I'm not the superstitious type, but I'm almost afraid to write about what happened this morning. As I say "this morning" I'm checking the time and, sure enough, it's only 12:45. Almost everything I'm about to recount happened in the last 5 hours, and most of it before lunch. Hold onto your hotdogs, kids, it's about to get crazy in here.
Or rather, it was crazy until this five minute blogging break.
This morning, I had started a load of laundry and put away all the clean dishes before 8:00 a.m. Then, I ate a nutritious, protein-packed breakfast before rounding up the next load of laundry and doing the ironing. I caught up on my nutrition diary (hence the healthy breakfast - writing down your entire food intake has a funny way of....keeping you accountable...hmmm...tricky). The entire downstairs is even freshly dusted. Then, and here's where I hope you're sitting down, I sorted through the stacks of psychology journals that have been waiting my attention since - not kidding - 2008. The end of 2008, but still. Joel might have a certifiable myocardial infarction when he finds out.
And now? Third load of laundry's in the dryer, and when I've finished folding and ironing what's in front of me it'll be on to the last load of the day. Too bad Niko's sitting on my lap, I'm powerless to move a purring kitty. Her presence on my tummy also makes the baby kick exponentially more, which is not something I complain about (during waking hours).
So...anybody have an explanation for what's going on with me today? I am a completely, radically different person from Monday and Tuesday. I realize it's sunny outside as opposed to miserably and torrentially hurricaning, but could that be it? Really I don't think the weather is a sufficient cause for tears on the way to the local nursing home.
Well, enough speculating. On with the housekeeping!
Or, you know, a well-earned nap.
Pregnancy Fatigue
Lately I'm wondering whether pregnancy fatigue results from uncomfortable sleeping conditions (read: where do I put my belly when I want to get comfortable?), or from hormonal and physical changes inherent to pregnancy itself. Because I am definitely not sleeping very well, with increased difficulty falling asleep as well as several trips to the bathroom in the wee hours. I'm also developing a pattern of waking sometime in the 4 a.m. - 5:30 a.m. range and not ever really falling back asleep. So, shorter and lousier sleep unsurprisingly contribute to fatigue in the past week or so.
How tired am I? So tired that the height of my productivity yesterday was scraping the rest of my pancakes into the garbage can so that the cats wouldn't eat the leftovers.
Sure, I also went to work at the nursing home for a few hours, but that involved recurring emotional near-breakdowns during the 20 minute commute there, and driving (unintentionally) in a huge circle on the way home. So I'm not really counting that as the height of anything, except maybe of my pregnant neurosis. In my defense, the circle-driving occurred when I was in search of food and didn't realize that the Sheetz noted in my GPS was the one located a half-mile from my workplace. A pregnant woman in search of food can't be blamed for anything, really. Not even for following her GPS like a lemming on the back roads only to blink in surprise at the same on-ramp she used not fifteen minutes earlier.
In other news, we own our first Graco item! This was a generous gift from our friends Matt and Laurie, who actually had a whopping four Pack 'n Plays in their possession. The item in question is a smaller, bassinet-type Pack 'n Play for us to use during the first few weeks of baby's life upstairs, so that we can leave our big Pack 'n Play downstairs for napping and diapering purposes. Anyone who has traversed our stairs will appreciate the blessing of not transporting any Graco items up and down them on a regular basis. We are, of course, not yet in possession of a big Pack 'n Play, but we trust that the Lord will provide a place for our baby to sleep. Already we have been given a crib and the aforementioned bassinet. How gracious is our God, through our church family!
Matt and Laurie also blessed us with a changing pad and, soon, a booster seat/high chair for our nieces and nephews to use when they visit. Our house is turning into such a baby-friendly place!
Dear me, it's time to get ready for our second birth class, which starts in half an hour. I'll let you know if I learn anything important!
How tired am I? So tired that the height of my productivity yesterday was scraping the rest of my pancakes into the garbage can so that the cats wouldn't eat the leftovers.
Sure, I also went to work at the nursing home for a few hours, but that involved recurring emotional near-breakdowns during the 20 minute commute there, and driving (unintentionally) in a huge circle on the way home. So I'm not really counting that as the height of anything, except maybe of my pregnant neurosis. In my defense, the circle-driving occurred when I was in search of food and didn't realize that the Sheetz noted in my GPS was the one located a half-mile from my workplace. A pregnant woman in search of food can't be blamed for anything, really. Not even for following her GPS like a lemming on the back roads only to blink in surprise at the same on-ramp she used not fifteen minutes earlier.
In other news, we own our first Graco item! This was a generous gift from our friends Matt and Laurie, who actually had a whopping four Pack 'n Plays in their possession. The item in question is a smaller, bassinet-type Pack 'n Play for us to use during the first few weeks of baby's life upstairs, so that we can leave our big Pack 'n Play downstairs for napping and diapering purposes. Anyone who has traversed our stairs will appreciate the blessing of not transporting any Graco items up and down them on a regular basis. We are, of course, not yet in possession of a big Pack 'n Play, but we trust that the Lord will provide a place for our baby to sleep. Already we have been given a crib and the aforementioned bassinet. How gracious is our God, through our church family!
Matt and Laurie also blessed us with a changing pad and, soon, a booster seat/high chair for our nieces and nephews to use when they visit. Our house is turning into such a baby-friendly place!
Dear me, it's time to get ready for our second birth class, which starts in half an hour. I'll let you know if I learn anything important!
A Night Owl Like His/Her Mama
It's nearly midnight, and baby is simply not letting me sleep. Between practicing his or her soccer moves and increasing the blood flow to my feet (I'm sure it's baby's fault that my feet are hot, right?), our little munchkin is seeing to it that I simply cannot get comfortable.
And so it is that I am sitting with my feet up in our cool living room, learning about the late-night habits of either the Amish or Mennonites in our community (it's too dark to see the color of the buggy, so I'm not sure which it was). I was surprised to hear hooves on pavement at this hour. Don't they have to get up early to milk the cows or something?
Hey, maybe one of them is pregnant and couldn't sleep. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure the odds are in favor of our Amish friends being pregnant, judging from all the little Amlets we see on our way to church.
So wait, what was the point of this post?
Uh, I guess I better hurry and come up with one....
Ok, well, the so-called "nesting" instinct has kicked into overdrive recently. And by recently, I mean today. This is what I have been doing instead of falling asleep - I have mentally re-arranged and re-decorated almost every room in our house. And compiled my to-do list, which so far includes laundering and hanging the curtains, purchasing a bedspread and curtains for the nursery, and persuading Joel that the library should be rearranged. Yes, after you've just finished Dewery decimaling and shelving the very last book. It'll be fun, I promise.
Also, I'm hungrier than ever before in my entire life. Not at this very moment (although, give it fifteen minutes), but in general - I am embracing the hobbit schedule of eating breakfast, second breakfast, elevensies, lunch, and so on. I can finish a meal feeling nigh uncomfortably full, and my belly somehow goes straight from "ugh I ate too much" to "where's the food, quick! I'm going to die if I don't eat something!" I won't tell you how much weight I've gained thus far, but I've been reassured that my body "must have needed it" and "it'll all come right off" when I'm breastfeeding. People, you should know that I'm maintaining a list of you to come after if your prophecies of weight loss do not transpire. At least I "don't look at all" like I've gained *mumble-mumble* pounds.
On what else shall I update you? Hungry, sleepless, and nesting. Yup that's about it. Watch for a new belly pic soon; we started out with photos six weeks apart, but I think we're going to move to updates every four weeks as this sucker keeps getting bigger and bigger.
I haven't posted a comparison picture in awhile; here's a 3D ultrasound of a baby at 23 weeks gestation (not our baby), which is about where we are:
Quite remarkable, don't you think, that our baby looks similar to this with fully formed facial features and little hands.
Thanks for tuning in....I think I'll go play kdice. (Addiction-prone friends, you're welcome.)
And so it is that I am sitting with my feet up in our cool living room, learning about the late-night habits of either the Amish or Mennonites in our community (it's too dark to see the color of the buggy, so I'm not sure which it was). I was surprised to hear hooves on pavement at this hour. Don't they have to get up early to milk the cows or something?
Hey, maybe one of them is pregnant and couldn't sleep. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure the odds are in favor of our Amish friends being pregnant, judging from all the little Amlets we see on our way to church.
So wait, what was the point of this post?
Uh, I guess I better hurry and come up with one....
Ok, well, the so-called "nesting" instinct has kicked into overdrive recently. And by recently, I mean today. This is what I have been doing instead of falling asleep - I have mentally re-arranged and re-decorated almost every room in our house. And compiled my to-do list, which so far includes laundering and hanging the curtains, purchasing a bedspread and curtains for the nursery, and persuading Joel that the library should be rearranged. Yes, after you've just finished Dewery decimaling and shelving the very last book. It'll be fun, I promise.
Also, I'm hungrier than ever before in my entire life. Not at this very moment (although, give it fifteen minutes), but in general - I am embracing the hobbit schedule of eating breakfast, second breakfast, elevensies, lunch, and so on. I can finish a meal feeling nigh uncomfortably full, and my belly somehow goes straight from "ugh I ate too much" to "where's the food, quick! I'm going to die if I don't eat something!" I won't tell you how much weight I've gained thus far, but I've been reassured that my body "must have needed it" and "it'll all come right off" when I'm breastfeeding. People, you should know that I'm maintaining a list of you to come after if your prophecies of weight loss do not transpire. At least I "don't look at all" like I've gained *mumble-mumble* pounds.
On what else shall I update you? Hungry, sleepless, and nesting. Yup that's about it. Watch for a new belly pic soon; we started out with photos six weeks apart, but I think we're going to move to updates every four weeks as this sucker keeps getting bigger and bigger.
I haven't posted a comparison picture in awhile; here's a 3D ultrasound of a baby at 23 weeks gestation (not our baby), which is about where we are:
Quite remarkable, don't you think, that our baby looks similar to this with fully formed facial features and little hands.
Thanks for tuning in....I think I'll go play kdice. (Addiction-prone friends, you're welcome.)
I Have Called Your Name
One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard is Sufjan Stevens' "Vito's Ordination Song," composed for his friend's ordination service several years ago. It is emotionally powerful and aesthetically beautiful, so much so that I am moved to tears almost every time I listen to it. The words have taken on a new meaning since we found out we have a child on the way. The song's poetically rich scriptural overtones are excellent, with hints of the Psalms, the incarnation, and Christ's coming. Thought I'd share the lyrics and song here.
I always knew you
in your mother's arms
I have called your name
I have an idea
placed in your mind
to be a better man
I've made a crown for you
put it in your room
and when the bride groom comes
there will be noise
there will be glad
and a perfect bed
And when you write a poem
I know the words
I know the sounds
before you write it down
only wear your clothes
I wear them too
I wear your shoes
and your jacket too
I always knew you
in your mothers arms
I have called you son
I've made amends
between father and son
or if you haven't one
Rest in my arms
sleep in my bed
there is a design
to what I did and said
I always knew you
in your mother's arms
I have called your name
I have an idea
placed in your mind
to be a better man
I've made a crown for you
put it in your room
and when the bride groom comes
there will be noise
there will be glad
and a perfect bed
And when you write a poem
I know the words
I know the sounds
before you write it down
only wear your clothes
I wear them too
I wear your shoes
and your jacket too
I always knew you
in your mothers arms
I have called you son
I've made amends
between father and son
or if you haven't one
Rest in my arms
sleep in my bed
there is a design
to what I did and said
20-Week Ultrasound: Boy or Girl?
Joel and I had our 20-week ultrasound this morning, and it was a wondrous experience! Baby Pearce was no disappointment when it came to some vigorous whole-body kicking and thrashing on-screen. It was so neat to see the movements that I could feel inside! The doctor measured the head and abdomen, checked the brain, heart, and kidneys, and reported that everything looks healthy and normal - praise the Lord!! We are the blessed parents of a healthy, one-pound (so far) baby.
The big question, of course, is boy or girl? Friends and family, below is a picture that confirms I am carrying neither boy nor girl, but in fact a hale and healthy Baby Skeletor:
Talk about a face only a mother could love, eh? I think this one's a little cuter, and I'm sure closer to what he or she will actually look like (sans gigantic eye holes):
We were thrilled and delighted to behold our little one, and in fact his or her sex will be a surprise when Baby Pearce makes his/her debut in January. For now, we are more humbled than ever to know that our baby is healthy, strong, and just the right size, through no virtue of our own. (Heaven knows I am eating enough to be carrying a small elephant at this point.) We are far more blessed than we deserve!
The big question, of course, is boy or girl? Friends and family, below is a picture that confirms I am carrying neither boy nor girl, but in fact a hale and healthy Baby Skeletor:
Talk about a face only a mother could love, eh? I think this one's a little cuter, and I'm sure closer to what he or she will actually look like (sans gigantic eye holes):
We were thrilled and delighted to behold our little one, and in fact his or her sex will be a surprise when Baby Pearce makes his/her debut in January. For now, we are more humbled than ever to know that our baby is healthy, strong, and just the right size, through no virtue of our own. (Heaven knows I am eating enough to be carrying a small elephant at this point.) We are far more blessed than we deserve!
You Kicked Daddy!
We've been trying off and on over the past week or so to have daddy feel your movement. Last night, you were on a gut-churning rampage, kicking every few seconds while we were lying in bed praying and reading. Your daddy placed his hand on my belly, and he could feel you!! It was such an exciting, yet tender, moment for daddy to finally feel the vigorous movements of his little one. I wish I could have a photograph of the look on his face! He thought it was just the coolest thing.
Tiny darling, it doesn't bother me that you don't let me sleep comfortably, or that you wake me up three times a night by (seemingly) sitting directly on top of my bladder. I love feeling your kicks and flutters that let me know you are healthy and strong! And now your daddy loves to feel them, too. I'm glad you're active enough that we can let him in on your movements - he just loves to be involved with you any way he can! Precious baby of ours, we love you so much. Perhaps last night you just knew we were praying for your growth and health, and wanted us to know that our prayers are being answered. Or perhaps you just felt like stretching a bit, and testing the limits of your little home.
Keep on kicking, my love! And certainly keep on growing! People around me can easily tell that you're in there now. They are starting to place bets on whether you are a boy or a girl. You are active enough to be an exuberant little boy, but maybe you're just a strong-willed little girl like your mama was, already letting me know in no uncertain terms that you're a force to be reckoned with! There are so many funny ways for me to "find out" your gender, from examining the shape of my belly to dangling a string over myself to see which way it goes. But as much of a planner as I like to be, I am content to wait a bit longer and enjoy the mystery of pregnancy and a baby growing in my womb.
So many people are looking forward to meeting you, little one, but above all, your daddy and I try to imagine the first moments of meeting and holding you as you come into the world. Just thinking about the first precious minutes of your life with us brings tears to my eyes. What a miracle! I'm certain my little mind can do it no justice as I picture the hard work of labor, you being born, and your daddy handing you to me. Oh my darling....know you are so loved!
Love,
Mama
Tiny darling, it doesn't bother me that you don't let me sleep comfortably, or that you wake me up three times a night by (seemingly) sitting directly on top of my bladder. I love feeling your kicks and flutters that let me know you are healthy and strong! And now your daddy loves to feel them, too. I'm glad you're active enough that we can let him in on your movements - he just loves to be involved with you any way he can! Precious baby of ours, we love you so much. Perhaps last night you just knew we were praying for your growth and health, and wanted us to know that our prayers are being answered. Or perhaps you just felt like stretching a bit, and testing the limits of your little home.
Keep on kicking, my love! And certainly keep on growing! People around me can easily tell that you're in there now. They are starting to place bets on whether you are a boy or a girl. You are active enough to be an exuberant little boy, but maybe you're just a strong-willed little girl like your mama was, already letting me know in no uncertain terms that you're a force to be reckoned with! There are so many funny ways for me to "find out" your gender, from examining the shape of my belly to dangling a string over myself to see which way it goes. But as much of a planner as I like to be, I am content to wait a bit longer and enjoy the mystery of pregnancy and a baby growing in my womb.
So many people are looking forward to meeting you, little one, but above all, your daddy and I try to imagine the first moments of meeting and holding you as you come into the world. Just thinking about the first precious minutes of your life with us brings tears to my eyes. What a miracle! I'm certain my little mind can do it no justice as I picture the hard work of labor, you being born, and your daddy handing you to me. Oh my darling....know you are so loved!
Love,
Mama
Feeling the Strain
This is a blog entry about my pants. Pants that fit me a just a few months ago, that were actually a bit loose in the waist back in March.
But today? Today, my friends, these pants are getting more than they bargained for. The day of the Bella Band has officially passed at week 19.
For awhile there, I would pull on my cute brown work pants, leave them unbuttoned, and tug an elastic Bella Band around the waist to keep things secure. It worked like a charm, with the pants just unfastened and the Bella Band working its magic. But this week marks a turning point in the use of the Bella Band, at least for this blossoming mama.
You see, it isn't actually doing anything. My pants, which at this point don't begin to zip, let alone button, are hanging on for dear life while the Bella Band sort of holds the unfastened flaps next to my belly - when I bother to tug the pants up and the Band down. For the most part now it just gasps for air as it stretches around my belly, riding up and down from opposite ends, while I silently thank Motherhood Maternity that their shirts are so long and flowy that nobody can see my poor pants failing miserably at their job (that is, covering me from my amply-proportioned waist down).
On the bright side, I think having tight elastic around my belly is making me look a little thinner.
BAHAHAHAHA.
A random co-worker, who has not received the pregnancy memo, stopped me in the hall today and said with wonder, "Are you going to have a baby?" Yes, Nelly, yes I am. Thank you for noticing. (Actually, I don't mind at all noticeably showing. I think it's fun! But it does let you know that I am serious about my poor pants.) She followed her question up with a statement (pronouncement?): "Boy!" and walked off. I told her I'd mark her down as a boy vote, and she said confidently that she was going to win. I guess we'll see!
Whatever the gender, he or she is certainly active. Perhaps my pants would stay up a bit better if it weren't for all the wiggling that's going on in my belly! It is just too cool to sit here churning out transfer and closure summaries on my patients like it's my job (oh wait....right...) and feel that little thump thump of baby appendages against my tummy. I am past wondering if it is gas, because if this is a digestive issue then I should be seriously worried. I've also been feeling sort of crampy the past few days, making me wonder if a growth spurt is afoot - the last time I felt this way, my belly popped out over the weekend.
My belly's saying yes, but my pants are saying, no, no!
Guess it's time to shop!
[*Rachel L.: How in the world did you wear your normal jeans through your whole pregnancy? You're making me feel like a bit of a hippo here...]
But today? Today, my friends, these pants are getting more than they bargained for. The day of the Bella Band has officially passed at week 19.
For awhile there, I would pull on my cute brown work pants, leave them unbuttoned, and tug an elastic Bella Band around the waist to keep things secure. It worked like a charm, with the pants just unfastened and the Bella Band working its magic. But this week marks a turning point in the use of the Bella Band, at least for this blossoming mama.
You see, it isn't actually doing anything. My pants, which at this point don't begin to zip, let alone button, are hanging on for dear life while the Bella Band sort of holds the unfastened flaps next to my belly - when I bother to tug the pants up and the Band down. For the most part now it just gasps for air as it stretches around my belly, riding up and down from opposite ends, while I silently thank Motherhood Maternity that their shirts are so long and flowy that nobody can see my poor pants failing miserably at their job (that is, covering me from my amply-proportioned waist down).
On the bright side, I think having tight elastic around my belly is making me look a little thinner.
BAHAHAHAHA.
A random co-worker, who has not received the pregnancy memo, stopped me in the hall today and said with wonder, "Are you going to have a baby?" Yes, Nelly, yes I am. Thank you for noticing. (Actually, I don't mind at all noticeably showing. I think it's fun! But it does let you know that I am serious about my poor pants.) She followed her question up with a statement (pronouncement?): "Boy!" and walked off. I told her I'd mark her down as a boy vote, and she said confidently that she was going to win. I guess we'll see!
Whatever the gender, he or she is certainly active. Perhaps my pants would stay up a bit better if it weren't for all the wiggling that's going on in my belly! It is just too cool to sit here churning out transfer and closure summaries on my patients like it's my job (oh wait....right...) and feel that little thump thump of baby appendages against my tummy. I am past wondering if it is gas, because if this is a digestive issue then I should be seriously worried. I've also been feeling sort of crampy the past few days, making me wonder if a growth spurt is afoot - the last time I felt this way, my belly popped out over the weekend.
My belly's saying yes, but my pants are saying, no, no!
Guess it's time to shop!
[*Rachel L.: How in the world did you wear your normal jeans through your whole pregnancy? You're making me feel like a bit of a hippo here...]
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