June 24, 2013

Thirty-Three (Plus) Weeks


It's kind of amazing seeing these pictures (which look to me as though someone grafted two bodies together spliced just below the bust!), but even at this late date I still often forget that I'm pregnant. I can barely bend over, struggle up the stairs, and can't clip my own toenails... and yet I find myself trying everything as I normally would and just sort of confused as to why it isn't working. I'm constantly surprised when I bump into a wall because there's more of me than expected.

I think this is just part of a second pregnancy. I have another child to look after this time around, and lots to accomplish before our little girl joins us. I am trying to make a point to find a quiet moment each day (usually nap time) to just sit down and talk to this baby. I want her to know that even though we are all racing around and I'm not putting speakers full of Mozart and the Grateful Dead to my belly, which we did often when I was pregnant with Little Smith, we already love her so so much and can't wait to meet her. Hopefully she is getting used to the chaos of our noisy household and will feel right at home when she decides to show up.

She is still a mover and a roller. I am getting so little sleep that I'm nearly delirious, but it isn't for lack of trying. I'm mostly relying on chamomile iced tea, but nothing has really been working. It's also starting to get hot and humid. I have an AC unit in that Amazon shopping cart just waiting for me to pull the trigger. We have never slept with air conditioning and are big believers in fresh air, but as I said, I'm thinking this is going to be the year that I cave... maybe.

Little Smith still doesn't seem to understand much about this baby sister on the way, but he is helping his two indecisive parents whittle down our name choices. Of course everything sounds pretty cute when a two year old repeats it, but I think we've (almost) made a decision.


My next appointment with the mid-wife is a week from today. That was the visit where my high blood pressure showed up very suddenly with the last pregnancy, and I am a little rattled worrying that it's going to happen again. Everything has been so completely different this time around that I keep telling myself it's going to end more smoothly and this will be a full term baby. I was doing so well with that positive thinking, but as the date gets closer the anxieties are harder to push away. I know that whatever the path, the outcome will be a beautiful and healthy little girl and I'm trying to surrender to the fact that it's totally out of my control.

It's exciting to be getting close, I can't believe how quickly it is racing by. I just keep doing my best to savor this precious and fleeting time.

23 comments:

  1. I hope everything goes smoothly.

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  2. It will all be fine - and I´m seriously envious of your beautiful belly! I loved being pregnant so much, even though I was huge as an elephant..! :-D

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    1. I've been saying I'm a whale, but elephant fits the bill too :) looking back i know I will miss it... but on these 90 degree days it can be hard to be 'in the moment'!

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  3. I am barely managing in this humidity and I have central air! Pull the trigger, girl. You deserve the relief!

    Wonderful photos.

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    1. I know I know. I'll probably want ac when the baby is born for her sake anyway so I should just get it now... but I'm still being stubborn :)

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  4. You look adorable! I remember just how you feel...the combo of trying to think positively while the anxiety creeps in. The second baby tends to be easier though and I'm sure all will go well. :) Can't wait to see your little gal.

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    1. Thanks so much, I'm hoping we do get that whole 'second one is easier' bit to work in our favor.

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  5. Love this pic! Your words in this post flood my mind with memories so similar while we were awaiting the arrival of our second-born. I'm also applauding your ability to muscle through without A/C. ;) xo

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    1. Thank you Katie. It's such a beautiful time, but full of complex emotions!

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  6. You look beautiful! Standing ovation for the Mozart & Grateful Dead-- add some vintage Dylan & we did the same thing for Thing 1. Things 2 & 3 not so much, but they seem no worse for wear & they all know the words to Subterranean Homesick Blues, so our mission was accomplished despite our lack of in utero stereophonic sounds! Will be sending good vibes for the blood pressure & am sure everything is going to go just as it should!

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    1. Thank you! We were so in to getting a good start with music the first time around, and I feel like we've just been too lazy and busy with this go around. Good to know your later children were able to catch up and learn some good tunes despite the in utero deprivation ;)

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  7. You look really beautiful & I will be thinking of you and crossing my fingers that this last bit all runs as smoothly as you want it to. I feel sorry for you being hot and bothered at night-time. What misery! :( I like to sleep in a cold bedroom so I throw the windows upon, sun or snow, and if it's still too warm I just sleep with a sheet without the duvet. Crossing my fingers for rest for you!

    :)
    Flora

    www.twowithseven.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Oh thank you Flora. We are the type to crack the window, even with snow on the ground too :) I'd much rather sleep in a cold room under cozy blankets than this sweaty summer heat, but it could be worse I suppose!

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  8. I think all of that 'going with the flow' etc., is what makes second (and third and fourth) children more patient and easy going (often) than firsts. While my Mama heart strings tug when I think of the attentions we won't be able to give to subsequent children, I remind myself that it builds character, and in the long run, I think it's good for them.

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    1. I think you are really right Beatrice. I didn't grow up with siblings and it's something I always knew I wanted for my own kids... still surprisingly tough and emotional though.

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  9. Good luck with your appointment. Kellie xx

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  10. these are beautiful photos - you look gorgeous. And how exciting, to be so close to meeting your new sweet girl.

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    1. Thank you! It is both exciting and kind of unreal that she will be here so soon.

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  11. I've been thinking of you a lot lately and how excited I am for you to have a girl on the way! It's amazing how it seems like our own little girl is already such a vital part of our family when just 10 weeks ago she hadn't even been born!

    xo
    cortnie

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  12. Absolutely stunning pictures! Man, I wish I had taken more of these when I was pregnant. You look beautiful, and hang in there. Try not to let that nasty feeling of anxiety consume you (I know, easier said than done)... I'll be thinking of you!

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  13. These photos are absolutely gorgeous. You are as beautiful as ever.

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