34 Weeks

Here we are, at 34 weeks! Just six more weeks to go and I can certainly tell that the time is drawing closer! A few things I've noticed these past two weeks:

• My hips are starting the spread, or so I believe. I have read all about how your ligaments supposedly loosen up in preparation for the birth and I think that is definitely happening. If I lay too long on one side at night, my hips start to become sore and I have to shift. It's not a terrible annoyance, since most days I can sleep in if I have had a restless night, but I definitely have sympathy for those pregnant ladies that aren't on summer holidays and can't sleep in or nap after a restless night. Yet another blessing that I thank God for!


• Leg cramps: These are a real thing. I have been reading about them forever and thinking how I didn't know what they were talking about, but this past weekend they became very real! While we were up at Keats I awoke with major leg cramps and today I could hardly walk because my calves were so sore! I think it had something to do with the amount of water I drank while up there...I will be sure to stay hydrated now, and to stretch a bit before bed. I think that will help. I have to say though, that it wasn't a horrible pain, just a mild annoyance.


• Movement: I continue to love those kicks and wiggles! My favorite thing now is when we are sitting somewhere-church, etc-and the baby suddenly starts doing gymnastics in there. I can look down and see my stomach morph into these random shapes from the outside and it is AMAZING! It's simply a miracle to think that my baby's feet are making those shapes in my belly! I love it when I wake up in the night and can feel the movements as well. I always think "That's so cool!" and really want to wake Kevin up, but I know he needs his sleep too!


• Kevin-well, Kevin is going to be Super Dad. I decided that this week. One of the things we need to do this summer is slowly pack up our place because we will be moving to a different one about a month after the baby is born. I really want to go through things, sort them out, do a really good job. I knew that I would need Kevin's help for this. I haven't even had to ask! He has pitched right in! On Wednesday we started round one of sorting through the back room and got four boxes packed and sorted, and then tonight we went through the kitchen and threw out old stuff and organized our cabinets for when we are ready to pack them up. He is teaching summer school-a time commitment of two hours a day, five days a week until August 1st-which is going to pay for quite a bit of baby stuff. This was his idea, and he feels like he is contributing and really providing for his family. It's so neat to see him being so protective and just going out there and doing these things to help our well-being as a family. What a man I have! He's also just jumped in headfirst with so many baby kinds of things, and has started talking to my belly more often. I just love it and I can see already what an incredible dad he is going to be!


• Feeling Huge-lately, I'm feeling pretty huge. In my head, I know I'm still on track, but there is something about looking at pictures of yourself from just a few months ago and seeing how drastically your body has changed that kind of throw you for a loop. I had finally finished our album from our cruise in December and it came in the mail this week. I looked at it and realized all of the summer clothes that I was wearing in it that now wouldn't really fit, mostly pants and capris, and it was just strange! I embrace it, because it means that this Babe is doing well, but I think sometimes I'm still not used to looking in the mirror and seeing this huge belly! I love it though, for once I don't have to suck in the gut when I'm swimming or wearing a dress that shows my stomach a little! I can push it out there for all to see! Glorious!

Well, here is the 34 week picture! Grow, Baby, grow!