HOT summer in MS...32 weeks down...8 to go!

I know it has been forever since I have updated this blog! I am 32 weeks pregnant now and only have 8 more weeks to go!! Noah is very active and healthy up to this point. I love being pregnant but I can't wait for him to get here so that I can meet him and hold him! Third trimester has been quite a change from second. I am still feeling really great, however, I am more tired, going to the bathroom ALL THE TIME, and my feet are swelling a little. I also have TERRIBLE Carpal Tunnel!! I have had Carpal Tunnel for a couple of years; however, it is SO much worse with pregnancy. I am wearing splints when I sleep and intermittently throughout the day at work. I can barely even write, which is NOT a good thing when you have thank you notes to write. Bryan is going to help me some this week and weekend, so hopefully I can get them finished and mailed out.

We went to our first childbirth class last Monday and have our second one tonight. Bryan and I both enjoy these classes. It is fun to be with so many people at the same stage in life. I love seeing all the bellies and hearing about different pregnancy experiences. The classes help us feel more prepared for childbirth and bringing a baby home. After our first class I felt so emotional...feeling so many things...I'm excited and scared all at the same time. I want everything to be perfect, yet at the same time I know that Bryan and I will be able to handle anything that comes our way. In a perfect world....I want Noah to come a week early, on his own (without being induced), I want to have natural childbirth without drugs or c-section, and I don't want the labor to last forever. Is that too much to ask?? Probably so! I am willing to do whatever the doctor wants me to do for the health of my child. If that means an induced c-section, then bring it on! I have so many friends who have had so many different birthing experiences and the result is always the same...God's greatest blessing...a child.

I also went to a breastfeeding class last Thursday, which I found very helpful. I am very determined to breastfeed for several reasons. First, it is very healthy for my child. Second, it is free (huge motivational factor)! Third, I like the challenge. I have a pump (which I have no idea how to use) and have talked with some friends about how to schedule pumping during work hours. Our daycare (The Little Samaritan) is very supportive of breastfeeding mothers, which will definitely help! I also like the idea of pumping so that Bryan can be a part of feedings too (especially in the middle of the night when I am trying to get some sleep). Bryan begins taking home call after four long years of in-house call! I know this will be good sometimes and other times probably worse than first call, but we will manage because that is just what we do! I am hoping that on nights when he is home but on call, he will be able to help with a few night feedings; however, I am not married to this idea because first and foremost I want him to do what is best for him and his patients when he is on call. I am aware of the fact that things can also happen to mess up my plans for breastfeeding, such as illness, so I will just give it my best shot and we will see what happens.

Other exciting news in our lives....I only have 12 academic class hours left in my PhD!!! Yay!!! I am getting closer to dissertation time which is very exciting to me because I love research and am getting a little burnt out after three years of classes! I am only taking a one hour seminar class this summer and we will see what works for the fall. My professors are so flexible and understanding that I believe all will work out exactly how it is supposed to. I have had some great friends offer to help with Noah on my class nights and I am not scared to take them up on this offer (I hope you are not reading this and thinking...oh no...she remembered). When you need help...who do you go to...family. Well, our friends are our family here in MS! I will definitely be sure to return the favor and offer up some datenight childcare in exchange! Bryan and I are so blessed to have the friends we have in MS...lifelong friends that we will always have no matter where our paths lead! You can't go through residency together and not feel connected for life!

Anyway, I go back to the doctor in two weeks and then after that I will begin going every week. Noah probably weighs about 4 pounds now (give or take a few ounces) and is going to spend the next 8 weeks fattening himself up to meet the world. I still can't even believe that we are pregnant...parents...a family. So many prayers to get here and so many more for the future!