I am in awe that I’m almost to my due date. My pregnancy journey has been a whirlwind and at times has felt like it has dragged on and on. I soaked up having permission to be pure lazy and rest during my first trimester only to push back and resist when I was told to be on bed rest. Thankfully the doctors took me off bed rest a couple of weeks ago (I feel like a new woman! ha), but these past few days I’ve been hearing the gentle whisper to simply “pause”.
I’ve been reflecting quite a bit the last couple of weeks and want to soak up as much of life as I know it right now as I can. So very soon my husband and I will go from being a couple to a family. I’m making a conscious decision to be in the here and now with him, dedicating time to connect with him. And of course I can’t forget about my fur baby Alba, you better believe I’m cramming in all the sweet puppy cuddles I can get away with – thankfully she’s a little cuddle bug and enjoys curling up next to me.
Our household is buzzing with excitement as baby boy truly could come any day now. My heart is filled with gratitude – for the little life I have been blessed with growing, for the support and love of friends & family, for being Eric’s wife. We’ve come to a bittersweet crossroad, one day I will feel the last little kick from our sweet boy, but oh my, I can not wait to know the joy of holding him in my arms.
#GROWINGBEBETAYLOR BUMP UPDATE
HOW FAR ALONG ARE YOU?
I just reached the 37 week milestone on Monday – which is a huge relief for us! At 29 weeks I was treated for preterm labor and placed on bed rest so I started making goals. Just reach 32 weeks, then 35, now 37. Baby boy is in full force twisting and turning, possibly practicing his super cool dance moves he’s inherited from his Mama.
HOW DO YOU FEEL EMOTIONALLY? PHYSICALLY?
Emotionally: My anxiety surrounding labor is starting to lessen, thanks to educating myself through reading and taking a hypnobirthing class to learn new breathing/relaxation techniques. I’m very aware that most births do not go according to plan so I’m trying to prepare myself as best as possible for various outcomes.
Physically: Being able to take my daily walk has been amazing! Even just getting some light exercise in like a walk or swimming in the pool has helped keep my energy levels up. Although there have been days that I’m super tired and all I want to do is cuddle up on the couch and nap. Baby boy has also moved down in prep for his birthday which has made breathing a lot easier, but his little feet keep jabbing me in the ribs.
MY GO-TO OUTFIT RIGHT NOW?
Unfortunately I’ve outgrown some of the maternity clothes I bought at the beginning of my pregnancy so I have three pairs of shorts on rotation – it’s way too hot for pants. I typically have been reaching for these denim shorts and this tank top (I have it in a few colors) topped with a fun kimono. My feet are starting to swell so slide on sandals and fun patterned espradrilles like these ones help kick up an outfit.
SLEEP?
My nightly wake up calls have been becoming more frequent, typically I’m up 2-3 times during the night. Hopefully the frequent wake ups are preparing me for those upcoming night feedings. A couple of weeks ago there were several nights in a row that I would get cramps every night between 2-3am, after that they magically went away, but they are starting to make their nightly appearance again.
HOW ARE YOU PREPARING FOR BABY?
Our hospital bags have been packed for weeks now and the car seat is installed, ready to bring home baby. My sister asked me the other day if I was having any bursts of energy to nest and truthfully I’m not – his room has been set up for awhile now so there isn’t much else I feel I need to do to be ready for his arrival.
Right now I’m focusing on prepping my body for labor & delivery by drinking iced red raspberry leaf tea, taking walks, and sitting on the exercise ball daily. I recently went to a prenatal chiropractor to get my pelvis adjusted to make sure it was in good alignment for labor and we are continuing to take hypnobirthing classes.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Meeting our sweet boy face to face. I’m starting to daydream about holding him, smelling him, and smothering him with kisses. I can’t believe that from here on out he could be here any day!
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