It's hard to believe I've finally reached trimester #3! To celebrate, I think now is a good time to announce that Baby Girl (drumroll, please)...oficially has a name!
We weren't originally planning to make it public pre-birth, but with the possibility of an early arrival always in the back (well, often the front) of our minds, we wanted to go ahead and "introduce" her to everyone. So, everyone, meet Sylvia Rose Mendoza.
The pic was taken this morning at my doctor's appointment. I had a physical cervical check and meeting with the doc, as well as an ultrasound to check amniotic fluid levels - because apparently one of the drugs they gave me in the hospital last week can cause a drop in fluid levels. Greaaat. That would've been nice to know at the time. Anyway, thankfully, everything looked great. Sylvie was squirming around like crazy, running from the ultrasound tech and generally just being energetic.
I'll just throw in there, too, that it was SOOOOO nice to get out of the apartment, even if it was for an OB appointment. Just putting on shoes, getting to step out into the autumn air and see the sunshine, and walking to and from the car, was incredibly refreshing. Of course, as soon as we got home, it was back on the couch, on my back, for me. But, hey, I'll take what I can get!
I'll just throw in there, too, that it was SOOOOO nice to get out of the apartment, even if it was for an OB appointment. Just putting on shoes, getting to step out into the autumn air and see the sunshine, and walking to and from the car, was incredibly refreshing. Of course, as soon as we got home, it was back on the couch, on my back, for me. But, hey, I'll take what I can get!
Baby is the size of a: Rutabaga (yes, we're sticking with the ugly "fruits" for now, apparently).
She weighs about two pounds and is about 14 inches long.
Development: Every week is precious for her development now. So many changes are taking place, particularly with her brain and lungs. Keep growing, girl!
Symptoms: Bedrest symptoms already are eclipsing regular pregnancy symptoms. The most noticeable are the sore muscles (my back!) and nausea and heartburn. Thankfully, the drug I'm on (Procardia) doesn't seem to have any major side effects to add to the mix.
Movement: She moves SO much! It makes me feel like she's saying, "Hey, Mom, don't worry - I'm just fine in here (and let me kick you in the ribs to prove it)." She's getting big enough now, too, that I can tell she has a favorite side of my belly, where she likes to nestle in. It's crazy to feel and SEE it. Alex can even see it sometimes, when one side sort of bumps up...I end up with a funny, lopsided looking stomach when it happens.
Weight gain: According to the doctor's scales today, I haven't gained or lost anything since I last was weighed, three weeks ago (so total weight gain is still at ten pounds). Hard to believe, since my belly is getting bigger, but...huh. Doc wasn't overly concerned, anyway, since Baby Girl looks great, but she did say we'll keep an eye on things. Considering that I'm on bedrest, I have no idea what to expect.
Maternity clothes: This has changed a bit. Even though I have to lie down all day, I do try to get out of pajamas and into "real" clothes every morning (along with putting on some makeup - it makes me feel more human). But the cute maternity clothes - the skinny jeans and dresses and scarves and boots and whatnot - have been traded in for mostly leggings, comfortable t-shirts/sweatshirts, and slippers. Since I can only be up for a few minutes at a time, it has to be pretty minimal.
Sleep: I wake up almost every hour now to pee. The doctor instructed me to drink TONS of water to help relax The Evil Uterus. It does seem to help...but peeing is my new hobby.
I miss: So many things. Exercise. Seeing the leaves changing and being out in the autumn air. Grocery shopping and cooking. Christmas shopping. Wearing boots and scarves and feeling cute-pregnant. Being at church on Sundays. Not worrying about my baby so much. But I know this is temporary...there will be plenty of all those things in the future.
I feel: It's a roller coaster. Some days (or hours) I'm very positive, keeping a right perspective and realizing that this is temporary, and that the Lord has chosen this for me for His purposes, and I really feel a sense of joy and trusting Him. Other times, I'm in full breakdown mode, the I-can't-do-bedrest-one-more-day mode. And there's always the lingering fear of baby coming far too early, and all the "what ifs" that come along with that. But, overall, I think I'm feeling okay. Everyone's care and support certainly is helping - you guys are the best!
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