Well, the third trimester is here, and I totally understand comments like "I feel like a beached whale!" We went to my doctor's appointment last week, and for the first time this pregnancy, I weighed more than when I started (by 10 lbs). The part of me that is a rational person knows that gaining weight is part of pregnancy and cannot be avoided. The part of me that is a woman who has struggled with weight related issues all her life has a hard time not letting this spin me into a self-deprecating funk. I try to tell myself that it's all going to the baby, since I haven't really noticed a big difference in my face (which is usually where I first see weight loss/gain), legs, etc...and my hips, while wider, do not seem to have extra bulk. But this could be wishful thinking!
I could have up to 9 weeks left in this pregnancy, or as few as 4, just depending on when the little guy decides he wants to come. I just hope I don't gain too much more between now and then. Let's face it...we've come a long way from the picture in black (16 weeks, and this was probably my thinnest since I lost a bunch of weight in the first tri from morning sickness) to the picture in gray (taken this morning)!
I have begun working on baby preparations. I don't think I am nesting, per se, because I do not have a surge of energy (at least, if this is a surge of energy, I want my money back!!!). I just have a realization that this kid could be here terrifyingly soon, and I probably should do as much as possible before I become even less mobile and more exhausted. Already, simple things are becoming not-so-simple (who knew getting up from a chair or the floor was so complicated!). Also, we have wonderful, generous friends and family, so there is actually stuff to organize! Additionally, I think there will be more people coming through our home in the near future than there have been to date, and I don't want to be embarrassed when they do!
Baby diapers!! I think we now will have enough-thanks everyone who contributed!
Top: Ben has a library started already!!! Bottom: Beautiful homemade gifts: a blanket spun, designed, and knitted by Granna, a crocheted elephant from Aunt Rebecca, and an adorable corduroy bunny from Aunt Lydia!
We have had two showers now! This was a huge, unexpected blessing...because of the timing of our move from Austin to Columbia, I figured we might not have a shower at all...we moved before I was "pregnant enough" from Austin, and I didn't figure anyone would know us well enough here before the baby came. I was sad, mostly because I had always looked forward to celebrating this time with friends and family. Later, it hit me that gifts are also useful-for being so tiny, baby stuff is sure expensive!
Then, an opportunity came up for us to go to Austin for a weekend, and our wonderful church family there contacted me to say they wanted to throw us a shower! It was such a wonderful thing-we were able to see so many more of our closest friends and family than we could have if we were trying to visit each one individually during such a short visit! They did a storybook theme-how perfect for us! Everything was so beautifully and tastefully done-from a story-oriented game to food themed after various books...and we have a really good start on a library for Ben which includes many of the books that I remember my siblings loving when they were young! Truly one of the highlights of our trip, and we felt so loved even though we don't live there any more!
Our small group here in Columbia also requested to throw us a shower, despite having only known us for 3 weeks at the time! We were so grateful and honored that they would do that after only having known us for a short time! This shower was much more intimate-our small group and my family, as well as a friend from college (who ended up just a few hours away even though both of us went to school in Alabama! How crazy is that?). It was also a really fun time with friends and family, and beautifully planned. That will show me to doubt God, or be sad about something I think I'm losing because of doing something He leads us to...now, I'm not saying He will always give 2 showers when you thought you would have none, but it was so sweet that He chose to this time!
All right, this is becoming a book, so I'll close for the moment. Sorry for the lack of posting...we have been busy, but not necessarily with exciting things lately. Soon there will be lots of cute pictures to share, though-we hope!
Great post. I think you look GREAT and I agree that you do not look like you have gained weight in the face. I really think you have a glow about you and you are just adorable.
ReplyDeleteYour gratitude for all the gifts and showers is so sweet. I'm so glad you enjoyed the shower. I certainly enjoyed hanging out with you and Josh again!