BIG baby?

*28 weeks, 2 days*

I had a routine check-up on Thursday (my appointments are every two weeks at this point). The doctor measured me at 32 weeks, despite being 28 weeks currently. She decided it was necessary to send us for another ultrasound to see just how big Baby T is. I asked if this meant I would be induced early in an attempt to still have Baby T naturally, and she seemed to think I was crazy. I guess if he is enormous then I will have to have a c-section which isn't my preference. This comes after attending a natural childbirth class on Wednesday night. I guess we'll see what the results of the ultrasound have to say. Of coure, the entire office staff was amused by the news as a giant BJ stood next to me. They said that Baby T's size could just be genetic, but BJ was only 7 lb. 12 oz (although 23 1/2 inches long).

Also, I was happy to hear I had passed my gestational diabetes test. :) However, even with supplements, my iron is still too low and I've been prescribed a prescription iron supplement instead of over the counter. The doctor said this could mean that following the birth I may be exhausted, which isn't good news.

My feet and hands started swelling this week. I can't wear my wedding ring anymore. Fortunately, the swelling reduces at night.

I attended some local baby rummage sales and picked up a few things. I've learned that I'm not sure I'm cut out for all of these events. I'd been to a couple in South County which were very organized, but the one I went to locally for Metroeast Mothers of Multiples was INSANE. At one point a woman stepped on my flip flopped foot, and then seconds later a woman was literally hanging over my left shoulder to look at the clothes I was looking at. Definitely an instance when pregnancy hormones are not helpful...I turned to the woman and asked if she was serious and then told her she could have my spot if she needed to be there that desperately. Needless to say I only came home with a few items. It's hard to know what to purchase anyway. I think it would have been easier had we had showers or once Baby T is here and I have an idea what I should really be looking for.



We're getting excited for the showers and to see everyone. We actually received a couple of ashower gifts in the mail this week which was very unexpected and exciting.

Check-ups and Breastfeeding Class *26 weeks*

Well, we FINALLY met Dr. Midkiff now that I'm 6 1/2 months. I'm not really sure what I expected, but she didn't look like what I had in my mind. I liked that she seemed very by the books. I had shared with the nurse that I've been having a pain in my left thigh and she said the doctor would have to check me for pre-term labor. Ugh! Not my favorite part of the appointment. Baby T's heartbeat was 145 bpm, which has been consistent for three appointments now. Afterward, we chatted and I shared my concerns with her regarding the rumors I'd heard that she does a larger than typical number of c-sections. She seemed very offended...almost as if she would cry. She seemed to know her stuff and told me that her percentage is 19% in comparison to the national average of 24%. She did confirm that she has little involvement in the delivery and that nurses typically assist with the pushing, and she comes in for the birth. I think we're going to stick it out for this delivery, but I may be seeking another doctor afterward. It may be more my style to head over the river to a research hospital where the doctors are more involved.

I start going for check-ups every two weeks from now on. Time really is flying!!! I have a feeling Baby T will be here before I know it. I wish he were here now.

An hour after our check-up we had Breastfeeding Class. I had attended one at about 6 weeks pregnant with a friend as her coach, but I wanted BJ to hear the information as well. He's going to be the one who is here when I'm frantically trying to figure out how all of this works. There is so much information to take in, and I hope he can help me focus on some of the tips when I need some clarity. We're really hoping breastfeeding works...primarily for the weight loss benefits and financial aspects. They shared that on average, parents spend $3200 on formula in the first year! Crazy! I'm most concerned about figuring out how to pump and go back to work.

Still lots of movement at this point, although it varies from day to day. BJ tried putting a flashlight on my belly to see if he'd react, but there didn't seem a big difference.