Aliens Inside Me

Isn't she beautiful? Okay, maybe I'm a big, fat, deliriously-tired mommy to be, but I think this is just the most adorable thing! But even if you don't see what I see, you cannot possibly deny that she isn't her mother's child, channeling the spirit of a revolutionary with her fist raised in pride. I love this baby of mine already.

After thinking we wouldn't get another ultrasound before Emery made her big debut, we got lucky. So, last week, they checked her out and this is the best picture we got. On the screen we could see her little fingers, instead of the blob I've labeled "fist." We also got confirmation of her little girl parts, or "hamburger" as the ultrasound tech referred to it. And we got to hear how wonderfully she was doing... right on track to be an eight and a half pound baby. She was, alas, turned inward, so no face shots. Brian and I were a little disappointed, but then we remembered she would be here in EIGHT WEEKS and figured after seeing her in person, a garbled ultrasound image could never do her justice anyway.

Yep. 32 weeks. 8 months. Breathe. Don't freak out. We're almost ready... right? Well, it doesn't feel that way, but I actually think we are. And I'm sure that whatever I haven't managed to get done by the end of July will certainly get done during Momma's visit. I am so grateful that she is taking the time to come down before baby gets here. It's already difficult to do normal everyday things without feeling like I just ran a marathon, so I know that by then I'll be seeing red when it comes to anything other than the routine of breathe, eat, sleep, work.

To be honest, even those seemingly mundane things have become quite laborous already. Of course, when you look at how your body changes in pregnancy, it's no surprise that you feel all out of whack. Check out the bladder and the stomach, for pet(Why didn't I look this up sooner? I could have been more prepared!)


But then, when I feel this little ball of baby goodness moving around inside me, I could not possibly care less that my bladder is homeless and my stomach is fighting my diaphragm for the last bit of space in my chest. I can almost always see her moving now, little limbs pushing and squishing and molding my torso like a contortionist, making me feel a little possessed and a LOT happy. Brian is jealous that I get to experience that part and he doesn't. I can't say I blame him. And it may sound selfish, but I am glad there is a part of this pregnancy that is just for me and Emery. For a couple more months, we share this body, and I get to be with her all day, every day. I know that, as much as pregnancy is for the birds in almost every way, I will miss having her with me always, safe and sound and mine all mine.

<3 Lace

It's been too long...

Yes, I am aware that it has been an entire month since my last itty bitty post, but cut me some slack!

I'd love to say I have some pretty pictures of the nursery, or we have a new ultrasound pic to share, or even that I have a pic of my increasingly enormous belly... but I don't. What I do have is a ridiculously annoying urination schedule, a non-existent sleep cycle and a mounting to-do list.

I do want to say a special thank you to my mother, LB and all my friends and family in North Carolina. The trip home was wonderful, and the shower was such a huge success. It was so great seeing everyone, and we are so grateful for all the sweet gifts we received. Emery is a blessed little girl already, and I just CANNOT WAIT to bring her home to meet each and every one of you.

This weekend, I hope to get started transforming the nursery from the storage closet it now resembles to a room for a baby... since she'll be here in 11 weeks. (!!!)

Uh huh. Week 29 officially starts today. The third trimester is here, and there is so much left to do. Luckily, Miss Emery seems to be doing just fine, and that's the most important thing. (Though, the prospect of squeezing this little nugget through my tiny little vagina is becoming a more and more daunting mental picture. Another post, perhaps.) We have our labor techniques class this Saturday, then a cloth diapering and breastfeeding class later this month. We have to register with the hospital and take the tour, plan out a basic birth plan and make some decisions about childcare post maternity leave, just to get started. It's a lot, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't freak out about it all pretty regularly, but I am so lucky to have a cool, calm, collected husband to keep me from having a panic attack.

Speaking of Brian, we had some pretty big news come through yesterday on his end as well. He's been approved for an insulin pump and will be making the transition from 5-6 shots a day to the constant companionship of the pump in about two weeks. The pump he decided on is top of the line, complete with a meter remote that wirelessly communicates with the pump when he checks his sugar. How cool is that?! In addition to making his life so much easier, it will better control his blood sugar, which will in turn reduce his likelihood of developing complications down the road. Sure, there is a huge out-of-pocket expense at first, but let's be honest. This is priceless, and I would cut off my left arm to make it happen if I had to.)

As this baby gets closer, I find myself feeling more and more emotional about being so far away from family and friends in NC. But little victories like Brian getting a pump gives me the glorious feeling that where we are right now is right where we're supposed to be. There are so many things we could never afford, never have access to and never experience otherwise. It's so good to know that we made the right decision making the big move. And, when this itch to be closer to home becomes a large, unsightly rash, we will do something about it. After all, Emery can't grow up without mountains. That's just ridiculous! :)

<3