Week 30

How far along are you? 

30 weeks. 

No photo this week! Sorry! We were too busy!

How big is the baby? 

The baby is about the size of a large cabbage. She is about 15.2 to 16.7 inches in length and weighs roughly 2.5 - 3.8 pounds. 

How I’m feeling: 

I am still happy and healthy. I do tire very easily now. I see a lot of napping in my future... 

Healthy eating? 

I try to eat reasonably well at meal times. However, my husband has developed an insatiable desire for a hot fudge sundae every night! And, I am easily swayed... 

Food cravings: 

I continue to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. We went to a Chinese buffet one night and I had an entire plate brimming with melons and pineapple. Mmmmm...

Food aversions:

Big meals. I just can’t eat like I used to. I have also discovered I need to stop eating and drinking several hours before bed to help manage my acid reflux. It’s funny; I used to like to snack right before bed so I wouldn’t get hungry overnight. I would never do that now because it’s make me feel horrible! 

Exercise: 

Aside from running errands around town I’ve been pretty lazy. But, hey, I’m on vacation!

Total weight gain/loss: 

I still haven’t stepped on a scale. Next week I will. Yikes!

Sleep: 

As I said last week, acid reflux is the main reason I can’t get comfortable at night. It’s such a drag!

Maternity clothes?

About the same as last week. 

Stretch marks?

Not so far...

Best moment(s) this week: 

I love to pause, put a hand to my belly, and concentrate on her movements. She’s my constant companion and I feel really connected to her right now. 

It’s hard to pinpoint exact moments that have been the best this week because I’ve enjoyed so many. It is a joy to get to spend any time with Kansas family and friends. Even if we’re just out running errands, completing mundane tasks around the house, or doing nothing, it’s wonderful because I’m with people I love. Living so far away from everyone has given me a deep appreciation for the little trivial moments of daily life I get to share with the those I care about. Some highlights include: 

• Dad visiting from Kentucky
• Visiting Arlo before bedtime. He was so wound up and danced like a maniac to the tunes from his little blue stuffed animal. I particularly liked when Claire said “drop it low” and he squatted down. 
• A trip to the park with Lauren, Dave, Hudson, and Arlo. We saw a digger which was VERY exciting! Watching Hudson lead the way at the park - climbing, sliding, running. So fun!
• Spending time with Emma
• Family dinners with everyone
• Driving around with mom 
• Dinner with Emily and Andy
• Car spotting at the new townhouse with Arlo. Red truck! Semi truck! CAR TRANSPORTER! 
• Receiving a pair of cute polka dot kids’ glasses from Hudson for Baby Eagle
• Meeting the new neighbours’ dog, Bella. Arlo’s response to her - getting kisses, getting knocked over, calling her back, crying when it was time to part ways. 
• The crazy moment when a bird flew in an open window at the new house and we all ran outside until it left
• Cleaning the townhouse with Lauren, Claire, and Dave 
• Spending time with my awesome bro-in-laws who really rallied to help my parents move 
• Arlo calling me “Lisa, Lisa”

Too many to name!

Movement: 

There were several of times this week where I thought “that’s a body part moving” rather than just a poke or jab. 

Belly button in or out? 

Almost flat. 

Symptoms: 

Acid reflux. Ugh. If I stop eating and drinking a few hours before bedtime it helps a lot. 

Anemia. 

Tailbone soreness after sitting for awhile on a hard surface. 

Turning over or getting in and out of bed is more challenging now. I also wake up feeling stiffer than usual. 

I am a bit clingy towards Dave at the moment. I feel extra loving towards him and want Dave close by at all times. 

Gender:  

Baby girl!

Labor signs: 

No, thankfully. 

What I miss: 

Acid reflux free sleep. 

What I'm looking forward to:

Dave left on Sunday and I really miss him. I cried at the airport even though I knew I would see him a week later. Normally I’m fine when we spend time apart - no big deal - but not now. I can’t wait to see him again. 

Weekly wisdom: 

Lots of pillows are a pregnant woman’s best friends!

Milestones: 

This isn’t a milestone for the baby, but for big one for our family. Since I have been in Lawrence we’ve been packing and moving my parents out of my childhood home and into a townhouse. Part of me is sad to say goodbye to our old house but I really believe the new home is going to be just right for my parents at this stage of their life. It’s a beautiful property that is much lower maintenance in a great little neighborhood. I already feel at home in the new space and look forward to visiting again once everything is unpacked. 

Dave’s take: 

If anyone stopped him at the airport and asked that he open his suitcase they’d be in for a surprise! Dave took home almost all of the baby buys and gifts. 

He nicknamed me “Dusty Bump” after my belly got dirty while we were cleaning the new place. 

Week 29

How far along are you? 

29 weeks. 

How big is the baby? 

The baby is the size of a butternut squash. She is about 15.2 - 16.7 inches long and weighs roughly 2.5 - 3.8 pounds. 

How I’m feeling: 

Huge but happy. 

Healthy eating? 

It’s going okay. I’ve had more sweets this week than I probably should have. 

Food cravings: 

Fresh, cold foods. 

Food aversions:

Heavy meals. 

Exercise: 

We did two 4 mile hikes in Sedona. Now that we’re in Kansas I’m running around a lot but not doing any specific exercise. 

Total weight gain/loss: 

Again, I’m without a scale. Maybe that’s a good thing... 

Sleep: 

I have hit a rough patch in this regard. The over the counter acid reflux medication I was taking at night in the UK ran out. They have the same brand here but the ingredients in the US version are totally different and not suitable for pregnancy. I’m taking tums instead but they aren’t as affective. So, I’ve been sleeping with 4 pillows propping me up and 2 pillows along the side of my body. Mom calls it my “pillow nest”. Falling asleep is the hard part but then I rest pretty soundly. 

Maternity clothes?

Still half and half. 

Stretch marks?

Not so far. 

Best moment(s) this week: 

Sedona is stunning. If you ever get the chance to visit, do! We went on a handful of hikes around the area and drove up to the Grand Canyon one day. The highlight of the trip was climbing up Airport Mesa to watch the sunset. As we took our last steps to the top Dave pointed out that not only could we watch the sun go down, but we could also see the moon come up. It was one day before the full moon and it was gigantic, bright, and beautiful. Ah, the wonders of nature! 

On Saturday our family took the boys to Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. We saw lots of animals and had a great time! Highlights included: 

• Hudson pretending to be the sleeping goats. (He snored loudly.) 
• Hudson and Arlo feeding the goats bottles of milk and pellets. The boys shared the pellets very nicely with each other. 
• Arlo repeatedly saying “hey, what’s that?”
• The boys riding around in a red wagon together. 
• Their general excitement about the animals and farm equipment. 

On Sunday my mom and sisters threw a baby shower for me. It was woodland themed and as always their creativity impressed me! There were cookies in the shape of fox faces, cupcakes decorated like toadstools, wood ring name tags, and the cutest centerpiece ever! 

It was so much fun to have so many family and friends together in one room. First we ate some food. Then each guest wrote a message on a newborn diaper for us to read during those late night changes. We had a tally going where all the ladies could guess the sex of the baby. Most of the guests thought the baby is a girl. I passed out tiny brown paper bags containing pink jelly beans to reveal the truth. Then I opened gifts. Everyone was so generous and we are so grateful for the items we received! We are well on our way to having everything we need for bub. Many thanks to everybody, especially my awesome mother and sisters for making the day so special!!!

Movement: 

She’s still very busy most of the time.

Belly button in or out? 

Wider by the day! It kind of hurts sometimes now. 

Symptoms: 

Acid reflux. My arch enemy! 

Anemia. 

Baby brain. 

Gender:  

It’s a girl! 

Labor signs: 

None, thankfully. 

What I miss: 

Acid reflux free sleep. 

What I'm looking forward to:

I still have over a week and a half in Kansas. I’m enjoying every minute and looking forward to making more memories.

Weekly wisdom: 

When looking for a bargain, ask my sisters! Lauren found two adorable sleep sacks (retailing for $35 each) on a local buy, sell, trade website for only $20 total! Claire also gave us some great suggestions about where to buy cloth diapers in bulk for a discounted rate and helped me score a secondhand infant insert for a third of it’s original price. 

Milestones: 

We bought our first items for Baby Girl. Prices are less expensive here than in the UK so we are using that to our advantage. We ordered an Ergobaby carrier and a large stash of bumGenius all-in-one cloth diapers. 

Dave’s take:

I knew he loved me when I struggled to reach my toes and he helped me put on my oh-so-attractive compression stockings for flying.

While we were downtown in Lawrence I suggested we stop in Rally House to pick out something KU inspired for Baby Eagle. I told Dave it was his choice. He picked a cute fleece jacket for when she’s 6 -12 months old. It’ll be perfect for March Madness! 

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.