29-31 wks: you win some, you lose some

Winning the stretch mark battle, losing the hemorrhoid battle. NOTE: this may be more information than you ever wanted to know about me...if you can't stomach this brutal reality, move on to the next topic. :) Let's be real, most of the people reading this have hemorrhoids...and now I have joined this elitist group (elite- cause it sounds so much better...haha). Seriously disappointed though, in all honesty. I have even been making a very concious effort to NOT strain. Damn that extra blood supply to my rectum during pregnancy. Scary part? I haven't even pushed a child out yet...basically I'm doomed. So far only one annoying abnormality, thankfully. Guess I'll just focus on the winning...cause this game isn't over...

Well, the back pain has kicked in. It's getting a little more difficult to sleep, thus the body pillows have been busted out and become my new bed companion. I'm only really sleeping about 3-4 hours at a time, getting up a couple times a night (more to stretch my back then anything). The pain is probably more cause I've basically stopped moving- haven't exercised in weeks cause it's just so much more work- it's amazing how much this amount of weight gain makes a difference. I did seek out the chiropracter though.

Productivity is high...but only every other day. I can get a ton done- gardening/caring for veggies, cleaning, painting, etc but the next day I'm virtually comatose.

We started our prenatal classes!!! Initially I wasn't going to sign us up for the classes cause I kinda know what to expect during the labor process. I did it cause I was hoping Jam could learn a little more and have some idea of what to expect while I'm writhing in pain as our baby girl enters this world. In reality, Jam and I both have been learnin a lot, even though we're the delinquent couple in class (constantly laughing and responding inappropriately). Its great to learn about the logistics and specifically what Mayo offers. Obviously the breathing/relaxation exercises are also useful...though I don't really anticipate laughter/giggling during the real thing. :) The classes have made me realize we're getting close to the BIG day...a little frightening since there is so much I would like to do before she gets here...besides the fact that I have nothing but painted walls and a couple summer outfits for her. The classes have also brought to light the labor process including info on drugs and alternative methods to anesthesia. This has made me question whether or not I want an epidural (aka stuck on my back in bed). I really can't imagine I'll be able to sit still. Still thinking about it, but soon we will complete/fill out our birth plan (stay tuned).

Weight at 31.5 wks: +20.5 lbs

Omar has been very alien-esk these days. She's big enough in the small space to roll and squirm around as opposed to swim freely. She's quite partial to the tiny, nearly non-existant space under my right ribs...oh but she's attempting to make space there...turkey. What's terrible is that occassionally when I bend over I feel like I may snap her tiny leg in half when it's under my ribs...oi- move Omar! So funny- I frequently chillax at home with my belly hangin out and because she's so alien-esk we can WATCH her move now...which really grosses Jam out. "Gross! Cover that up!" he says. :) haha...

Work has been very busy lately too. Sarah has quit so we're short staffed and then everyone has been taking loads of vacation too so... The surgeons too are urging me to tie up every loose end I've had since I started 2 years ago. I think I'll remind them that they waited that long, another 3 months won't hurt...I AM coming back. They have been cute though- always inquiring about my well-being and how the pregnancy is going. Dr. Deschamps continues to tell me, "good job." haha...makes me laugh every time. :) Dr. Nichols keeps asking me anxiously if I'm going into labor (just cause I'm touching my belly).

We've made some progress on the house...the rough-in is nearly complete. The painting is almost done- including the nursery, bathroom, and bedroom. I have bought the fabric for the curtains in the nursery...soon I will bust out more domestic skills and learn to sew. :)

Felix and a friend came to visit which was really super...especially since we haven't seen him since the wedding. :)