Pregnancy

Pregnancy Update — January

I’m in the home stretch now, and I have a feeling that this will likely be my last pregnancy update for this little one. Because my belly is still measuring behind (though not by much — measuring 33.5 at 35 weeks) I was sent for an additional ultrasound to check on baby’s growth. Much like Prim, this little one is measuring a little below average but completely within normal limits, and to no one’s surprise (or at least those of us who know Prim), baby’s biggest measurements came from leg length followed by belly size. Prim, long-lean kiddo that she is, is pretty much all legs and belly — and has been since day one. And frankly, with the size of Dutch babies, I have to admit that I’m a little relieved that this baby isn’t measuring above-average (because, guys, the kids here are enormous.)

weeks: 35 1/2

baby’s size: honeydew

i’m feeling: tired and achey. I’m getting into that “real pregnant” phase where my body is just exhausted at the end of the day. Everyday tasks require a lot more effort and are getting increasingly more uncomfortable as my belly grows, and the baby is super low and engaged in my pelvis which means she hits all kinds of fun nerves which give me lightening pain in my back, belly, and legs pretty much all day long.

food love: fruit and baked goods. I’ve been on a baking kick lately and, among other things, have made homemade peanut butter brownies, raspberry scones, and chocolate chip walnut blondies. Sugar is so, so delicious during pregnancy.

food hate: I don’t have any major food aversions at the moment, though certain things are still sounding pretty unappealing most days (like a giant cheeseburger — mmm, no thanks).

3 pros for january: 1. KC and I have a sitter coming weekly until the baby comes so we get to escape once a week for date night. It’s only for a few hours, but it’s so nice to get out of the house together. 2. It’s been snowing on and off here in Amsterdam, which is so pretty and magical. I’m sure I would grow tired of it if I lived here permanently, but since it’s new for me (being a California native) I’m still thrilled by the little flurries.  3. We have everything we need for the new baby now, and I’ve done all the laundry and organized the whole house. The nesting phase was definitely less intense this time around than it was when I was pregnant with Prim, but man did it make me productive when it finally hit!

3 cons for january: 1. The cold weather means that the streets here are getting increasingly more icy. Since I’m worried about falling, I’ve officially stopped riding my bike around until post-baby (and likely for quite awhile beyond that). 2. My blood pressure has risen a little bit recently, which is worrisome with my history of pre-eclampsia. There’s no reason to be worried just yet, but I was really hoping to avoid the whole hypertension/pre-eclampsia/induction conversation completely this time around. 3. I’m trying to get into the “birth mindset” as my due date is rapidly approaching. I don’t really remember exactly how I felt at this point when I was pregnant with Prim, but I feel mentally unprepared for birth at this moment. I’m hoping that instinct kicks in and takes over when the big day actually arrives.

currently living in: pajamas and KC’s enormous sweatshirts, because I basically want nothing tight on my body at this point. When I do manage to get dressed (which, between Prim’s constant colds and the frigid weather, is rare at this point), I’m still wearing my maternity jeans and tops (though I’ve noticed that a few pairs of shoes have recently become too tight!)

looking forward to: meeting this little lady, though I’d really prefer that she cook for a few more weeks! (Ahem, please take note, little one!)

dreaming about: drinking champagne. Lots of it.