A much needed update!....

The stats:

How far along: Today - 28 weeks and 6 days (there seems to be a discrepancy here...Doc says I'm 28 weeks and either 5 or 6 days)

Size of baby: She feels like a brick when I make the walk to/from my car every day (30 mins, twice a day). I think she's a couple lbs easy now. I feel most kicks on my left side, so I suppose she's across my belly (?). Sometimes it's hard to tell which position she's in! But I know she is there - packing on the lbs now!

Weight gain/loss: 17-18 lbs tops. Depends on time of day :)

Clothes: Early maternity pants that only come up mid belly are too tight and I have to roll them down. I prefer full belly coverage now! Will have to go shopping - the polyester is getting too hot! I'm eyeing some cute stuff at Kohls.

Movement: Today Emma's been moving around alot! She must also be glad it's Friday!

Sleep: Better this week. I'm finally sleeping on one side or the other, usually waking sometime in the middle of the night to switch sides - this is the hard part! Definitely needing to prop feet up after fixing dinner due to some swelling. Have fewer leg cramps, but now have some swelling/pain in my wrists..(?) If hot compresses don't relieve this pain, I need to go back to the doc. Anyone else?

Cravings/aversions: Still crave ice cream at night...well, or anytime really. Continuing to try to eat well for me and baby!

Symptoms: Still having occasional heartburn, but one Tums takes care of it. For the most part, still doing every day activities - laundry, washing dishes, cleaning up - the usual! Doc said I shouldn't lift over 20 lbs. Too bad dishes and laundry don't weigh more.

What else? I made a trip home to Raleigh last weekend to see some friends and family (will have to post pics once I get them). Had pizza night Friday night with some family friends, then a wonderful brunch Saturday morning with Mom's Margarita Mommas (very nice and they were very generous) and a couple Margarita daughters, shopped with Mom Saturday afternoon amid the tornado activity. We had great luck at two consignment shops in Raleigh! I hate to pay full price after checking these places out! Then dinner with a few of my besties on Hillsborough St (thanks for the advice girls - it was fun!). Sunday, Mom and I went to visit my half-sister's house and we ate at Golden Corral. Yum. Breakfast concluded with cake and ice cream (see, what did I tell you?!).

Yesterday I went to the hospital for my glucose test. Drinking the orange glu-cola wasn't too bad. I would HIGHLY recommend doing this first thing in the morning after a very light breakfast snack. Here's what I did: I ate normally the night before and drank lots of water. I had a whole wheat english muffin with a little butter for breakfast and only water to drink. I got to the hospital and started drinking the glu-cola at about 8:25. I tried to take a big gulp about every 15-30 seconds. I had it down by 8:30am, then waited one hour. At 9:30am, they took blood - I think three vials. After that, I waited while they prepared my RH shot (I have a negative blood type, so I have to get this plasma shot). Went to infusion and had the shot around 10am I guess (it kinda hurts, but I just relaxed a few minutes then I was good to go). As of yesterday afternoon at my regular doc appointment, they still had not received the lab results. They told me if I didn't hear anything, then I passed! (Still keeping fingers crossed that I don't hear anything today!).

My doc appt was short and sweet. I got to hear Emma's little heart beat again - but she was moving around so much it was a little echo'd and not quite as clear as it would be if she were sitting still :) That's the best part - a sweet little reminder (as if I can forget with this belly) that there is a little heart beating like crazy in there that belongs to my baby girl. The nurse said I was right on track in my measurements and weight. They said not to worry - they would let me know if I was off track! I think the walking is really helping. She said it will help with labor...all the cardiac and leg work!

We start birthing classes next month - HOLY COW!!!! I totally haven't wrapped my brain around exactly how this baby will come into this world...the L&D part!!!! Will also take a breastfeeding class.

Please continue to think good thoughts for us and prayers are welcomed. I have my days of doubt and worry, but it's nice to know others have felt the same.
Take care all, feel free to write or send an email with any advice.
Love,
Charlotte