31 Weeks Down

It's hard to believe that my pregnancy is already at 31 weeks, and it's hard to believe I'm just now getting around to updating everyone on my progress. Frankly, most days I'm not even sure how many weeks I actually am. With Adam I knew exactly how many weeks and days along I was. I knew the exact due date the doctor predicted. I knew exactly how much overall weight I'd gained. I'd taken a couple of belly photos by now to show the growth of my stomach. I was much more focused on that pregnancy. This time, if you'd ask me those questions, I'd hesitate. Um, let me think. Oh, the neglected second child of a busy wife, working woman, and mother of a two-and-a-half year old.

Aside from a quick update after our sonogram a couple months ago, I've left you in the dark about how Baby 2 has been developing. We are into our third and final trimester now! Only 9 more weeks to go! Today was my last monthly doctor appointment, and I'll now be going every two weeks to the doctor, up until 36 weeks. Baby's heartbeat has always been easy to find and is always loud and strong. Baby is very active, too, especially after dinner. We can sit want watch my belly roll with the movements.  This morning I think I felt the first episode of hiccups. For the last month I've been experiencing heartburn with certain foods. I was the same with Adam, and remember how much hair he had? I wouldn't be surprised if this one has just as much.

No, I don't have any inklings at to what gender this one is. I'm carrying this one exactly the same as Adam (up front and high) so if that's any indication, it could be a boy. (I already had one boy dream.) If you ask Adam if he wants a baby sister or a baby brother, he'll say brother. We always ask him twice, reversing to brother first, and he'll say sister (or whichever is last). (Though the other day he said sister twice and when quizzed on what her name would be, he said Erin. He's now done this on a couple occasions, always saying "Erin".) He "knows" there's a baby in my belly, or rather, when we ask where mommy's baby is, he points to my stomach. He's too young to get it. Right now he's very Mommy focused, and Michael points out (I think to his delight) that this means he'll get to hold the new baby a lot.

Baby Names. Yes, we'll need those. No, we don't have those chosen yet. And when we pick them, no, we'll won't be telling anyone. We know how much we frustrate you all. :)

The crib has been assembled in the nursery. One of these weeks I'll start all the baby wash -- clean sheets, burp cloths, itty-bitty clothes, etc. -- that have been in storage for a couple years. Otherwise, we're ready. Oh, and I should buy some diapers, too.

Next month we'll take a baby class. I know, we should be experienced parents and know what to expect. Well, it's a new hospital to us, and we wanted to be informed of what to expect at this facility, where to go, what our options are, and take a tour. Call us over-achievers.

I plan to work up until my water breaks, which means I'll have to take a few meetings by WebEx instead of in person. I'm trying to determine my maternity leave and have started an ever-growing list of projects I should have ready before Baby comes. I tell you, I feel like it's not the best time to take off 2-3 months from work, but hey, is there really ever a good time? The office has started a guess-the-date/gender/weight contest. So far all the guesses are under 7 lbs. I'm liking their thinking! Just like with Adam, I'm hoping for a sub-8-pounder.

Last weekend I had my sister Kim take some maternity photos of me. I'm not a huge fan of the artistic belly shots but really just wanted some snapshots to document what I looked like pregnant. Here are a few of my favorites (at 30 weeks):

Overall, I still feel great. I'm beginning to get a little more tired now that I'm nearing the end, and occasionally I'll have some back/sciatic pain, but I'm still sleeping well.

Before I know it, our world is going to change!

So, what's your guess on the gender??