28 weeks along with baby Smith and I’m trying to figure out where time went…Della is almost TWO, Owen started pre-k last week and will be FOUR in just a few weeks. How on earth am I in my THIRD trimester with my THIRD baby?! The days are kind of flying by and I’m trying to soak up each and every moment, but I can’t help but feel a bit overwhelmed by it.
I’m feeling pretty good but I don’t feel like I have the “glow” you’re supposed to get. My hair, skin and nails didn’t get the memo, I guess. I haven’t really gained that much so far, but I can definitely see it…in my thighs, butt, face…bleh. Sometimes I just feel heavy. But this perfect little bump reminds me how much I love being pregnant. I really do love it, even though it can be difficult at times. Getting to experience this blessing, this miracle, God has entrusted me to grow and carry inside my body for nine months is not something I will ever take for granted.
The first trimester was a brutal one, the worst of all three pregnancies. The toilet and I became very well acquainted and I even got to know the ER docs, who were conveniently located across the street from our apartment in Korea, pretty well. They were always good about pumping the fluids in me quickly while Owen and Della got high speed wheelchair rides from the nurses. Alex was TDY to Alaska for most of the first trimester. Then there was the time that stupid motorcycle hit my car and the Koreans gave me 100% of the blame when in reality not an ounce of it was my fault. It was a rough few weeks. The second trimester was better. The sickness wore off but not until several weeks into the second tri, but once it did I was back on my feet. As the third trimester approached, I started to feel much more tired and the aches and pains appeared, particularly in the ligaments in my hips and pelvis. It’s getting difficult to get out of bed, put pants on while standing up or walk for too long without feeling extreme pain. I think I’m just misaligned, I’ve got an appointment set up with a chiropractor. BUT, complaints and gripes aside, my body is growing a healthy baby and for that I am forever grateful!
2 8 w e e k s
due date: February 12th, 2018
size of baby: according to my app, I’ve got a tropical coconut in there
gender: unknown, because there are so few surprises in life
names: This poor child. We’ve got nothing yet. No short list. No list at all. It’s not for lack of trying either. If we HAD to name baby today we’d be in trouble…help!
movement: Lots of kicks and flips and they’re getting bigger and bigger, especially at the end of the day when I sit or lay down. I LOVE IT. I carry my babies low so fortunately nothing in the ribs.
total weight gain: I prefer not to track this. My body will do what it needs to so I am focusing on eating right (as much as possible, my cravings can get the best of me) and listening to my body.
most nervous about: I have only had two appointments the entire pregnancy (it’s a long story) but everything has looked just fine. Long story short, getting set up with a doctor here in NM has been a royal PAIN with so many hoops to jump through and it’s been very stressful. Don’t worry, if I had any inkling that something was wrong, I’d get myself taken care right away. So far I’m less than impressed with the hospital in town but my only other option is a home birth with a fantastic midwife who is here in town (which I am all for but my family is not) so it’s been a difficult few weeks for me. I’m trying to accept the way childbirth is done in the US – things are done very differently overseas. For those who don’t know, Owen was born in Germany and Della in South Korea. On the bright side, I have found a doula here that I’m very excited about. She’s a very good match for me and I know I’ll have an incredible birth with her assistance!
favorite maternity clothes: I’ve been living in these tees, I love these leggings, this dress, and sweaters/cardigans (especially this one)
stretch marks: I’m blessed with elastic skin but I’ve been using this twice daily just to be safe.
mood: I’ve been super hormonal and I often find myself in an irritable mood on the flip of a switch…I’m not sure how Alex and the kids are putting up with me, honestly. I’m also a bit sensitive…
sleep: mostly good (minus getting up to pee at least once a night) but occasionally the insomnia strikes. I usually get it pretty bad toward the end so I’m anticipating it showing up soon.
cravings: cherry soda and really random one-time things like chicken wings, spicy butter chicken sans chicken, beer (I hate beer and no, I didn’t cave to this craving), burgers, cranberries…it’s something different every day. Today I really want a bratwurst with sauerkraut and LOTS of mustard.
favorite moment: Having a baby brother or sister is becoming very real for Owen and Della. They talk about the baby non-stop. Della comes up to my belly and says “hi baby” and then asks if baby is “movin or sweepin”. Owen can’t wait to read the baby his books and is certain it’s a “baby brudder” because he already has a sister. They both love to feel baby move and press their ears to my belly to see if they can hear him or her. They each have baby dolls and they’re really excited, it’s adorable.
I’m missing: wine, more than one cup of coffee a day, holding Della comfortably, being able to breathe normal
recent baby purchases: A new glider for nursing, a few neutral pieces from June & January (because I have no chill every time they have a sale), and a calendar to record all the sweet events of the first year, but otherwise I haven’t bought baby much of anything…the hand-me-downs are piled up in the nursery and I haven’t really had a chance to do much organizing. I’m not letting myself buy much until baby is here and we know if we’ve got a boy or a girl.
nursery: Okay, so no progress. We’re not even close. We have no furniture for the baby’s room yet. I’m thinking I’ll probably use a lot of the decor from Della’s nursery since she’s getting upgraded to a big girl room (which is also a work in progress). We aren’t painting the room or anything, so once we get furniture for it, it should come together pretty quickly. I have a vision for the room and I’m very excited about the space. It’s going to be simple and clean. Stay tuned!
random fact: I think my belly button is going to pop out this round. It never did with the other two.
I’ve been so bad about documenting this pregnancy…I think this is only my second bump photo and it is certainly my first official update about it on the blog since I announced, and even that I did behind the typical timeline because I was so miserably sick for well into my second trimester. Hashtag, third baby problems. I really can’t believe I’m about 12 weeks away from meeting my new little babe!
Jan Hathaway says
So very very happy for you four. So exciting.
Pam conkling says
Congratulations on the new baby and being in the United States. Good luck with everything and Happy Thanksgiving!
KC Constant says
Congratulations and I wish you & your family all the best.
Emily says
Thank you so much!