The Home Stretch

Thanks again to all of you who sent me emails or text messages yesterday. I always feel a sense of relief when the day is over... not sure why, I guess there are a lot of reasons. But honestly, thank you.

I am officially in my THIRD trimester! My baby center email said: "You're in the home stretch!" 84 days to go. I had my doctor appointment this morning. I had to wait actually because she was called and had to deliver a baby. It's so strange to think that it will be ME pretty soon that she'll need to leave the office for. still hasn't sunk in completely I guess. Good thing I had 'The Glass Castle" with me, so I just read while I waited. I gained 4 pounds, which i was happy about... seeing as I've been eating girl scout cookies like CRAZY! And one of my emails from baby center, said that i should probably expect to gain about a pound of week from here on out... so as I see it, I'm on schedule! I love the freedom of being able to eat whatever I want! Might as well 'live it up' while I can! My belly measured at 31cm and his heart rate was at 140... perfect. When she measured my belly, she said: "Your husband is really tall right?" and I said, "yep, with red hair..." and she said: "Well, you just might have a big baby!" That is not quite what I wanted to hear! Jude was of course, very happy when I shared that bit of news with him. He obviously doesn't have to birth him. ugh! ha! I told her about my friends experience with an incompetent cervix, and how it really scares me. She told me that, unfortunately, unless it happened to me, there would be no way of knowing before hand. She said, since you've made it this far, your baby would survive, so not to worry. So that kind of gave me some relief... but it's still scary!

I had my first experience with 'braxton hicks' contractions this past weekend. The doctor confirmed that they were, in fact, braxton hicks. My stomach gets rock hard, and it feels uncomfortable. Never really painful, just uncomfortable. I just have to make sure they're not coming regularly, apparently more than 6 per hour is bad. And, a full bladder can cause contractions as well... who knew?

My friends have noticed that I have a waddle to my walk... and even I notice it now! I've also heard that I don't look pregnant from behind... so that's good news as well! ha! Everyone is so kind! Last night, Jude told me that I'm the most beautiful pregnant woman he's ever seen. And as my heart melted, I hugged him so tight! I'm so lucky. I find myself falling more and more in love with him as our journey continues. Becoming 'parents-to-be' has been such an amazing experience, and I can't help but assume that it only gets better from here.

The women's retreat went very well! I was very happy with the outcome, and I hope everyone had a great time. Call me crazy, but I wouldn't mind planning next years... :)

Alrighty, that's all I have for now!

Love, Sarah

P.S We booked our Babymoon vacation, and I'm SO excited!!