreness. Although to be honest my body feels the strongest and most comfortable it’s been in the third trimester out of all three pregnancies. I think maybe it’s because I’ve been exercising consistently, six days a week with Sundays being my dedicated stretch days, for about a year and a half now. I didn’t do a single darn thing while pregnant with Jameson and man did I feel it, and not in a good way. With Nora I was very consistent but my fitness level was very beginner. This time I went into the pregnancy already feeling good and I can feel the difference in seriously big ways! My current self is heartily thanking my past self for getting off her butt.
Best moments this week: Definitely getting to see the baby at the ultrasound appointment, and also getting to spend a little time with friends and family throughout the week at playdates and dinners.
Cravings: Nothing super crazy, but I have been seriously obsessed with spicy foods lately. I literally douse half of what I eat in Frank’s Red Hot Sauce or sriracha. Luckily it doesn’t give me heartburn so I’ve just been enjoying setting my mouth aflame. I’ve also been digging dark chocolate…current obsession snacks are a row of Lily’s Dark Chocolate bar and an apple, or a bit of Purely Elizabeth Chocolate Sea Salt granola mixed into one of those low sugar Chobani yogurts (specifically the cherry ones!). Mmmmmm. 🤤 Also have been enjoying sour/acidic things like pickles (typical) and balsamic vinegar on my salads. I think bold flavors in general are just what my body wants right now.
Looking forward to: Cooler weather? But that’s wishful thinking. 🥵 I think I’m just excited for this autumn season with a snuggly new babe to enjoy! Also looking forward to the moment Jameson and Nora meet their new sibling, and all the moments after as they become a trio. I know Jameson in particular will be so thrilled to be a big brother again and take part in caring for the baby. And Nora just absolutely adores babies in general! She will be such a sweet little mama to her sibling.
And that about sums it up for now! Seems impossibly wonderful that we’re getting so close to meeting our littlest one. Jameson came at 39 weeks and 6 days and Nora came at 38 weeks and 4 days, so if this baby follows suit we could be meeting him/her in just about 10 weeks! That is crazy and SO exciting!!! September can’t get here soon enough!
See you soon, sweetheart. ♥️♥️♥️
Milk with a Meal 