30 Weeks, 10 to go!

I had a little excitement this week...Tuesday my belly felt like all the muscles and ligaments on the left side were being pulled like taffy, and the pain was so intense I couldn't walk. As I sat laying on the couch, thinking of all that needed to be done that day, I decided to call the dr's office and see if there were any positions or ideas to alleviate the pain. It was suggested I come in- even though I was absolutely SURE these were not contractions. So I reluctantly called PR, who was on his way home for lunch, and we drove into the office...just minutes before the lunch hour. Or so I thought. I was told to come back in an hour or go to the hospital. Gee, thanks!

Though I was feeling much better, PR convinced me to get checked out...so we waited at the McDonald's playland (with no protest from the children, as you can imagine) until 1pm. When I was called into the exam room, I was hooked up to the baby monitor and heart rate monitor. For some odd reason, I was having contractions. Tons. Like 2 in less than 5 minutes. Me, miss experienced pregnant lady. And I had no idea! I guess it's a good thing when you can't feel contractions, as usually they are uncomfortable at best and excruciating without some sort of pain meds.

Did this kid not get the memo? Ten more weeks, buster! Inside, I was panicking...no bag packed, no room ready, no clothes washed/folded/organized, no birth plan...and most importantly, this baby is just not quite done yet- sure, the odds say he could survive at this point. But how lame to spend his first two months in the hospital with his mommy juggling two at home and somehow coming in as often as possible so he doesn't mistake some nurse for his mommy? I would have some sort of breakdown, for sure.

Luckily, there were no other signs of labor and the ultrasound looked good, so after 6 hours hooked up to the monitors, I was sent home with no restrictions. Weird, huh? The doctor said sometimes in third and fourth pregnancies (etc) the uterus is more sensitive and can have contractions earlier. Okay, buddy. Whatever you say. But I think I might just keep it on the lowdown that I'm headed across country to California next month.

On the upside, I did get a tour of the L&D...

Weeks 26 and 27 in Hawaii

We just returned home from a fabulous escape to Hawaii. PR thought it would be fun to check the weather in New York every day...only to discover the temperature was about 60 degrees colder in NY than Hawaii. Fun to know when you're enjoying the sand and sun, but not so comforting the day before returning to a predicted ice storm! I am thankful we landed on the runway and not in the Hudson- what a fantastic miraculous story!

It was fun to break out my "summer" maternity clothes for the trip (not the bathing suit, though...my belly was already sticking out of the bottom and I'm barely 6 months along!) We mostly relaxed at the pool or enjoyed the beach, and I reviled in every second of that wonderful weather and beautiful scenery. I honestly could not comprehend 82 degree weather that was not too hot or humid in mid January! It was lovely. My least favorite moments were when two women told me I looked 8 months pregnant. Yes, I agree, my belly is bigger this time around. My sister in law also thought I looked huge. Does this mean my abs will never remember their pre pregnancy position? I am a bit fearful.

I think the baby liked the trip, too : ) He didn't, however, enjoy the nine and 1/2 hour flight from Hawaii. Our flight out was near empty, so we had two rows between the four of us and we all managed to get a good nap in- sprawled out across three seats. I couldn't sleep a wink on the packed flight home (and it was a red eye, so it was just horrible.)

Though I didn't get to drink my fav, a Pina Colada, I did have about 3 Pina Colada flavored shaved ice. I think we will have to make this an annual trip- at least until we can permanently escape the frigid winters.

Weeks 24 and 25- Can we say belly?!!

My stomach is huge. I had forgotten how the skin on your stomach gets kinda reddish and pinkish and all funny colored as you can start to see the blood vessels just below the skin. Ick! At least it's reminded me of the daily overdose of lotion/ Bag Balm on my torso for trying to sneak past stretch marks a third time. I don't care how many studies say you can't prevent them, I swear by my remedy! I have completely pale (we're talking nonfat milk bluish white) skin and I'm tiny...which doesn't go so well with carrying big babies (8 pounds 11 oz is big in my book, anyway.) I think my sister in law introduced me to the wonders of Bag Balm. Don't ask what it's actually for, or you'll never want to use it. But it comes in a green tin, is sticky and takes forever to absorb. BUT- I think there's something to it, so I'm keeping with my tradition.

The baby is moving quite a bit, kicking a lot at night. Owen likes to put his little hand on my belly and try to feel the movement...then he talks to the little guy about how he's the big brother and one day he can sleep in his bunk bed with him. It's so sweet!

Sleeping for me is another issue. If it weren't for my body pillow, I'd be doomed. I've already started tossing and turning at night, waking up in discomfort or needing to run to the potty. I know, I know, it's nature's way of prepping you for the lack of sleep you'll be getting those first few weeks after the baby arrives, but c'mon...I need to stock up on my beauty sleep!

Other than that, I really can't complain. I've got to wear those horrible compression stockings, but I feel pretty good and energetic.

Now, if we could just decide on a name...