Week 30 & 31: Game Changer

I am 32 weeks tomorrow, so I better get crackin' on this post. So much has happened in the last two weeks, and I can only imagine what the next eight weeks will bring...

It started on the day I hit 30 weeks- and I felt my first Braxton Hicks contractions. I just felt a couple, while walking home from yoga, but it was totally a new feeling. They aren't painful, just a little tightness in my belly for a few seconds. My yoga teacher recommends breathing through them as a way to get ready for the real deal. The whole thing made me realize how close we are to the real deal.

The next day, things got even more exciting. We received our replacement BamBam crib from Amazon, and guess what??

Shhhh, Mr. Spice will kill me if he knew I was going to post a picture of him in his pj's with 3 weeks worth of facial hair.

It is perfect. We now have a perfect little bassinet in our room just waiting for a warm little body. I promise to show pictures once I get the bedding all situated.

The next day, things even got more real: An 8 hour Intensive Child and Labor Prep Class!!!

Some people warned us that we wouldn't get much out of it, but I am happy to report that we both felt that all 8 hours were totally worth it.

Beyond getting a tour of the hospital labor and delivery rooms, as well as, the recovery rooms (which are all private), we learned a ton about pre-labor- when to come to the hospital, labor itself and what will happen once we have the baby. They also discussed my labor options- in room showers, labor balls, drugs, no drugs, lighting, music, etc. I am still not sure if I'll get an epidural or not. I guess I want to try without, but won't be opposed to the idea if the experience is overwhelming.

We also learned that the Baby will be with us in the room at all times, unless there is an issue or problem. And Mr. Spice has a nice chair that he can sleep on.

And that was just the weekend. For the next 10 days, everything has just felt amplified. Sleeping is harder, my feet almost always hurt, and I pee All.The.Time. Oh, and my belly button is on the verge of popping and Baby Berry is one VERY active baby.

In good news, at my Dr appointment this morning, the baby's heartbeat is perfect and she's measuring right at 32 weeks. I am still just slightly swollen and my weight gain has considerably slowed. I think I am under 20lbs in 32 weeks, so that makes me happy. In bad news, I am ALWAYS hot. I've had to leave meetings at work just to cool down. I've also had some not so great side effects. Water and Fiber are now my best friends- TJ's Fiber O's for breakfast, fiber bread for lunch and Fiberful bars as a snack. Just in case you care.

Overall, I'm officially waddling along. In great news, I finally get a seat on the bus!! Whoot whoot.

In not so great news, I have a cold, which according to my doctor should linger for a couple weeks, AND I had to get a flu shot today so my arm hurts. Also, I am SUPER HYPER emotional. It's like PMS hormones on steroids. Yikers. Poor Mr. Spice.

And that's enough about me. I am off to nap and try to feel better.

Here's a picture from last night- don't let that smile fool ya. My nose was/is running like a fountain and my cough sounds wretched. And let's not even discuss how big I feel.

I am officially counting down the weeks until my maternity leave...Thanksgiving can't come soon enough!!