Home Stretch

Have I mentioned that I’m pregnant? 31 weeks today. I’m starting to see the end of the road. I’m not freaking-out ready yet, but I am ready. I know having him in is easier than having him out, but a new set of challenges is in order. One that involves fewer ways in which my body feels alien to me.

I’ve always been a hot-weather (although not necessarily sunshine) kind of girl. I hate to be cold. Or, should I say, hated? I can only imagine that in an abstract way right now. I seem to be carrying a little furnace around with me. Day after day it’s been in the 90s here, with no end in sight. Our one little window unit and our ceiling fan are absolutely no match for it. I’ve never greeted a 10-day weather forecast with something like despair until now.

Combine this with near-daily sudden nosebleeds and my inability to move with anything like grace or ease and I’m ready for some midnight feedings if it means I can start reclaiming my body. I already can’t sleep, so it’s not like I’ll miss that.

I know it’s annoying to post so infrequently and then to show up with an entry full of complaints.

We’re doing well-ish on getting the apartment ready. The paint strippers are finally gone back to whatever alternate universe from whence they came. They clearly measure time in a different way there, but they can really strip wood. There’s still plenty of gear we need, but I figure grandpa Cosmo slept in a shoebox when he was born so our kid is already ahead. The shoe box thing is true. He was a 4-pounder born almost 100 years ago. He was baptized the day he was born, as no one expected him to make it to the traditional Catholic ceremony a few weeks later. He wound up being the only one of my grandparents to make it past his early 60s. He was also tall and handsome, so we’re hoping to get a big scoop out of his particular gene pool.

162 responses to this post.

  1. It’s not annoying, you know.
    I got the nosebleeds too, but earlier on with both of mine. It was weird, and it is strange to have your body taken over by what is essentially a parasite. 🙂 I didn’t really have the hot thing, but after both of mine were born for about two weeks I would have intense hot flashes where I’d sweat like crazy and suddenly then freeze to the point where I shook. However strange pregnancy is, becoming un-pregnant is just as odd. It’s not painful or whatever; it’s just such a huge adjustment.
    Babies don’t care where they sleep. And out of all the couples I know who got a fancy nursery ready, ONE baby actually slept in it within the first six months. All the others were in bassinets, co-sleepers, or their parents’ beds.
    I like the story about your grandfather. Good genes!

    Reply

  2. It’s not annoying, you know.
    I got the nosebleeds too, but earlier on with both of mine. It was weird, and it is strange to have your body taken over by what is essentially a parasite. 🙂 I didn’t really have the hot thing, but after both of mine were born for about two weeks I would have intense hot flashes where I’d sweat like crazy and suddenly then freeze to the point where I shook. However strange pregnancy is, becoming un-pregnant is just as odd. It’s not painful or whatever; it’s just such a huge adjustment.
    Babies don’t care where they sleep. And out of all the couples I know who got a fancy nursery ready, ONE baby actually slept in it within the first six months. All the others were in bassinets, co-sleepers, or their parents’ beds.
    I like the story about your grandfather. Good genes!

    Reply

    • We do have our co-sleeper in the house, so it’s a good point you make. I can quit worrying about crib linens since he won’t need them for a while.
      I know adjusting back to pre-pregnant is going to be crazy. I’m kind of looking forward to it in an academic way. While I’m sure I’ll complain about some things and be honestly uncomfortable sometimes, I still have a real fascination with the return trip, just like I do the journey.

      Reply

    • We do have our co-sleeper in the house, so it’s a good point you make. I can quit worrying about crib linens since he won’t need them for a while.
      I know adjusting back to pre-pregnant is going to be crazy. I’m kind of looking forward to it in an academic way. While I’m sure I’ll complain about some things and be honestly uncomfortable sometimes, I still have a real fascination with the return trip, just like I do the journey.

      Reply

    • We do have our co-sleeper in the house, so it’s a good point you make. I can quit worrying about crib linens since he won’t need them for a while.
      I know adjusting back to pre-pregnant is going to be crazy. I’m kind of looking forward to it in an academic way. While I’m sure I’ll complain about some things and be honestly uncomfortable sometimes, I still have a real fascination with the return trip, just like I do the journey.

      Reply

    • We do have our co-sleeper in the house, so it’s a good point you make. I can quit worrying about crib linens since he won’t need them for a while.
      I know adjusting back to pre-pregnant is going to be crazy. I’m kind of looking forward to it in an academic way. While I’m sure I’ll complain about some things and be honestly uncomfortable sometimes, I still have a real fascination with the return trip, just like I do the journey.

      Reply

    • We do have our co-sleeper in the house, so it’s a good point you make. I can quit worrying about crib linens since he won’t need them for a while.
      I know adjusting back to pre-pregnant is going to be crazy. I’m kind of looking forward to it in an academic way. While I’m sure I’ll complain about some things and be honestly uncomfortable sometimes, I still have a real fascination with the return trip, just like I do the journey.

      Reply

  3. It’s not annoying, you know.
    I got the nosebleeds too, but earlier on with both of mine. It was weird, and it is strange to have your body taken over by what is essentially a parasite. 🙂 I didn’t really have the hot thing, but after both of mine were born for about two weeks I would have intense hot flashes where I’d sweat like crazy and suddenly then freeze to the point where I shook. However strange pregnancy is, becoming un-pregnant is just as odd. It’s not painful or whatever; it’s just such a huge adjustment.
    Babies don’t care where they sleep. And out of all the couples I know who got a fancy nursery ready, ONE baby actually slept in it within the first six months. All the others were in bassinets, co-sleepers, or their parents’ beds.
    I like the story about your grandfather. Good genes!

    Reply

  4. It’s not annoying, you know.
    I got the nosebleeds too, but earlier on with both of mine. It was weird, and it is strange to have your body taken over by what is essentially a parasite. 🙂 I didn’t really have the hot thing, but after both of mine were born for about two weeks I would have intense hot flashes where I’d sweat like crazy and suddenly then freeze to the point where I shook. However strange pregnancy is, becoming un-pregnant is just as odd. It’s not painful or whatever; it’s just such a huge adjustment.
    Babies don’t care where they sleep. And out of all the couples I know who got a fancy nursery ready, ONE baby actually slept in it within the first six months. All the others were in bassinets, co-sleepers, or their parents’ beds.
    I like the story about your grandfather. Good genes!

    Reply

  5. It’s not annoying, you know.
    I got the nosebleeds too, but earlier on with both of mine. It was weird, and it is strange to have your body taken over by what is essentially a parasite. 🙂 I didn’t really have the hot thing, but after both of mine were born for about two weeks I would have intense hot flashes where I’d sweat like crazy and suddenly then freeze to the point where I shook. However strange pregnancy is, becoming un-pregnant is just as odd. It’s not painful or whatever; it’s just such a huge adjustment.
    Babies don’t care where they sleep. And out of all the couples I know who got a fancy nursery ready, ONE baby actually slept in it within the first six months. All the others were in bassinets, co-sleepers, or their parents’ beds.
    I like the story about your grandfather. Good genes!

    Reply

  6. It’s not annoying, you know.
    I got the nosebleeds too, but earlier on with both of mine. It was weird, and it is strange to have your body taken over by what is essentially a parasite. 🙂 I didn’t really have the hot thing, but after both of mine were born for about two weeks I would have intense hot flashes where I’d sweat like crazy and suddenly then freeze to the point where I shook. However strange pregnancy is, becoming un-pregnant is just as odd. It’s not painful or whatever; it’s just such a huge adjustment.
    Babies don’t care where they sleep. And out of all the couples I know who got a fancy nursery ready, ONE baby actually slept in it within the first six months. All the others were in bassinets, co-sleepers, or their parents’ beds.
    I like the story about your grandfather. Good genes!

    Reply

  7. Wow, time is passing very quickly, from the outside perspective, though I know from experience it’s much, much slower when you’re actually the pregnant one.
    I hated the nosebleeds. I didn’t get them with Liam, but with Donovan, I felt like I was taking the Weasley twins’ Nosebleed Nougats, especially in the 2nd trimester. Having a humidifier and gently using some saline nosespray instead of blowing my nose hard helped a lot for me.
    Babies need very little: breastmilk, something to keep them from teeteeing all over the furniture, and a warm mama to hold them. That’s what I kept reminding myself, anytime I would panic that the nursery wasn’t done or the clothes weren’t washed yet. You’ve already got everything you need! Everything else is lagniappe.

    Reply

  8. Wow, time is passing very quickly, from the outside perspective, though I know from experience it’s much, much slower when you’re actually the pregnant one.
    I hated the nosebleeds. I didn’t get them with Liam, but with Donovan, I felt like I was taking the Weasley twins’ Nosebleed Nougats, especially in the 2nd trimester. Having a humidifier and gently using some saline nosespray instead of blowing my nose hard helped a lot for me.
    Babies need very little: breastmilk, something to keep them from teeteeing all over the furniture, and a warm mama to hold them. That’s what I kept reminding myself, anytime I would panic that the nursery wasn’t done or the clothes weren’t washed yet. You’ve already got everything you need! Everything else is lagniappe.

    Reply

    • So true! We’re certainly set with breast milk and cuddling at hand. And someone gave us newborn diapers the other day. So now I feel free to take a nap.
      I’m assuming the nosebleeds will stop, at worst, as soon as he’s born. In the meantime I asked Damon to dig up the humidifier to see if that will help. My allergies make it hard to stop blowing my nose, but I’m definitely going to make an effort to be more patient and gentle with my nose.

      Reply

      • Are you taking anything for your allergies? I took nettle leaf tea and local honey during my pregnancies and my allergies were never so mild!x

      • I highly recommend the Neti Pot, I’ve heard it will actually clear up allergies. Either way, it can’t hurt to clean out the sinuses now and again (although Indians do it daily).

      • That’s a very reasonable recommendation. I’m just not sure about pouring water through my nose. I know it could help, so my hangup is foolish

      • That’s a very reasonable recommendation. I’m just not sure about pouring water through my nose. I know it could help, so my hangup is foolish

      • That’s a very reasonable recommendation. I’m just not sure about pouring water through my nose. I know it could help, so my hangup is foolish

      • That’s a very reasonable recommendation. I’m just not sure about pouring water through my nose. I know it could help, so my hangup is foolish

      • That’s a very reasonable recommendation. I’m just not sure about pouring water through my nose. I know it could help, so my hangup is foolish

      • I highly recommend the Neti Pot, I’ve heard it will actually clear up allergies. Either way, it can’t hurt to clean out the sinuses now and again (although Indians do it daily).

      • I highly recommend the Neti Pot, I’ve heard it will actually clear up allergies. Either way, it can’t hurt to clean out the sinuses now and again (although Indians do it daily).

      • I highly recommend the Neti Pot, I’ve heard it will actually clear up allergies. Either way, it can’t hurt to clean out the sinuses now and again (although Indians do it daily).

      • I highly recommend the Neti Pot, I’ve heard it will actually clear up allergies. Either way, it can’t hurt to clean out the sinuses now and again (although Indians do it daily).

      • Interesting. Mostly I’ve just been sucking it up. Isn’t it nettle tea that helps build milk supply as well? Or am I thinking of something else?

      • Nettle tea is supposed to make your milk more nutrient-rich, though I don’t know if that’s just an old wive’s tale or what. I know it has a ton of great stuff in it, nutritionally, and it really does treat allergy symptoms quite well.

      • Great to know, thanks for the tip! I’m a green tea drinker, but it would be good to expand my menu.

      • I mixed it up with red raspberry leaf, which you should be drinking anyway for uterine health, and some peppermint in a tea ball, normally, with a healthy spoonful of local honey to help fight off those evil pollen spores. You might consider adding some loose leaf alfalfa as well; it really minimizes bleeding during and immediately after birth!

      • It sounds like I need to hit the natural foods store. Or a tea leaf store of some sort.

      • It sounds like I need to hit the natural foods store. Or a tea leaf store of some sort.

      • It sounds like I need to hit the natural foods store. Or a tea leaf store of some sort.

      • It sounds like I need to hit the natural foods store. Or a tea leaf store of some sort.

      • It sounds like I need to hit the natural foods store. Or a tea leaf store of some sort.

      • I mixed it up with red raspberry leaf, which you should be drinking anyway for uterine health, and some peppermint in a tea ball, normally, with a healthy spoonful of local honey to help fight off those evil pollen spores. You might consider adding some loose leaf alfalfa as well; it really minimizes bleeding during and immediately after birth!

      • I mixed it up with red raspberry leaf, which you should be drinking anyway for uterine health, and some peppermint in a tea ball, normally, with a healthy spoonful of local honey to help fight off those evil pollen spores. You might consider adding some loose leaf alfalfa as well; it really minimizes bleeding during and immediately after birth!

      • I mixed it up with red raspberry leaf, which you should be drinking anyway for uterine health, and some peppermint in a tea ball, normally, with a healthy spoonful of local honey to help fight off those evil pollen spores. You might consider adding some loose leaf alfalfa as well; it really minimizes bleeding during and immediately after birth!

      • I mixed it up with red raspberry leaf, which you should be drinking anyway for uterine health, and some peppermint in a tea ball, normally, with a healthy spoonful of local honey to help fight off those evil pollen spores. You might consider adding some loose leaf alfalfa as well; it really minimizes bleeding during and immediately after birth!

      • Great to know, thanks for the tip! I’m a green tea drinker, but it would be good to expand my menu.

      • Great to know, thanks for the tip! I’m a green tea drinker, but it would be good to expand my menu.

      • Great to know, thanks for the tip! I’m a green tea drinker, but it would be good to expand my menu.

      • Great to know, thanks for the tip! I’m a green tea drinker, but it would be good to expand my menu.

      • Nettle tea is supposed to make your milk more nutrient-rich, though I don’t know if that’s just an old wive’s tale or what. I know it has a ton of great stuff in it, nutritionally, and it really does treat allergy symptoms quite well.

      • Nettle tea is supposed to make your milk more nutrient-rich, though I don’t know if that’s just an old wive’s tale or what. I know it has a ton of great stuff in it, nutritionally, and it really does treat allergy symptoms quite well.

      • Nettle tea is supposed to make your milk more nutrient-rich, though I don’t know if that’s just an old wive’s tale or what. I know it has a ton of great stuff in it, nutritionally, and it really does treat allergy symptoms quite well.

      • Nettle tea is supposed to make your milk more nutrient-rich, though I don’t know if that’s just an old wive’s tale or what. I know it has a ton of great stuff in it, nutritionally, and it really does treat allergy symptoms quite well.

      • Interesting. Mostly I’ve just been sucking it up. Isn’t it nettle tea that helps build milk supply as well? Or am I thinking of something else?

      • Interesting. Mostly I’ve just been sucking it up. Isn’t it nettle tea that helps build milk supply as well? Or am I thinking of something else?

      • Interesting. Mostly I’ve just been sucking it up. Isn’t it nettle tea that helps build milk supply as well? Or am I thinking of something else?

      • Interesting. Mostly I’ve just been sucking it up. Isn’t it nettle tea that helps build milk supply as well? Or am I thinking of something else?

      • Are you taking anything for your allergies? I took nettle leaf tea and local honey during my pregnancies and my allergies were never so mild!x

      • Are you taking anything for your allergies? I took nettle leaf tea and local honey during my pregnancies and my allergies were never so mild!x

      • Are you taking anything for your allergies? I took nettle leaf tea and local honey during my pregnancies and my allergies were never so mild!x

      • Are you taking anything for your allergies? I took nettle leaf tea and local honey during my pregnancies and my allergies were never so mild!x

    • So true! We’re certainly set with breast milk and cuddling at hand. And someone gave us newborn diapers the other day. So now I feel free to take a nap.
      I’m assuming the nosebleeds will stop, at worst, as soon as he’s born. In the meantime I asked Damon to dig up the humidifier to see if that will help. My allergies make it hard to stop blowing my nose, but I’m definitely going to make an effort to be more patient and gentle with my nose.

      Reply

    • So true! We’re certainly set with breast milk and cuddling at hand. And someone gave us newborn diapers the other day. So now I feel free to take a nap.
      I’m assuming the nosebleeds will stop, at worst, as soon as he’s born. In the meantime I asked Damon to dig up the humidifier to see if that will help. My allergies make it hard to stop blowing my nose, but I’m definitely going to make an effort to be more patient and gentle with my nose.

      Reply

    • So true! We’re certainly set with breast milk and cuddling at hand. And someone gave us newborn diapers the other day. So now I feel free to take a nap.
      I’m assuming the nosebleeds will stop, at worst, as soon as he’s born. In the meantime I asked Damon to dig up the humidifier to see if that will help. My allergies make it hard to stop blowing my nose, but I’m definitely going to make an effort to be more patient and gentle with my nose.

      Reply

    • So true! We’re certainly set with breast milk and cuddling at hand. And someone gave us newborn diapers the other day. So now I feel free to take a nap.
      I’m assuming the nosebleeds will stop, at worst, as soon as he’s born. In the meantime I asked Damon to dig up the humidifier to see if that will help. My allergies make it hard to stop blowing my nose, but I’m definitely going to make an effort to be more patient and gentle with my nose.

      Reply

  9. Wow, time is passing very quickly, from the outside perspective, though I know from experience it’s much, much slower when you’re actually the pregnant one.
    I hated the nosebleeds. I didn’t get them with Liam, but with Donovan, I felt like I was taking the Weasley twins’ Nosebleed Nougats, especially in the 2nd trimester. Having a humidifier and gently using some saline nosespray instead of blowing my nose hard helped a lot for me.
    Babies need very little: breastmilk, something to keep them from teeteeing all over the furniture, and a warm mama to hold them. That’s what I kept reminding myself, anytime I would panic that the nursery wasn’t done or the clothes weren’t washed yet. You’ve already got everything you need! Everything else is lagniappe.

    Reply

  10. Wow, time is passing very quickly, from the outside perspective, though I know from experience it’s much, much slower when you’re actually the pregnant one.
    I hated the nosebleeds. I didn’t get them with Liam, but with Donovan, I felt like I was taking the Weasley twins’ Nosebleed Nougats, especially in the 2nd trimester. Having a humidifier and gently using some saline nosespray instead of blowing my nose hard helped a lot for me.
    Babies need very little: breastmilk, something to keep them from teeteeing all over the furniture, and a warm mama to hold them. That’s what I kept reminding myself, anytime I would panic that the nursery wasn’t done or the clothes weren’t washed yet. You’ve already got everything you need! Everything else is lagniappe.

    Reply

  11. Wow, time is passing very quickly, from the outside perspective, though I know from experience it’s much, much slower when you’re actually the pregnant one.
    I hated the nosebleeds. I didn’t get them with Liam, but with Donovan, I felt like I was taking the Weasley twins’ Nosebleed Nougats, especially in the 2nd trimester. Having a humidifier and gently using some saline nosespray instead of blowing my nose hard helped a lot for me.
    Babies need very little: breastmilk, something to keep them from teeteeing all over the furniture, and a warm mama to hold them. That’s what I kept reminding myself, anytime I would panic that the nursery wasn’t done or the clothes weren’t washed yet. You’ve already got everything you need! Everything else is lagniappe.

    Reply

  12. Wow, time is passing very quickly, from the outside perspective, though I know from experience it’s much, much slower when you’re actually the pregnant one.
    I hated the nosebleeds. I didn’t get them with Liam, but with Donovan, I felt like I was taking the Weasley twins’ Nosebleed Nougats, especially in the 2nd trimester. Having a humidifier and gently using some saline nosespray instead of blowing my nose hard helped a lot for me.
    Babies need very little: breastmilk, something to keep them from teeteeing all over the furniture, and a warm mama to hold them. That’s what I kept reminding myself, anytime I would panic that the nursery wasn’t done or the clothes weren’t washed yet. You’ve already got everything you need! Everything else is lagniappe.

    Reply

  13. I said many times during mine that I think late pregnancy is nature’s way of making you not be afraid of childbirth. I was so miserable and so ready to just be DONE with it. Hang in there, mama.

    Reply

  14. I said many times during mine that I think late pregnancy is nature’s way of making you not be afraid of childbirth. I was so miserable and so ready to just be DONE with it. Hang in there, mama.

    Reply

    • And you were carrying two!
      I’m still a little afraid of childbirth, but I see what you mean because that is ebbing as I get more uncomfortable. Especially after getting a free pass in the second trimester. That was three months of “I’m so cute! Pregnancy is awesome!” Now, not quite so much of either.

      Reply

      • Let me tell you, be glad you’re only having one. God bless Bill, because with all the pillows I had on the bed to support my belly, he had about a foot of space to sleep in. I was so huge and everything hurt and I just wanted those babies OUT OF THERE. In retrospect, of course, I’m very glad I carried them as long as I did (38 weeks), since they were nice and big and healthy, but I made a public declaration that the next person who said to me, “But it’s better for them to stay in as long as possible!” was getting stabbed in the face.

      • 38 weeks is a huge accomplishment.
        We are still looking for the perfect sleep solution. Right now I’m sleeping on the couch, directly in front of the air conditioner. There’s not much width, but I do like that I can grab the back of the couch to help heave my bulk over when I want to change sides.

      • 38 weeks is a huge accomplishment.
        We are still looking for the perfect sleep solution. Right now I’m sleeping on the couch, directly in front of the air conditioner. There’s not much width, but I do like that I can grab the back of the couch to help heave my bulk over when I want to change sides.

      • 38 weeks is a huge accomplishment.
        We are still looking for the perfect sleep solution. Right now I’m sleeping on the couch, directly in front of the air conditioner. There’s not much width, but I do like that I can grab the back of the couch to help heave my bulk over when I want to change sides.

      • 38 weeks is a huge accomplishment.
        We are still looking for the perfect sleep solution. Right now I’m sleeping on the couch, directly in front of the air conditioner. There’s not much width, but I do like that I can grab the back of the couch to help heave my bulk over when I want to change sides.

      • 38 weeks is a huge accomplishment.
        We are still looking for the perfect sleep solution. Right now I’m sleeping on the couch, directly in front of the air conditioner. There’s not much width, but I do like that I can grab the back of the couch to help heave my bulk over when I want to change sides.

      • Let me tell you, be glad you’re only having one. God bless Bill, because with all the pillows I had on the bed to support my belly, he had about a foot of space to sleep in. I was so huge and everything hurt and I just wanted those babies OUT OF THERE. In retrospect, of course, I’m very glad I carried them as long as I did (38 weeks), since they were nice and big and healthy, but I made a public declaration that the next person who said to me, “But it’s better for them to stay in as long as possible!” was getting stabbed in the face.

      • Let me tell you, be glad you’re only having one. God bless Bill, because with all the pillows I had on the bed to support my belly, he had about a foot of space to sleep in. I was so huge and everything hurt and I just wanted those babies OUT OF THERE. In retrospect, of course, I’m very glad I carried them as long as I did (38 weeks), since they were nice and big and healthy, but I made a public declaration that the next person who said to me, “But it’s better for them to stay in as long as possible!” was getting stabbed in the face.

      • Let me tell you, be glad you’re only having one. God bless Bill, because with all the pillows I had on the bed to support my belly, he had about a foot of space to sleep in. I was so huge and everything hurt and I just wanted those babies OUT OF THERE. In retrospect, of course, I’m very glad I carried them as long as I did (38 weeks), since they were nice and big and healthy, but I made a public declaration that the next person who said to me, “But it’s better for them to stay in as long as possible!” was getting stabbed in the face.

      • Let me tell you, be glad you’re only having one. God bless Bill, because with all the pillows I had on the bed to support my belly, he had about a foot of space to sleep in. I was so huge and everything hurt and I just wanted those babies OUT OF THERE. In retrospect, of course, I’m very glad I carried them as long as I did (38 weeks), since they were nice and big and healthy, but I made a public declaration that the next person who said to me, “But it’s better for them to stay in as long as possible!” was getting stabbed in the face.

      • Have you taken birth classes? Pick up a Bradley book. It makes the whole thing less intimidating.

      • Our birth classes start in two weeks. I called in early June to sign up, but this was the earliest we could get in. I’d say I learned my lesson about booking birth classes early, except I won’t be doing this again. So I guess I’ll just say, “Whew, we just made it!”

      • Our birth classes start in two weeks. I called in early June to sign up, but this was the earliest we could get in. I’d say I learned my lesson about booking birth classes early, except I won’t be doing this again. So I guess I’ll just say, “Whew, we just made it!”

      • Our birth classes start in two weeks. I called in early June to sign up, but this was the earliest we could get in. I’d say I learned my lesson about booking birth classes early, except I won’t be doing this again. So I guess I’ll just say, “Whew, we just made it!”

      • Our birth classes start in two weeks. I called in early June to sign up, but this was the earliest we could get in. I’d say I learned my lesson about booking birth classes early, except I won’t be doing this again. So I guess I’ll just say, “Whew, we just made it!”

      • Our birth classes start in two weeks. I called in early June to sign up, but this was the earliest we could get in. I’d say I learned my lesson about booking birth classes early, except I won’t be doing this again. So I guess I’ll just say, “Whew, we just made it!”

      • Have you taken birth classes? Pick up a Bradley book. It makes the whole thing less intimidating.

      • Have you taken birth classes? Pick up a Bradley book. It makes the whole thing less intimidating.

      • Have you taken birth classes? Pick up a Bradley book. It makes the whole thing less intimidating.

      • Have you taken birth classes? Pick up a Bradley book. It makes the whole thing less intimidating.

    • And you were carrying two!
      I’m still a little afraid of childbirth, but I see what you mean because that is ebbing as I get more uncomfortable. Especially after getting a free pass in the second trimester. That was three months of “I’m so cute! Pregnancy is awesome!” Now, not quite so much of either.

      Reply

    • And you were carrying two!
      I’m still a little afraid of childbirth, but I see what you mean because that is ebbing as I get more uncomfortable. Especially after getting a free pass in the second trimester. That was three months of “I’m so cute! Pregnancy is awesome!” Now, not quite so much of either.

      Reply

    • And you were carrying two!
      I’m still a little afraid of childbirth, but I see what you mean because that is ebbing as I get more uncomfortable. Especially after getting a free pass in the second trimester. That was three months of “I’m so cute! Pregnancy is awesome!” Now, not quite so much of either.

      Reply

    • And you were carrying two!
      I’m still a little afraid of childbirth, but I see what you mean because that is ebbing as I get more uncomfortable. Especially after getting a free pass in the second trimester. That was three months of “I’m so cute! Pregnancy is awesome!” Now, not quite so much of either.

      Reply

  15. I said many times during mine that I think late pregnancy is nature’s way of making you not be afraid of childbirth. I was so miserable and so ready to just be DONE with it. Hang in there, mama.

    Reply

  16. I said many times during mine that I think late pregnancy is nature’s way of making you not be afraid of childbirth. I was so miserable and so ready to just be DONE with it. Hang in there, mama.

    Reply

  17. I said many times during mine that I think late pregnancy is nature’s way of making you not be afraid of childbirth. I was so miserable and so ready to just be DONE with it. Hang in there, mama.

    Reply

  18. I said many times during mine that I think late pregnancy is nature’s way of making you not be afraid of childbirth. I was so miserable and so ready to just be DONE with it. Hang in there, mama.

    Reply

  19. We do have our co-sleeper in the house, so it’s a good point you make. I can quit worrying about crib linens since he won’t need them for a while.
    I know adjusting back to pre-pregnant is going to be crazy. I’m kind of looking forward to it in an academic way. While I’m sure I’ll complain about some things and be honestly uncomfortable sometimes, I still have a real fascination with the return trip, just like I do the journey.

    Reply

  20. So true! We’re certainly set with breast milk and cuddling at hand. And someone gave us newborn diapers the other day. So now I feel free to take a nap.
    I’m assuming the nosebleeds will stop, at worst, as soon as he’s born. In the meantime I asked Damon to dig up the humidifier to see if that will help. My allergies make it hard to stop blowing my nose, but I’m definitely going to make an effort to be more patient and gentle with my nose.

    Reply

  21. And you were carrying two!
    I’m still a little afraid of childbirth, but I see what you mean because that is ebbing as I get more uncomfortable. Especially after getting a free pass in the second trimester. That was three months of “I’m so cute! Pregnancy is awesome!” Now, not quite so much of either.

    Reply

  22. Let me tell you, be glad you’re only having one. God bless Bill, because with all the pillows I had on the bed to support my belly, he had about a foot of space to sleep in. I was so huge and everything hurt and I just wanted those babies OUT OF THERE. In retrospect, of course, I’m very glad I carried them as long as I did (38 weeks), since they were nice and big and healthy, but I made a public declaration that the next person who said to me, “But it’s better for them to stay in as long as possible!” was getting stabbed in the face.

    Reply

  23. Are you taking anything for your allergies? I took nettle leaf tea and local honey during my pregnancies and my allergies were never so mild!x

    Reply

  24. I highly recommend the Neti Pot, I’ve heard it will actually clear up allergies. Either way, it can’t hurt to clean out the sinuses now and again (although Indians do it daily).

    Reply

  25. You’re 31 weeks already? When did THAT happen??
    I can’t wait to see you!!

    Reply

  26. You’re 31 weeks already? When did THAT happen??
    I can’t wait to see you!!

    Reply

  27. You’re 31 weeks already? When did THAT happen??
    I can’t wait to see you!!

    Reply

  28. You’re 31 weeks already? When did THAT happen??
    I can’t wait to see you!!

    Reply

  29. You’re 31 weeks already? When did THAT happen??
    I can’t wait to see you!!

    Reply

  30. You’re 31 weeks already? When did THAT happen??
    I can’t wait to see you!!

    Reply

  31. From an avowed pregnancy-hater
    Don’t be too alarmed, but your body will still feel alien to you for a while after the baby. Your breasts will swell, you will ache and sweat and bleed, it will take you fifteen minutes to go to the bathroom every single time and then when you think you’re starting to get back to normal, all your hair will start falling out.
    Your brain will feel even more alien to you. That’s the fun part though.

    Reply

  32. From an avowed pregnancy-hater
    Don’t be too alarmed, but your body will still feel alien to you for a while after the baby. Your breasts will swell, you will ache and sweat and bleed, it will take you fifteen minutes to go to the bathroom every single time and then when you think you’re starting to get back to normal, all your hair will start falling out.
    Your brain will feel even more alien to you. That’s the fun part though.

    Reply

    • Re: From an avowed pregnancy-hater
      I miss my hair. I have two lengths of fuzz growing in from two babies.

      Reply

    • Re: From an avowed pregnancy-hater
      I miss my hair. I have two lengths of fuzz growing in from two babies.

      Reply

    • Re: From an avowed pregnancy-hater
      I miss my hair. I have two lengths of fuzz growing in from two babies.

      Reply

    • Re: From an avowed pregnancy-hater
      I miss my hair. I have two lengths of fuzz growing in from two babies.

      Reply

    • Re: From an avowed pregnancy-hater
      I miss my hair. I have two lengths of fuzz growing in from two babies.

      Reply

    • Re: From an avowed pregnancy-hater
      My only hope is that I’ll be mentally prepped by the idea that it’s all part of the road back to “normal.” Although from what I hear I will never fully get my brain back.
      I’m going to hate the hair part.

      Reply

      • Just remember that you aren’t going bald! You’re just losing the hair you would have normally lost over the past months, but didn’t lose, because the pregnancy hormones kept it in your head.
        Honestly, I didn’t have any problems after Donovan in terms of my body feeling alien. Part of that was because he is a second baby, I’m sure, but part of it was going in to the birth feeling really comfortable with my body and confident that it could do everything I needed it to do. Trusting that it works and that how it looks and feels, both before and after birth, is right will really help.

      • Thank you for making that point. So far I haven’t felt any major birth fear, but as we get closer I don’t know if I’ll feel a little twitchy or not.
        I might go bald. I have baby hair — fine and thin. Being pregnant has only brought me up to normal, I think. It’s also given me pretty blemish-free skin. I’m starting to feel a little entitled to those things and am going to at the very least want my super-flat stomach back if I have to surrender them. Me me me me me. It’s all about me.

      • It’s allowed to be about you. You’re pregnant. Anyone who makes it not about you should get a shin kick.

      • It’s allowed to be about you. You’re pregnant. Anyone who makes it not about you should get a shin kick.

      • It’s allowed to be about you. You’re pregnant. Anyone who makes it not about you should get a shin kick.

      • It’s allowed to be about you. You’re pregnant. Anyone who makes it not about you should get a shin kick.

      • It’s allowed to be about you. You’re pregnant. Anyone who makes it not about you should get a shin kick.

      • Thank you for making that point. So far I haven’t felt any major birth fear, but as we get closer I don’t know if I’ll feel a little twitchy or not.
        I might go bald. I have baby hair — fine and thin. Being pregnant has only brought me up to normal, I think. It’s also given me pretty blemish-free skin. I’m starting to feel a little entitled to those things and am going to at the very least want my super-flat stomach back if I have to surrender them. Me me me me me. It’s all about me.

      • Thank you for making that point. So far I haven’t felt any major birth fear, but as we get closer I don’t know if I’ll feel a little twitchy or not.
        I might go bald. I have baby hair — fine and thin. Being pregnant has only brought me up to normal, I think. It’s also given me pretty blemish-free skin. I’m starting to feel a little entitled to those things and am going to at the very least want my super-flat stomach back if I have to surrender them. Me me me me me. It’s all about me.

      • Thank you for making that point. So far I haven’t felt any major birth fear, but as we get closer I don’t know if I’ll feel a little twitchy or not.
        I might go bald. I have baby hair — fine and thin. Being pregnant has only brought me up to normal, I think. It’s also given me pretty blemish-free skin. I’m starting to feel a little entitled to those things and am going to at the very least want my super-flat stomach back if I have to surrender them. Me me me me me. It’s all about me.

      • Thank you for making that point. So far I haven’t felt any major birth fear, but as we get closer I don’t know if I’ll feel a little twitchy or not.
        I might go bald. I have baby hair — fine and thin. Being pregnant has only brought me up to normal, I think. It’s also given me pretty blemish-free skin. I’m starting to feel a little entitled to those things and am going to at the very least want my super-flat stomach back if I have to surrender them. Me me me me me. It’s all about me.

      • Just remember that you aren’t going bald! You’re just losing the hair you would have normally lost over the past months, but didn’t lose, because the pregnancy hormones kept it in your head.
        Honestly, I didn’t have any problems after Donovan in terms of my body feeling alien. Part of that was because he is a second baby, I’m sure, but part of it was going in to the birth feeling really comfortable with my body and confident that it could do everything I needed it to do. Trusting that it works and that how it looks and feels, both before and after birth, is right will really help.

      • Just remember that you aren’t going bald! You’re just losing the hair you would have normally lost over the past months, but didn’t lose, because the pregnancy hormones kept it in your head.
        Honestly, I didn’t have any problems after Donovan in terms of my body feeling alien. Part of that was because he is a second baby, I’m sure, but part of it was going in to the birth feeling really comfortable with my body and confident that it could do everything I needed it to do. Trusting that it works and that how it looks and feels, both before and after birth, is right will really help.

      • Just remember that you aren’t going bald! You’re just losing the hair you would have normally lost over the past months, but didn’t lose, because the pregnancy hormones kept it in your head.
        Honestly, I didn’t have any problems after Donovan in terms of my body feeling alien. Part of that was because he is a second baby, I’m sure, but part of it was going in to the birth feeling really comfortable with my body and confident that it could do everything I needed it to do. Trusting that it works and that how it looks and feels, both before and after birth, is right will really help.

      • Just remember that you aren’t going bald! You’re just losing the hair you would have normally lost over the past months, but didn’t lose, because the pregnancy hormones kept it in your head.
        Honestly, I didn’t have any problems after Donovan in terms of my body feeling alien. Part of that was because he is a second baby, I’m sure, but part of it was going in to the birth feeling really comfortable with my body and confident that it could do everything I needed it to do. Trusting that it works and that how it looks and feels, both before and after birth, is right will really help.

    • Re: From an avowed pregnancy-hater
      My only hope is that I’ll be mentally prepped by the idea that it’s all part of the road back to “normal.” Although from what I hear I will never fully get my brain back.
      I’m going to hate the hair part.

      Reply

    • Re: From an avowed pregnancy-hater
      My only hope is that I’ll be mentally prepped by the idea that it’s all part of the road back to “normal.” Although from what I hear I will never fully get my brain back.
      I’m going to hate the hair part.

      Reply

    • Re: From an avowed pregnancy-hater
      My only hope is that I’ll be mentally prepped by the idea that it’s all part of the road back to “normal.” Although from what I hear I will never fully get my brain back.
      I’m going to hate the hair part.

      Reply

    • Re: From an avowed pregnancy-hater
      My only hope is that I’ll be mentally prepped by the idea that it’s all part of the road back to “normal.” Although from what I hear I will never fully get my brain back.
      I’m going to hate the hair part.

      Reply

  33. From an avowed pregnancy-hater
    Don’t be too alarmed, but your body will still feel alien to you for a while after the baby. Your breasts will swell, you will ache and sweat and bleed, it will take you fifteen minutes to go to the bathroom every single time and then when you think you’re starting to get back to normal, all your hair will start falling out.
    Your brain will feel even more alien to you. That’s the fun part though.

    Reply

  34. From an avowed pregnancy-hater
    Don’t be too alarmed, but your body will still feel alien to you for a while after the baby. Your breasts will swell, you will ache and sweat and bleed, it will take you fifteen minutes to go to the bathroom every single time and then when you think you’re starting to get back to normal, all your hair will start falling out.
    Your brain will feel even more alien to you. That’s the fun part though.

    Reply

  35. From an avowed pregnancy-hater
    Don’t be too alarmed, but your body will still feel alien to you for a while after the baby. Your breasts will swell, you will ache and sweat and bleed, it will take you fifteen minutes to go to the bathroom every single time and then when you think you’re starting to get back to normal, all your hair will start falling out.
    Your brain will feel even more alien to you. That’s the fun part though.

    Reply

  36. From an avowed pregnancy-hater
    Don’t be too alarmed, but your body will still feel alien to you for a while after the baby. Your breasts will swell, you will ache and sweat and bleed, it will take you fifteen minutes to go to the bathroom every single time and then when you think you’re starting to get back to normal, all your hair will start falling out.
    Your brain will feel even more alien to you. That’s the fun part though.

    Reply

  37. Re: From an avowed pregnancy-hater
    I miss my hair. I have two lengths of fuzz growing in from two babies.

    Reply

  38. Have you taken birth classes? Pick up a Bradley book. It makes the whole thing less intimidating.

    Reply

  39. Posted by Anonymous on August 8, 2007 at 6:53 pm

    Mine Too
    My grandfarther was also a 1st-day-baptism, shoe-box-on-the-hearth baby! So weird that we never knew this link between us until now. He’s 84 now, and still kickin’. 🙂
    -Anne

    Reply

  40. Posted by Anonymous on August 8, 2007 at 6:53 pm

    Mine Too
    My grandfarther was also a 1st-day-baptism, shoe-box-on-the-hearth baby! So weird that we never knew this link between us until now. He’s 84 now, and still kickin’. 🙂
    -Anne

    Reply

  41. Posted by Anonymous on August 8, 2007 at 6:53 pm

    Mine Too
    My grandfarther was also a 1st-day-baptism, shoe-box-on-the-hearth baby! So weird that we never knew this link between us until now. He’s 84 now, and still kickin’. 🙂
    -Anne

    Reply

  42. Posted by Anonymous on August 8, 2007 at 6:53 pm

    Mine Too
    My grandfarther was also a 1st-day-baptism, shoe-box-on-the-hearth baby! So weird that we never knew this link between us until now. He’s 84 now, and still kickin’. 🙂
    -Anne

    Reply

  43. Posted by Anonymous on August 8, 2007 at 6:53 pm

    Mine Too
    My grandfarther was also a 1st-day-baptism, shoe-box-on-the-hearth baby! So weird that we never knew this link between us until now. He’s 84 now, and still kickin’. 🙂
    -Anne

    Reply

  44. Posted by Anonymous on August 8, 2007 at 6:53 pm

    Mine Too
    My grandfarther was also a 1st-day-baptism, shoe-box-on-the-hearth baby! So weird that we never knew this link between us until now. He’s 84 now, and still kickin’. 🙂
    -Anne

    Reply

  45. Our birth classes start in two weeks. I called in early June to sign up, but this was the earliest we could get in. I’d say I learned my lesson about booking birth classes early, except I won’t be doing this again. So I guess I’ll just say, “Whew, we just made it!”

    Reply

  46. Re: From an avowed pregnancy-hater
    My only hope is that I’ll be mentally prepped by the idea that it’s all part of the road back to “normal.” Although from what I hear I will never fully get my brain back.
    I’m going to hate the hair part.

    Reply

  47. I don’t know! It’s blowing my mind!
    I can’t wait to see you too. I wish you were coming this weekend and staying forever.

    Reply

  48. That’s a very reasonable recommendation. I’m just not sure about pouring water through my nose. I know it could help, so my hangup is foolish

    Reply

  49. Interesting. Mostly I’ve just been sucking it up. Isn’t it nettle tea that helps build milk supply as well? Or am I thinking of something else?

    Reply

  50. 38 weeks is a huge accomplishment.
    We are still looking for the perfect sleep solution. Right now I’m sleeping on the couch, directly in front of the air conditioner. There’s not much width, but I do like that I can grab the back of the couch to help heave my bulk over when I want to change sides.

    Reply

  51. Nettle tea is supposed to make your milk more nutrient-rich, though I don’t know if that’s just an old wive’s tale or what. I know it has a ton of great stuff in it, nutritionally, and it really does treat allergy symptoms quite well.

    Reply

  52. Great to know, thanks for the tip! I’m a green tea drinker, but it would be good to expand my menu.

    Reply

  53. I mixed it up with red raspberry leaf, which you should be drinking anyway for uterine health, and some peppermint in a tea ball, normally, with a healthy spoonful of local honey to help fight off those evil pollen spores. You might consider adding some loose leaf alfalfa as well; it really minimizes bleeding during and immediately after birth!

    Reply

  54. Just remember that you aren’t going bald! You’re just losing the hair you would have normally lost over the past months, but didn’t lose, because the pregnancy hormones kept it in your head.
    Honestly, I didn’t have any problems after Donovan in terms of my body feeling alien. Part of that was because he is a second baby, I’m sure, but part of it was going in to the birth feeling really comfortable with my body and confident that it could do everything I needed it to do. Trusting that it works and that how it looks and feels, both before and after birth, is right will really help.

    Reply

  55. It sounds like I need to hit the natural foods store. Or a tea leaf store of some sort.

    Reply

  56. Thank you for making that point. So far I haven’t felt any major birth fear, but as we get closer I don’t know if I’ll feel a little twitchy or not.
    I might go bald. I have baby hair — fine and thin. Being pregnant has only brought me up to normal, I think. It’s also given me pretty blemish-free skin. I’m starting to feel a little entitled to those things and am going to at the very least want my super-flat stomach back if I have to surrender them. Me me me me me. It’s all about me.

    Reply

  57. It’s allowed to be about you. You’re pregnant. Anyone who makes it not about you should get a shin kick.

    Reply

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