Tag Archives: meaningful

39 weeks

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cravings & such:  i have been wanting protein, big time.  just my body’s way of getting geared up for something pretty major in the coming weeks.  i have also been wanting candy.  sour, sour candy.  [thanks halloween marketing].  and people have been offering to make spicy food for me.  our family seems to have some chefs with ulterior motives.

the bump:  oh yes, i have one of those.

cool & cute things:  she is just hanging out in there.  napping and stretching.  and packing on that layer of fat.

new things:  she weighs about 6 pounds 7 ounces according to our ultrasound tech.  she is a little thing.  but, healthy and happy with a strong heartbeat.  plus, she is head down and super low in my pelvis…assume the position!

meaningful moments:  getting to see her little face during a quick ultrasound check-in this week.  she was sleeping and all curled up in my hip bone.  and, she was making the cutest little sucking movements.  her little lips were moving away!  oh, she was just so sweet.  i can’t wait to see that little face.

the countdown:  7 days…one week!  come on…just a tad early

current size:  a mini watermelon.  although, i like to think of her as more of a seasonally adjusted, tiny pumpkin. 

38 weeks

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cravings & such:  nothing new to report here.  just enjoying some of our favorite restaurants and meals before becoming a family of three.

the bump:  getting bigger and feeling heavier these days.  bumping the bump into things is super fun…

cool & cute things:  baby has really plumped up!  she probably weighs about 6.5 pounds and is over 19.5 inches log.  if she is born with brown eyes, they’ll likely stay brown.  if she is born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue OR turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she is 9 months old.  a child’s irises may gain more pigment in the months after birth but the usually won’t get “lighter” or more blue.  can’t wait to see them!  blue like papa?  greenish gray like her mama? brown like grandmama ridley?

new things:  baby girl has a firm grasp and her organs have matured to the point where she is ready for life outside the womb.  wahoo!  we are ready for life outsde the womb too.

meaningful moments:  playing with the baby carrier.  perusing the pages of her new books.  interviewing a naturopathic pediatrician [who we just love!]  enjoying her movements.  picking out fabric for a cute little project with my mom…montessori teething rings with mini minky blankets.  too cute.  thanks mom!

the countdown:  14 days! two weeks, give or take… 

current size:  the length of a leek

37 weeks

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full term!

full term!

FULL TERM!

cravings & such:  nothing special.  anything yummy works for me.  i am watching the excessive sodium intake [sorry chips and queso] to help keep thoses snuffaluffagus-esque ankles at bay.

the bump:  getting bigger and moving a lot.  baby girl likes to test the tactile strength of my uterus by stretching-out into forbidden territory.  liiike…my ribcage!  or my sides.  i think she is trying to wrap her legs around me to see if her toes can meet up at my spine.  i keep telling her “nope.  that zone isn’t for you, little one.  you get the belly area”.  does she listen?  um, no.  a sign of her determined nature for sure.

cool & cute things:  if i were to go into labor today, her lungs would be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb.

new things:  baby weighs about 6 pounds and measures about 19 inches long.

meaningful moments:  putting her little diapers into the dresser drawer.  placing the changing pad on the dresser.  practicing with our new baby carrier.  oooh, hubby is going to look so dreamy carrying our little girl!  is there a more handsome sight to behold?  can’t wait.  the first load of baby clothing.  all those teeny tiny baby things make laundry day so much better!  [yes, i know.  i hear myself.  i am savoring this feeling now and saving it for later on so that i can reference it when i am knee-deep in cloth diapers and spit up.  and then, i will laugh at my silly former self before diving into yet another load of "all those teeny tiny baby things that make laundry day so much better".  laundry day which now equals every day.  yes, life is about to change.]

the countdown:  21 days.  did i mention, full term?  three weeks – give or take – to go!

current size:  the length of a stalk of swiss chard

36 weeks

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cravings & such:  same ol’ stuff.  the usual snacks and healthiness…with a weekly [or more] date night, big meal splurge.

the bump:  solid.  a solid ball of baby.  a swirling, waving, kicking solid ball of baby.

cool & cute things:  she is packing on the pounds.  but doctor says that she does appear to be on the smaller side of the scale.  i mean, her folks aren’t exactly giants, so…  she is close to 5 1/4 pounds now and about 18 inches long.  honestly, i don’t know how 18 inches of baby is curled up inside the “ball” but she is doing it.  hurray for the incredible yoga baby!

new things:  baby girl is shedding most of the downy hair that has covered her body, as well as the vernix [white, waxy stuff that coats and protects the skin while she floats in the amniotic fluid...it keeps her from coming out all prune-y].  baby is ingesting these things [gross. don't worry, we will improve upon that menu soon, my dear] to help practice her digestion and to create her first bowel movement.  get fired up for baby bowel movements folks!

meaningful moments:  organizing tiny baby clothes!  all those onesies and tiny pants and kimonos and leggings and socks.  teeny tiny and just itching for a baby to fill them out.  well, not itching…they are getting a gentle and soothing tumble in safe-for-baby-skin wash.  soft, soft, soft.

the countdown:  28 days

current size:  a crenshaw melon [whatever that is].  sounds fancy.  like a melon with a british accent.

heart skipping a beat and an eek of delight

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one month from today.  one month, folks.  november 2.  my due date.

that block of my calendar that has been marked off, circled, and exclamation-pointed for the past 8 or so months.  the date that has been etched in my mind since my first doctor’s appointment back in march.  the date that i have been counting down to on my handy-dandy iPhone app.  the date that has been long-awaited and prayed for…for years.

now i realize that she could come sooner or later.  that date is by no means definite.  there is nothing magical about it.  but it is meaningful.

and you know what?  it actually has carried a bit of magic with it.  it has served as a life landmark.  a polestar.  a fixed spot in time that we can point to and move toward and pray for and look forward to.  that little date.  the date when things will change.  when we become parents.  when our parents become grandparents.  when our sisters become aunts.  when our grandparents become great-grandparents.  what a difference a day makes.

i think God gives us those little moments in life that can serve as bonding and encouraging points.  remarkable days and seasons and happenings that bring us together.  that remind us what life is all about.  that remind us how quickly time flies.  that remind us of what matters.  that remind us of His goodness.  that give us a fresh and cool mist of joy.  that bathe our weary and tossed souls with the balm of His grace.

recently, i heard a beloved pastor and theologian give a fresh perspective on “grace”.  he said that grace is the unexpected kindness of God.  this is His charis (xáris).  charis is His favor.  meaning that He is disposed to, inclined, favorable towards, leaning towards to share benefit.  what a picture!  God leaning in toward us.  to share His favor.  to whisper soothing words of sweetness.  and what happens when He surprises us with His kindness and favor?  we cannot help but be overcome with joy.  we respond in joy or chara (xará).  as He leans towards us with His favor, we respond by leaning in toward Him.  we nestle under His wing.  we are joyful.  joy is grace recognized.

God is giving us such a gift in our little elinor grace.  and i know that when we get to meet her, He will surprise us afresh with His kindness.  and we, we will respond to this grace recognized with joy inexplicable.

35 weeks

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cravings & such:  taking in a bunch of good stuff, one bite at a time.  i am trying to get the most nutrition packed into the smallest package since big meals can be a bit much these days.  bang for my caloric buck, people…sausages, hamburgers, and fries notwithstanding.  and i am really trying to steer clear of sugar since it makes me feel icky after i consume it.  but sometimes i just have to break down and indulge that sweet tooth because it does taste pretty darn good while i am consuming it.  think sour stuff and super rich chocolate and milkshakes.  yum. 

the bump:  it is just there.  my ball of baby.  enough said.

cool & cute things:  baby’s kidneys are fully developed and her liver can process some waste products.  yippee!  getting ready to fill those itty-bitty diapers.  basic physical development is now mostly complete.  her job in the coming weeks is to just put on weight.  home stretch.  quite literally.

new things:  things are getting tight in there. baby girl is over 18 inches long and weighs about 5 1/4 pounds.  because she is so snug in my belly, she doesn’t have as much space for those dramatic somersaults anymore.  but, as she gets bigger and stronger, those kicks and punches are feeling more intense.

meaningful moments:  this was one crazy week.  somehow, in my genius, pregnancy hormone-addled, placenta brain, i scheduled a whole lotta action for this week.  i mean, i crammed it all in.  we went on our hospital tour, we met with the pediatrician, and we had another doctor appointment complete with ultrasound.  ooohhh…she is a cute one!  a cute one who really likes to suck her thumb and nibble on her fingers.  she even blinked for us and we saw her eyelashes.  eyelashes!  but i must say, in spite of the crazy scheduling, we do feel much better after this week.  more settled and resolved.  a bit more a peace.  and more eager than ever to meet our little girl!

the countdown:  35 days.  woah, folks.  that is like, a month!

current size:  a honeydew melon.  awwhh…my little honeydew.

34 weeks

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and a very happy autumnal equinox to you!  the first day of fall has arrived.  ah, fall.  have i mentioned how excited i am to have a baby in the fall?  it is my favorite time of year and hubby and i are thrilled to have a tiny baby in our house during this season.  so much fun!

cravings & such:  the big ol’ meal consumption is slowing down a bit.  i am usually fairly disciplined when it comes to eating every few hours, but i am also known to down a large plate of food [and go back for seconds] when i am feeling hungry and the cuisine is extra enticing.  well, these bigger plates just don’t work for me these days.  the ball of baby goodness that has taken over my midsection does not allow much room for an overly full belly.  so, the meals are getting smaller and i am stepping up the frequency.  in other words, i am nibbling  away on some kind of snack pretty much all the time.  like a chipmunk.

the bump:  it looks so funny.  and yes, my husband officially chuckled at my “bowling ball” the other night.  it also moves around all the time.  she thinks that she is living in a bouncy castle where she can ping off the walls and flop around.  [note to self:  make sure to rent a princess bouncy castle for her first birthday party]

cool & cute things:  baby girl weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is almost 18 inches long.  fat layers are filling her out making her appear “rounder”.  hence the bowling ball.

new things:  the central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well.

meaningful moments:  being woken up by her movements.  and then remaining awake while she enjoyed a little belly fit.  no joke, she just bounced around from right to left for 15 straight minutes.  it felt like someone was playing the bongos in there.  i imagine that she was giggling the whole time.  it must have been amusing because she just kept going!  it was definitely entertaining but i started feeling a bit seasick toward the end.  it was like she was playing rock the boat with my internal bits.  this girl is going to be something, let me tell ya.

the countdown:  42 days to go!

current size:  a cantaloupe

33 weeks

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cravings & such:  at this point, i am just trying to eat as much good food as possible.  i am sneaking in veggies whenever and wherever, upping my protein intake, consuming plenty of healthy fats, and trying to take it easy on those carbs…but i gotta have my granola and my super seeded, grainy bagel on the weekend.  yum.  in addition to the everyday menu, ben and i are scheduling out some fun date nights for the next few weeks leading up to elinor’s arrival.  we are going to hit all of our favorite spots to savor the flavors for a last time as just the two of us.  so crazy that the next time we visit those locations, it will be with our baby girl.  i plan to bring her to all of our haunts so she can get acclimated.

the bump:  oh yes, it is a-growin’.  and let me say, the belly veins are giant and blue and kinda freaky looking. hurray for preggo circulation!  the belly button still hasn’t popped yet, but it does look awfully goofy.

cool & cute things:  the little miss weighs a little over 4 pounds and has passed the 17 inch mark.  and according to my sources, she is also [quote] “losing that wrinkled, alien look”.  well, thank goodness!

new things:  her skeleton is hardening but the bones in the skull aren’t fused together which allows them to move and slightly overlap.  this makes it easier for baby girl to fit through the birth canal.  these bones don’t entirely fuse until early adulthood so they can grow as her brain and other tissues expand during infancy and childhood.

meaningful moments:  at 17 inches long, i’m pretty sure that she is awkwardly folded up in there so she violently flails about in a sassy act of aggression.  it is getting serious.  her favorite position seems to be curled up with her head in the lower-left portion of my belly, with her bottom in the lower-right.  this allows for her legs to curl upward and tuck in right under my ribs.  i think that she alternates between kicks and fist jabs, using my ribs and diaphragm as her target.  eek.  i must say that it feels pretty crazy…but i know i will miss that feeling once it is gone. so, i am savoring every kick-punch session with my wee little kung fu boxer.

the countdown:  49 days. gaaahhh!  under 50.  i can’t believe it.

current size:  a pineapple

32 weeks

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cravings & such:  well, i have just acquiesced at this point.  i am a lame preggo.  no shocking cravings.  nothing.  just the usual lineup.  i do really enjoy a cheeseburger and fries with a shake.  and i love ice cream.  and cheese.  and pizza.  but, that isn’t exactly news.  sigh.  oh well, if my only complaint is that this pregnancy has been business as usual, i am pretty blessed.

the bump:  feeling more bowling ball like these days.  since elinor is gaining almost half a pound a week at this point, the belly is growing right along with her.

cool & cute things:  little miss weighs about 3.75 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long.  she will gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next seven weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb.

new things:  baby girl now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair [or at least respectable peach fuzz].  her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up and loses her wrinkled appearance.

meaningful moments:  scheduling an appointment with a pediatrician.  scheduling our hospital tour.  this is happening folks.

the countdown:  56 days to go!

current size:  weight of a large jicama.  funny, she feels much heavier…

31 weeks

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cravings & such:  this was a much healthier week.  barely any ice cream! with the exception of one yummy bowl of so delicious chocolate ice cream [made with coconut milk].  self control, folks.  i am still sucking back those smoothies and mucho coffee.  trenta, iced, decaf coffee.  yum.  i think i have consumed more coffee in the past three months than in all my pre-preggo months combined.  it tastes so yummy.  and, really hits the spot when it is hot, which is currently every. single. day.

the bump:  it feels huge.  and it moves and rumbles a lot these days.  little miss likes to use my internal organs as punching bags these days which can cause quite a ruckus.  so strange to have my midsection completely taken over by another person.

cool & cute things:  miss elinor measures over 16 inches long and weighs about 3.3 pounds…and is apparently heading for a growth spurt.  oh boy, get ready belly.  things are about to get serious.

new things:  baby can turn her head from side to side and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as fat accumulates underneath her skin.  by all means, take all the fat you would like.

meaningful moments:  hearing her heartbeat again.  getting kicked in the ribs for the first [noticeable] time.  that was an interesting feeling.  i’m pretty sure i audibly responded with “ugh!  you little monkey…”  buying our not-so-diaper-bag diaper bag.  putting sheets on her crib mattress.

the countdown:  63 days to go.  [gulp]  we are talking two months.  and, i have now entered the doctor-appointment-every-two-weeks phase of the pregnancy.  then, at 36 weeks, it is every week until baby girl arrives.  if i do my math right, that means that we are as few as 5 appointments away from go-time!

current size:  the weight of four navel oranges