30 Weeks

This past Sunday marked 30 weeks. At this point pregnancy has lost most of its wonder and is just feeling like my natural state. Though when Rafael moves it still amazes me, and I am reminded that this won't go on forever....some day soon, he will be here, and everything will be different! 

I'm still taking long walks in the morning with the dogs (before it gets too hot at noon), and am determined to keep it up until the baby comes. Even though I am getting slower and slower, I put one foot in front of the other, and just don't give up. So to get to the same spot in the woods takes longer, but at least I make it there. And then I always feel good about myself, and feel that my midday nap is well deserved. 

When my midwife made a house visit last week she noted, while poking around at my belly, that my uterus had stretched ahead, leaving Rafael with plenty of growing space. So my belly may not expand much more at all during the remainder of this pregnancy. I'm hoping this means I have managed to avoid getting stretch marks!

Here's the latest pregnancy update:

How far along? 30 weeks and 3 days.

Total weight gain: 19 pounds.

How big is baby? Almost 4 pounds.

Sleep? Nights have been really hot. I'm so glad we have a ceiling fan! I've been sleeping with one pillow under my head, one pillow hugged under my arm, and one pillow sandwiched between my legs.

Best moment this week? Going swimming with my mother in law in her friend's pool. Surrounded by lavender and fruit trees, totally private....feeling weightless in the water.

Movement? His movement is now very noticeable from the outside. Some positions are actually uncomfortable. But if I massage him, he'll eventually change positions. 

Food cravings? Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, milk, peaches and raspberries, and caesar salad with homemade (egg and anchovy free) dressing.

Belly button in or out? Still in, but extremely flat.

What I miss: Being agile. I never thought I would be one of those clumsy pregnant ladies who waddle around and complain about their back and feet, but guess what, I am! I've always loved sitting on the floor to play with the dogs, but now it's uncomfortable and very difficult to get back up. And the arches of my feet are so tender! 

What I'm looking forward to: My nap. Honestly, I just want to sleep all day, and avoid the heat.

Milestone: Rafael now opens his eyes when he is awake. 

Ramon left on another business trip today, so it's me, Raffi, and the doggies until Monday.