30 Weeks

Look at this massive belly!! It really doesn't seem this big to me. Until I saw this picture, I didn't think I was any bigger than last week, but I'm pretty sure there's been significant growth since then. Of course, it could just be a matter of positioning too.

Speaking of positioning, this is a subject that's been on my mind a lot lately. I think, by now babe is supposed to be head down. This would be the case by week 36, anyway - ideally. I'm fairly certain head is down most of the time. I can feel what I think is the backside up above my naval - too big, and not round enough, to be the head. Given the fact that we're intending for a natural birth, I just want to ensure (as far as I can) that we're not dealing with a breech position.

Some things we're doing on a regular basis, however, should help. We have been doing the Rebozo Technique, which - if we're doing it correctly - should encourage the baby into the proper position. (plus, it feels really good - leaning on an exercise ball while on my knees, and having belly supported by something other than my back) I'm also continuing to do my pelvic rock exercises learned in the Bradley class.

I'm somewhat "dealing" with the symptoms of this carpal tunnel syndrome I've acquired. (my husband would tell you otherwise; bless his heart for dealing with me) It does get rather frustrating, not feeling the tips of now 4 of my fingers. The only thing I can do is keep busy, to keep my mind off of it. Otherwise it will drive me absolutely batty. The next couple of months could be a challenge, especially if we get any kind of normal Summer weather. The humidity really makes it worse. I'm loving the weather lately, for this and the lesser swelling elsewhere!

But, really, I can't complain. I feel good. Heavy, but good. I feel really confident that the pregnancy, as well as the birth, are going to turn out well. I had a dream last night that I gave birth (right now, so far too early) somewhere - don't know where, but not in a hospital. The only other person there was an old friend, who caught the baby, and everything went swimmingly. The baby came out beautiful and healthy, with a full head of the darkest brown hair, and golden olive skin. But, even in my dream, I didn't know if Jellybean was a boy or a girl. For some reason, we couldn't tell. It was kind of a silly, but sweet, dream.

Working on Jellybean's room. I could call it close to done, but I just can't. The creative, artistic, "designery" person in me can't say that. That person sees so much more to do. Not sure how much I'll do, but whatever I do, I need to get on it. Everything from painting furniture (which I wasn't going to do), to a special painting technique on the wall, to sewing linens... So much! But, I really want this room to be special. If we're on schedule, we have only 8-12 weeks to get it done, along with all the other stuff we need to get done around here (the rest of the house is still in need of organization; we need to start making food to freeze, for the first couple of months after the birth; I need to do a deep cleaning; we have classes and birth center tours to take and a birthplan to write up...).

Speaking of "schedule"... I should point out two things: 1) I have - and always have had - a sneaky suspicion that our "due date" is a bit off. As in late. I think we're a few weeks further along than 30. This makes me think that if we're a bit early, we may just be on time. Regardless, 2) "due dates" are not something to be taken literally, as I'm sure everyone knows. But, it should really be considered a general time frame, especially by mama and papa, so as to not have too many expectations. An OB will generally tell you you're "late" at 42 weeks, and want to induce, but that's really not necessary most of the time. And, if you're "early", you could panic, as could others, and then the birth becomes "a situation". If I'm at 40 weeks, and nothing is really happening, the week or two (or three) following could be very trying. On the other hand, if I start to go into labor at 37 weeks, I want to be prepared - not in shock.

So, I should like for everyone to keep in mind that September 20th is a general date, and not only could we be early or late, it's not a date we're going to fixate on. At least not anymore. These days, if anyone asks when we're due, we say "mid to late September". It would be helpful if everyone got into this mindset along with us. Thanks in advance!