31 Weeks

This week is going to be emotional for me. The moment I woke up Monday, I knew it. While I will try not to focus on it, I know almost every other thought will be “this is the week my brother was born.” My younger brother Kurt was born at 31 weeks in 1989. My mom had Preeclampsia (just with Kurt, not with me, so very rare for that to happen) and got really sick around 30/31 weeks. Her doctors were very quick-thinking advanced (for the time) and gave her steroid shots to accelerate Kurt’s lung development. They had to do an emergency c-section to save both her and Kurt. When Kurt was born, my dad’s wedding ring could fit over his foot. Kurt spent 1.5 months in the NICU. We spent countless hours visiting that NICU. I turned three while he was there. Actually, my very first memory is of the NICU. I would pull myself up on the railing and stand on the baseboard to peer in at my brother – I could only go in for limited time periods, but I wanted to see him more. Then, my dad would give me a Ginger Ale and sit me in the window at the end of the hall so I could people watch. I’d sit there for hours. I was an excellent toddler ha.

So, when the app tells me my Baby is the size of a coconut, I know of a much more accurate picture. I know how tiny and fragile he is. I know how he can survive outside, but it’s hard. I know how thin he is. How his little hands will grasp something and can squeeze yours, but they’re not ready to hold on long. How his lungs will get so tired trying to breathe all the time. I can get a great picture of my Baby at exactly this stage, because I remember his uncle at exactly this stage.

I can’t even imagine going into the hospital and having Baby now. But, that’s exactly what my parents did. I’m so so so thankful to be healthy this pregnancy. However, I did start to pack up my hospital bag and Baby’s hospital bag this week; partly to help with the emotions and partly because I like getting everything done early for this Baby.

On a funnier note, I have approximately five pairs of shoes that fit right now: a pair of knock-off glitter Toms, a pair of crocs, a pair of black Uggs, and two pairs of rain boots. None are really work appropriate. Confession: I’ve worn each of them to work multiple times and will continue to do so, but I figured I needed a pair of dressier boots. So, I ventured to Target Tuesday night to find a pair of black boots in a full two sizes larger than I normally wear. I didn’t have time to wait for shipping and all that nonesense.

On a cheerier note, Thursday night Santa came! Every year the Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department drives their Santa Mobile around the City of Falls Church and some surrounding areas. I look forward to it every year. This year they had a tracker to know exactly where Santa was. Jimmy made it home just in time to run out with me (in the FREEZING cold) to yell HI SANTA!!! (me), take pictures and videos (also me), and watch the show (both of us).

On a happier note, this weekend we celebrated Jimmy’s 32 birthday! Saturday evening we had some friends over for Jimmy’s Jambalaya feast: cooked by Jimmy. Sunday, we had Jimmy’s family & my family over for a cookout. Cold weather, rain and ice can’t stop us!

Questionnaire:

How far along? 31 Weeks

How big is baby? 16″ & 3.33 lbs; the size of a coconut – the coconuts at the store were the size of Jimmy’s fist: that is not 3.3 lbs so no fruit in this week’s bump pic

Maternity clothes? Yes.

Sleep: Oh my goodness, I only got up twice to go to the bathroom Tuesday night! It was glorious!

Best moment this week: 1) hearing Baby’s heartbeat, 2) celebrating Jimmy’s birthday with friends & family, 3) SantaMobile!

Movement: I like to picture him dancing like this (aka what it feels like he’s doing)
//giphy.com/embed/l0ErA4yJWrKFX8li0

via GIPHY

Food Cravings: chocolate, hamburger & fries

Food Aversions: none

Gender: Baby’s a boy!

Labor Signs: nope. Liking that. It’s too early little guy, stay put.

Pregnancy Symptoms: sharp pain in my left foot; acne returned 🙁

Belly Button in or out? Flat

What I miss: wine – having a party is more fun with a glass of pinot

What I am looking forward to: Christmas! And Jimmy’s birthday

Upcoming appointments/events: 12/28 OB – we’re in the bi-weekly appointments now

Weekly Wisdom: Amazon for all your pregnancy Christmas shopping. Also gift bags.

Milestones: Baby has been “cooking” longer than his uncle did

Bump Picture: