Week 28

** Sorry for another belated post! **

How far along are you? 

28 weeks. 

How big is the baby? 

The baby is the size of a large eggplant. It weighs about 2.25 pounds and is roughly 13.6 - 14.8 inches long from head to toe. 

How I’m feeling: 

I’m on holiday! How could I not feel awesome?! 

Healthy eating? 

I’m doing pretty well. I am trying to eat more red meat (see “symptoms” below) and have added a side of veggies or fruit to my meals when possible. 

Food cravings: 

I still love fresh fruit, particularly strawberries, melon, and grapes. I ate two whole containers of grapes on the flight to Phoenix. 

Food aversions:

I find big, meat centric meals hard to stomach. It’s not my favourite way to eat anyway and leads to a serious case of acid reflux which makes me feel very uncomfortable. 

Exercise: 

I taught three yoga classes. We’ve also done a decent amount of walking since we got to Arizona. 

Total weight gain/loss: 

I haven’t had a scale this week so I don’t know for sure. I know I certainly didn’t lose any weight!

Sleep: 

At home I slept like a log. On the road I’ve found it more difficult to get comfortable. The room felt a bit hot, the bedding got tangled up, and positioning the pillows just right for my head and my bump was a bit tricky. Jet lag figures into the equation too. Actually, I don’t mind waking up with the sun. And, because I’m on vacation I can take a break and rest during the day.

Maternity clothes?

Still half and half. I am wearing my non-maternity maxi dresses a lot. I exchanged a few Old Navy items for a different size so I have more maternity tank tops now. 

Stretch marks?

Not so far... 

Best moment(s) this week: 

See “gender”. 

We arrived in Arizona on Friday. The flight was 10 hours direct which made everything so easy and enjoyable. On Saturday my best friend Emma joined us for a long weekend. We spent our time relaxing by the pool, eating, drinking, and had a treatment at the spa. It was heaven!

Boulders near our hotel 

 Dave waiting for lunch

Emma & I next to a huge cactus

Movement: 

The baby has been SO ACTIVE lately. I love it. I seem to feel Zebi-Debi throughout the day now which is awesome. However, when it’s quiet for awhile it freaks me out a bit. 

Belly button in or out? 

Very shallow! I think I have a week or two left before it’s flat. 

Symptoms: 

Anemia. I had a blood test on Wednesday. I was surprised to get a call to say my iron levels were at 10.8 and they’d really like them to be at 11 or above. So, I’m taking ferrous fermarate now as a supplement. Even though my numbers are a bit low I still have high energy levels. 

Acid reflux. It doesn’t seem to matter what I eat or drink at this point. 

Hello, baby brain!!! For the life of me I can’t seem to understand the instructions “right” and “left”. It’s ridiculous! And, every time a server at a restaurant says “may I see your ID, please” to Dave, I jump and promptly start to get mine out. Uh, I’m not drinking! I don’t need to show anyone proof of my age!

Gender:  

So, we decided to go for a private scan. After 26 weeks the clinic only offers a 3D scan, so we went with that option. We hoped to find out two things: the baby’s sex and if the placenta had moved up. I met Dave there on Thursday right after he finished work. Earlier in the day I had a talk with the baby. I explained why we were going to the scan and let it know we’d really appreciate it’s cooperation this time around. 

The scan started in 2D and then the sonographer switched to 3D. We hadn’t planned to have a 3D scan during this pregnancy but it turned out to be a really cool experience! 

Immediately we saw all the details of our baby’s face - the shape of it’s head, eyes, nose, mouth and ears. The baby had it’s left fist up by it’s face. At one point it’s body was folded in half with it’s foot by it’s face! A little yogi already! We got to watch the baby open and close it’s eyes and yawn. It was really special and made me feel much closer to our little one. 

Rubbing her eyes 

Foot to head - flexible! 

A little smile 

Eventually we got down to business. First the measurements were calculated. The baby was right on track and the estimated weight was 2.5 pounds. 

Then, we found out the sex.... but you don’t care about that right? ;) 

SHE’S A GIRL! 

The sonographer pointed out three distinct lines that apparently prove she’s a girl. We would have been happy either way, it’s just so nice to know a bit more about who is joining our family! 

Lastly, I asked about the placenta and the songrapher said it looks high up. So, it sounds like it has moved which is awesome! 

Overall, we were both glad we spent the extra money to have our questions answered. It meant that we could go on holiday feeling calm, happy, and more in tune with our child. 

Labor signs: 

No, thankfully. 

What I miss: 

Acid reflux free sleep. 

What I'm looking forward to:

Seeing my family! 

Weekly wisdom: 

I am really glad Dave and I are able to spend some quality time together as a couple before the baby arrives. 

Milestones: 

I had my glucose tolerance test and other blood tests done on Wednesday. It really wasn’t that bad. I haven’t received my results for the glucose tolerance test yet. Fingers crossed that I don’t have gestational diabetes!

Zebi-Debi is starting to fade from our vocabulary. I now find myself calling her Baby Girl a lot. We have also call her by the name that is currently our favourite. 

Dave’s take: 

Before we knew the sex of the baby I started a list of boys and girls names that I liked. Then, I read them out to Dave and he gave them either a “yes”, “no”, or “maybe”. He’s so tough to please! The dialogue went like this: 

Lisa: What do you think of Alton? 

Dave: No! It sounds like a keyboard button. 

Lisa: What about Anouk? It means favour or grace... 

Dave: No! That’s not a real name. Plus it sounds like a nook and cranny. 

Lisa: Ewen’s nice... or Lewyn? 

Dave: Ewen (YOU AN) Eagle? No! Lewyn? LOO IN? Like in a toilet? No!

Lisa: How about Noa for a girl? 

Dave: Noa (KNOW A) Eagle? No! Next! 

On and on it went... 

Out of 56 names for boys Dave said “yes” to three. Out of 36 names for girls Dave said “yes” to two. 

One of the two girl’s names resonates with both of us equally and is the definite front runner. No, we will not be sharing this until she’s born. I’m prone to change my mind, especially over big decisions like what name my baby will go by for the rest of her life! 

Every day I feel like Dave is more and more excited about the baby. For a long time I knew I wanted children and he always said he did too. Part of me always wondered if I wanted them more. Now I know we are on the same page. He talks about and to her all the time. It’s heartwarming and I can’t wait to watch him become a dad. 

Week 27

How far along are you? 

27 weeks. Hello, third trimester! 

How big is the baby? 

Zebi-Debi is the size of a rutabaga. It is about 13.6 - 14.8 inches from head to heel and weighs 1.5 - 2.2 pounds. 

How I’m feeling: 

In the lead up to our travel overseas things have been very busy. I definitely can't wait to chill out and catch up with the people I love!

Healthy eating? 

I eat pretty well during the day but still want a little something sweet after dinner.

I have my glucose screening and tolerance testing tomorrow. Fingers crossed the results are okay! 

Food cravings: 

Fresh fruit, particularly melons. 

Food aversions:

Dave cooked a lamb stew with carrots, onion, rosemary, and tomato puree. That is not my favourite meat but it was fairly tasty. We left the bowls in the sink overnight and the next morning the smell really grossed me out. Yuck!

Exercise: 

I taught five yoga classes and attended Zumba on Saturday and Yoga for Birth on Tuesday. 

Total weight gain/loss: 

I forgot to weigh myself and just had a massive pasta dinner as my last meal before I start my fast, so this will have to wait for another day!

Sleep: 

I sleep pretty well from 11:30pm to 4:30 or 5am. Then I am wide awake. I try to get more rest but if that fails I get up. 

Maternity clothes?

Still half and half. I look forward to packing for our trip!

Stretch marks?

Not yet.

Best moment(s) this week: 

We had another long weekend thanks for a bank holiday on Monday. I always love the chance to have an extra day to hang out with Dave. We slept in and then he made us breakfast sandwiches (a BLT with avocado and egg). In the afternoon I met Ria in the city for tea and dessert at Yautacha. I had a lime and passion fruit iced tea and a chocolate and blood orange gateaux. Tasty! We had a lovely chat and shared lots of laughs.

I am at the point where it feels really wonderful to be pregnant. I love my round, taut belly and the little one inside it. Life is good.

Movement: 

Yep! The baby seems to wake up right after I do. Wouldn't it be amazing if that happened after it was born?! 

I love the kicks, punches, and rolls. It's very reassuring. I wouldn't trade them for the world! 

Belly button in or out? 

Growing wider every day!

Symptoms: 

Acid reflux.

Round ligament pain. My midsection is stretching and I can feel it.

I am slowing down a bit more each day.

Gender:  

To be determined… 

Labor signs: 

No, thankfully. 

What I miss: 

Lying down without feeling acid rising back up my throat. Gross, I know. Sorry!

What I'm looking forward to:

VACATION!!!

Weekly wisdom: 

Thank goodness for YouTube videos and online reviews. They're so helpful, especially when I start to feel overwhelmed about how to plan and prepare for Zebi-Debi's arrival. 

Milestones: 

We went shopping for a pram this weekend at John Lewis (thanks for the tip, Pauline). It was entertaining to wander around with all the other preggos with their partners as we all tried to figure out how these new fangled contraptions work. We experimented with how to lock the brakes, fasten the safety belt, adjust the handle height, change out the different components, and fold the base up. We also took them for test drives around the display area. Then walked up to Mothercare and tried a couple more. After almost three hours we finally called it quits. It really helped us to test drive everything in person. We've narrowed down our options and will start watching eBay to see if we can get a good deal on a used model. 

Dave's take: 

Dave found his dream pram. To see it in action click here.

He came home from work one day to report that his coworkers with kids said that all newborns do is sleep. So, I showed him this.

Week 26

** Sorry for the delay! **

How far along are you? 

26 weeks 

How big is the baby? 

Zebi-Debi is about the size of a head of lettuce. It is about 13.6 - 14.8 inches from head to heel and weighs around 1.5 - 2.2 pounds.

How I’m feeling: 

I still have a lingering cough but I feel well otherwise. Our trip to Berlin was a wonderful balance of action and relaxation. We returned to London feeling refreshed, especially because we fly to the States next week for a long holiday!

Healthy eating? 

Yes and no. I had some healthy, well balanced meals but also indulged in a fair number of German sweets. My travel companions also had their fair share of apple strudel so it wasn’t just me!

Food cravings: 

I had french toast with apple sauce three days in a row. I liked it because it wasn’t sugary but still sweet. I’ll definitely make it at home. 

Food aversions:

None, really.

Exercise: 

I taught five yoga classes and went to Zumba on Monday and Yoga for Pregnancy on Tuesday. 

We walked several miles a day while we were in Berlin. My feet, ankles, and legs were sore at the end of each day but in a good way!

Total weight gain/loss: 

+ 20.5 pounds

Sleep: 

The pillows at the hotel in Berlin were oversized, feather-filled squares. They weren't very comfortable so I ended up sleeping on a small, firm decorative pillow. I didn't rest too soundly while we were there but when I got home to my own bed I slept so well!

Maternity clothes?

Yes. I have some over-the-bump leggings I wore for the first time this week and I love them. 

Stretch marks?

No. 

Best moment(s) this week: 

The baby’s room is FINALLY done! 

Before (We loved the sailboats but the wallpaper was in a bad way.) 

After (Ta da! Now we need some furniture…)

Berlin was amazing. 

We flew in on Wednesday night and went straight to bed. On Thursday we met our friends Smithy and Lauren at the hotel. We had lunch and then walked to Museum Island and popped into one of them to see some antiquities. Then we carried on to the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building. We paused for tea and cake. Then went on the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Then Lauren and I went to see an print exhibit and then stopped for a drink afterwards while Dave and Smithy hit another museum full of the old stuff they love so much. We regrouped and went to Gipsy Restaurant for dinner and live music. Then we made one last stop at another restaurant for drinks and dessert. 

Friday we had breakfast and then Smithy and Dave went to Pergamon Museum to see all things ancient. Lauren and I went for something more modern. We popped into an art gallery and then went to the Boros Bunker. The bunker was built during World War II and has recently been turned into a modern art gallery for a private collection. The space and the artwork were absolutely fantastic. Visiting this unique site was my favourite activity of the trip.  Afterwards, we grabbed lunch and met the boys at the train station. Then we traveled to Wannsee outside of Berlin. It is a forested area with a couple of lakes. We went to the Liebermann-Villa and had cake on the back patio before looking at the art inside. We took a bus and train back to Berlin, had a short rest and went to dinner at Katz Orange.

In the garden of Liebermann-Villa

Saturday we ate breakfast, went to a flea market, had lunch, and said goodbye to Smithy and Lauren. Then we went to the Berlin Wall Memorial, the Jewish Museum, and the Topography of Terror (the Gestapo headquarters that now houses an exhibition). We stopped at Princess Cheesecake for a sweet treat and then rounded out the day with dinner at a traditional German restaurant. White asparagus is in season and they (along with many other restaurants in town) had a whole seasonal menu based around it. I had cream of asparagus soup to start and kaesespaetzle for my main. There was no room for dessert!

A weird and wonderful window display

Sunday we woke up, had breakfast (french toast with apple sauce again!) and flew home.

Movement: 

Zebi-Debi is still regularly on the move. I wish I could peek inside and see where (s)he is positioned. Sometimes I carry the baby really comfortably and my bump seems a manageable size. Other times it feels really low, pressing directly onto bladder, and my bump is huge. 

Belly button in or out? 

Still wide. 

Symptoms: 

Acid reflux. 

Lots of tears. Something funny happened and I started laughing really hard. Then, it devolved into sobs. I wasn’t the least bit sad but the tears were uncontrollable. It was so weird! 

Then, at a flea market in Berlin I found a box of old personal photographs. I usually love this kind of find but this time I got really sentimental. There were pictures from the 1950s - 1960s of friends and family enjoying quality time together, a baby in a pram, and a couple on their wedding day. I am sure these photos were precious objects to the person who took them or those pictured, especially because they were taken at a time when one would only photograph what was really important. It made me so sad to see treasured memories lumped in a disorganized box for strangers to rummage through. I wanted to save them all and preserve them somehow. It reminded me that while my life experiences feel unique, they are often universal. Life goes so quickly and you really do have to make the most of your time on planet Earth. 

If you pregnant and already in an emotionally delicate state I suggest you visit the historical sites of Berlin at a different time. On the ground floor of the Jewish Museum were displays of personal effects along with the story of the owners' fate. Most did not end well. After a few cases I welled up. The architecture of this building is a masterpiece, leaving you feeling off kilter and insecure. There is one room in particular, called the Holocaust Tower, that is particularly striking. You enter, a heavy door slams behind you, the 79 foot tall walls are made of grey cement, there is a ladder that is too high to reach and a sliver of light at the top. I didn't last 30 seconds before I had to pull out the tissues. It was very moving. 

I tell you, these hormones are no joke! 

Linea nigra has appeared in the last couple of weeks.

Gender:  

I spoke with Claire and Arlo over Skype. Arlo consistently says Baby Eagle is a girl.

Labor signs: 

No, thankfully.

What I miss: 

Walking short distances without having to stop for a loo break!

What I'm looking forward to:

This week is crazy busy. I can't wait to be done and fly to the States next week!

Weekly wisdom: 

Tell pregnant women they look amazing, radiant, glowing, and healthy. And if they don't, lie! (See Dave's take below…)

Milestones: 

At my prenatal appointment this week the doctor measured my bump and felt for the baby's position for the first time. The measurement was right on track and she thought the baby's head was down. I also got to hear Zebi-Debi's heartbeat via doppler. 

Dave’s take: 

Often when we paused at traffic lights or stopped to admire a building in Berlin, Dave would pat my belly and say “baby”. Now that my bump is more prominent he is more aware that I’m pregnant. 

One of Dave's colleagues is expecting his first child on August 2, three days before I'm due. This week he asked Dave if my bump was getting big. Apparently Dave replied that yes, I had reached the "inflation stage". It's a good thing I have high self esteem and a sense of humour! Everyone seems to have a strong opinion on my size and shape these days!