We have a baby!

The last thing I wrote about was being disappointed and frustrated with my body. While those feelings were so very true then, I can happily say they are no longer present. My body kicked ass. We have a wonderful, healthy daughter. I'm so thankful for that.

We decided on my doctor's appointment on the 18th of March to proceed with a c-section. My body hadn't made any changes and wasn't showing any signs of labor. Eleanor was still floating and didn't seem to want to descend at all. The waiting and wondering was driving me crazy. I was worried about how our little girl was doing in there. My doctor was concerned with her size and continued aging. I could have pushed harder to still try for an induction, but I trusted my doctor and my body. The fact that there was no sign of impending labor felt like a warning sign to me, and I mostly just wanted to know my baby was okay.

My doctor scheduled the c-section for the next day. I wasn't quite prepared for it to be that soon, but he was eager to get her out. The rest of that Monday was crazy. There were so many things to do. I had to completely rethink what I was taking to the hospital and what my expectations were. We rushed trying to finish last minute house projects. I tried not to think about it too much because it made me nervous.

We were scheduled to be at the hospital at 11:30 on Tuesday, the 19, to start the process of having our baby. The c-section was scheduled for 1:30. I couldn't eat anything that morning so I mostly took my time getting ready, thinking about big changes, and having one crazy breakdown in the shower where I was convinced that I was going to die. No seriously. I was that terrified. I even wrote letters to D and Eleanor just in case. I didn't share my fear with anyone really. I mean, D knew, but we didn't talk about it. It was because I didn't want anyone to accidentally confirm that I wasn't crazy and something could go wrong. It was better to keep telling myself that I am crazy and over react to things.

Once we left for the hospital, the fear started to dissipate. I had to have a c-section. I had to have my baby. There was no turning back. At the hospital, I met my amazing nurse, Brandy. She was super sweet and really tried to put me at ease. She was also super great at interacting with D and his mom, who I had decided could also be in the room. She did mess up on the first IV attempt but was very apologetic and rocked the second one.

My doctor got there a bit before 1:30 and I signed all the final papers. They took me back to put in the spinal block. It's funny really... they have to roll you back to the operating room in a bed, but then they make you walk into the operating room. The table is very slim and I had to sit with my back hunched over and my knees straight out for the spinal block. I was alone for this part, besides two nurses and the anesthesiologist. Part of the reason I was originally so opposed to a c-section was because I was terrified of any kind of epidural or spinal block. I was so nervous about something going wrong with it and the fact that I wouldn't be able to feel or control my body caused so much anxiety. This is the one part I have a little regret about. Everyone in the room got very quiet and and I knew something wasn't quite right. I felt myself getting more and more nervous, and wanted so badly to know what was going on, but was afraid to ask. It turns out, it just took a few attempts, which isn't that surprising, but it would have made me feel better to know that while sitting uncomfortably on an operating table while a baby burrowed into my ribs.

After the spinal block was in, things started moving very quickly. My hospital doesn't tie your hands down which I was so thankful for, but they do put them out on these little side arm things. I could see my body reflected in the overhead light, so I watched them as they taped me into position and washed me off with iodine. It was weird because I could see it and knew it was happening but had very little in the way of sensation.

My doctor and the other doctors and nurses came in very shortly after that. The first thing my doctor did was come over and ask me if I was ok. I was completely fine but the fact that he asked made me feel really safe or something. I am forever thankful that I found him from a random internet search. I did start to feel like I couldn't breath, but Brandy had warned me that would happen, and also explained that I could look at one of the machines and see that my oxygen level was actually fine. The fact that she explained it in advance kept me so much calmer than I otherwise would have been.

Soon after my doctor came in, D and his mom got to join. D was right by my shoulder, touching my face, and asking me if I was okay. His presence made me so much more comfortable. Things started moving so fast then that everything seems to get a little hazy. I do remember trying to tell D about hearing my doctor ask someone to hold something and knowing that it was probably some surgical instrument but having this mental image of it being some organ. He couldn't really hear me though... I think he was overwhelmed by everything going on in the room. It seems like it was mere seconds and my doctor was saying, "I have my hand on your baby." She had the cord wrapped around her neck twice. We think that's probably why she never descended. Honestly, I feel like something bad may have happened had I pushed for a vaginal delivery instead. Eleanor and my body knew more than I did in this case.

The anesthesiologist placed a mirror so I could see my doctor take Eleanor out. It was the single most amazing moment of my life. I probably would not have opted for the mirror in advance but I am so glad I didn't miss it. It wasn't gross or disgusting. It was my baby, safe and finally here. I don't think I stopped crying or uttering the words "that's my baby" until they finally took her out of the operating room and into recovery.

D got to go over with her while they cleaned her up and he got to cut her cord. He has a phobia about all things related to blood and needles. During my pregnancy, he had been very ambivalent about cutting the cord at all. I was so proud that he did. He did report back that it was much tougher to get through than he had imagined it would be. Once she was clean, she was brought back to my side and I got to touch her and kiss her. I definitely didn't want to let her go.

She did have to be taken out to the recovery room though. D and his mom got to go with her. Meanwhile, the doctors finished closing me up. I couldn't feel anything but pressure and kind of tugging, but at one point it did feel like a hard punch into my upper right abdomen. That was probably the worst moment of the actual c-section.

It wasn't very long before I was wheeled into recovery room and Eleanor was immediately placed on my chest. We had an hour to ourselves, to get acquainted. The three of us. D did call his dad and my aunt while we were there. I got Ella to latch on and eat. The hour was over way too soon and they took her away, again accompanied by D, for a bath and some eye ointment. I got very antsy when she was gone that time, to the point that I made D's mom go and find out where my baby was. Turns out they were also doing a lot of paperwork and such.

It was maybe two hours that we were in recovery before I was finally wheeled to my room. I still couldn't move my lower body, even though I was starting to be able to feel more. It took until the next day for me to start really feeling in control again. Having the IV and other things removed helped a ton with that though. The hospital stay went by really quickly and I was so excited to go home. MY doctor came in on day three, and asked when I wanted to go home. I kind of shocked D when I was like right now. D and I had talked about it briefly beforehand and I hadn't been able to make up my mind one way or the other. But for some reason, when the doctor asked, I knew I wanted to go home with our baby.

I have been insanely lucky up to now. My recovery has been easy, and two weeks post partum, I feel incredible. I am more worried about accidentally pushing myself too hard because I keep forgetting that I had abdominal surgery two weeks ago.

Eleanor's birth was not at all what I had imagined, but it was exactly what it was supposed to be. I'm so happy to have my sweet girl and am incredibly happy with the way that everything went.

8lbs 10oz, 20 in, perfect 

Frustration and Disappointment

Fair warning- this post may get a little whiny and woe is me. I realize things could be so much worse, and I am thankful that they are not. However, that doesn't make my current situation any less frustrating, disappointing, or scary. 

I've know my entire life that I wanted a baby. It was never an if question for me, it was always just a when. I questioned if I would get married and do the typical "grown up" things, but I was always sure that a child would be in my future. I have spent a lot of time researching and thinking about my perfect birth experience  Don't get me wrong, I know that a birth can't really be planned and that there were numerous things that could happen to keep me from getting the natural, easy birth I wanted. I was prepared to not be able to handle the pain and get an epidural. I was prepared to give up my ideal free movement labor in order to be monitored for 20 minutes every hour. I was not prepared for a body that just won't go into labor. 

My pregnancy has mostly been smooth sailing. There was nothing to hint that my labor wouldn't be also. But here I am. 40 weeks and 4 days pregnant and not a single sign of ever going into labor. Eleanor still hasn't engaged at all, so my doctor doesn't feel like an induction would work. He is pushing for a cesarean. I'm terrified. That was really the one option that I was so opposed to. I was also so sure that it wouldn't come to that, or at least, that if it did, it would be more of an emergency and I wouldn't have time to think about it. 

I'm worried about my placenta starting to age, the increased risk of the baby having a bowel movement, or just something going wrong and not knowing. Those things make me want to do anything to get her out. But at the same time, I truly believe that a woman's body was made to give birth. Maybe my kid just needs more time? It seems like there are no good answers right now and I have no clue what to do. 

I'm so disappointed in my body. I feel like it is failing at doing the one thing it had been really good at so far. For now, I'm just going to keep trying all of the things I know of that are risk free and could induce labor. We go back to the doctor on Monday. I'm hoping and praying that she comes before then because I feel like there is no good choice for me to make right now. Ultimately, I just want a healthy baby. 

40 Weeks (and some days) - Update

First off, please forgive the lack of picture. I've been busy being sad that I don't have a baby. This mostly results in a refusal to put on anything but pajamas. It also doesn't help that I feel huge and the complete opposite of attractive right now. As much as I have loved being pregnant, I am ready to get this baby out. However, I want her to be ready to, and she apparently isn't yet. 

Countdown: Eleanor was due on Monday, the 11th. 

Baby size: At an ultrasound on my due date they guessed she weighed 8 pounds and 9 ounces. She could be up to 22in long. My what to expect app now says she is the size of a small pumpkin 

Symptoms: I think I lost my mucus plug last Saturday but that's pretty much the only sign I have had that I could potentially go into labor soon. The baby has also been really active, which is nice since there is a slight increased fear with overdue babies that something bad could happen before they are  born to cause them to be stressed. 

Cravings: I'm still on a sweet tea kick. I don't know why but for some reason it's the most delicious thing in the world lately.  

Best Moment of the Week: D'e mom got her Wednesday. She has been so sweet and helpful. I won the mother in law lottery I think. 

Worst Moment of the Week: Anticipating the due date and not knowing how much longer my doctor would give before trying an induction was probably the worst. If it comes down to it, I am fine with being induced if it is in the best interest of my baby, but I also know that inductions lead to higher c-section rates, and that scares the crap out of me. 

What I am Looking Forward to: Having a baby! One way or another she has to come soon, right? 

Waiting...

At my last doctor's appointment, I was measuring ahead by a few weeks. The doctor got a little concerned over how big the baby could be getting. Personally, I just think she was in a weird position. But I can understand the concern.

If she doesn't come out this weekend, we will probably start talking about induction on Monday. That scares me a little because I know if the induction possibilities don't work, the doctor is probably going to start pushing for a c-section. That's really not what I want. I know that the doctor is just trying to do what is best for the situation but I have faith that my body can do this on it's own. Its not let me down so far throughout this pregnancy.

I'm going to do all of the things I can think of that may start labor (and have no negative side effects). Sex, spicy foods, walking, and pretty much anything else that might help. I'm trying to stay busy to keep from going crazy. Waiting on your body to go into labor can be a little stressful. Every little twinge starts to seem like it might be something and I get hopeful, but then nope.

Habits

Lately, I've been thinking about my mom pretty often. I miss her so much, especially now that I am about to have a daughter on my own. I wish that I could ask her all the questions that I never thought to when she was still alive.

Most of my thoughts have centered on things she taught me when I was growing up, especially the habits that she passed on without meaning to or even being aware of it probably. They are mostly little things, like she never used wooden spoons. I've never really used them either. I'm sure that wasn't a conscious decision on her part, just a preference that she passed on.

Some other habits that I picked up from my mom:

1. Cluttered tables in the living room are the worst. Everything can be messy and it's fine, but a cluttered table makes me feel like the whole room is disgusting. 
2. It's better to keep soda in the fridge so you don't have to use much ice when you drink it. 
3. There has to be a napkin of some sort with every meal or snack. 
4. Candles are appropriate for everyday use. 
5. Colgate toothpaste is better than all the other brands. 
6. Things just aren't as clean if the cleaner you are using isn't lemon scented. 

See? They are mostly all just silly, little things. I'm sure there are still some things I do that I don't even realize are learned behaviors until someone asks why. I never noticed all the little learned habits until D and I started living together. There were a lot of debates between us about the right way to do things and the basic answer for both of us much of the time was "well, that's way my parents did it". 

It makes me want to be much more aware of all of my behaviors, especially since I am days away from having a baby. I only want Eleanor to pick up the best habits from D and I. I don't want to unintentionally be setting a bad example for her. It's weird to think that there is going to be this little person that I have such a huge impact on, even when I'm not actively trying to. It definitely makes me want to clean up my act some. 

39 Weeks - Update

Countdown: 6 days! 

Baby size: She weighs upwards of 6.5lbs and could be 22in long. 

Symptoms: I'm having a bit of pain in my pelvic area. It is especially bad when I get up in the middle of the night or in the morning. 

Cravings: I'm so tired of eating. I feel like I am always hungry. The only things I have really wanted lately are sweet tea and ice cream. I've rarely given in to the craving though. 

Best Moment of the Week: As predicted, Saturday night was great. We went to a British pub in Hollywood to celebrate Arlie's birthday followed by a show at Comedy Sportz! We have the best roommate and it was nice to meet some more of her friends and catch up with ones we already knew. 

Worst Moment of the Week: I don't know that there was any one worst moment of this week. Mostly, just a lot of anticipation and paranoia. Typical for a first time mom I'm sure. 

What I am Looking Forward to: D's mom arrives Wednesday. I'm very lucky in the sense that I LOVE my in-laws, his mom especially. I'm excited to get a few days with her pre-baby. I'm hoping Ella arrives over the weekend. 

38 Weeks - Update (a day late)

Countdown: 13 days! So close

Baby size: She weighs anywhere from 6.5 to 7lbs and could be 22in long. 

Symptoms: I'm hot all the time. I feel like I am sitting in a 90 degree sauna while everyone else wants to turn up the heat or close the windows that I have opened. 

Cravings: The appetite of an Olympic swimmer is still present... I could eat all day. Unfortunately, there is not that much room in my stomach so I feel both stuffed and hungry. That said, I am still drinking milk like crazy and would love fried green tomatoes at the moment. Does anyone know where I can some in LA? 

Best Moment of the Week: Friday night was a pizza night. The roommate, D, and I went to a pizza place called Uncle Ernie's. It was a pretty cute little place with pretty yummy pizza. I've been trying to find a go to pizza place since moving here almost 2 years ago. Uncle Ernie's might be in the running for that honor. It was fun to just kind of sit with both of them while stuffing my face with food and talking about our very different high school experiences. 

Worst Moment of the Week: Sunday, D and I needed to return some things to a Disney store. He did all the necessary research and found the closest mall with a disney store. We had to walk across the entire (huge) mall to get to the store, only to find out that it has apparently went out of business. It wasn't the worst thing ever but it was annoying, and it's one more thing that is still on our to do list. 

What I am Looking Forward to: On Saturday, the roommate is celebrating her birthday at one of my favorite places- an improv comedy show in Hollywood called Comedy Sportz! It's always a good time and probably one of our last nights out before Eleanor arrives. 

37 Weeks - Update

Countdown: 20 days -- I'm full term so Ella is now welcome to exit whenever she pleases. 

Baby size: She weighs upwards six and a half and could be 22in long. As of this week, I am full term so her growth is pretty much minimal at this point, although, her brain and lungs are still developing. 

Symptoms: I've been noticing more false contractions than before, so helpfully that's a good sign and my body is preparing for labor.  Her movements are also getting more uncomfortable. Poor girl is probably very cramped.

Cravings: No crazy cravings this week. I have been extra hungry though. 

Best Moment of the Week: Valentine's Day was pretty sweet. Not to mention, we ended the night by coming home and unpacking our infant carrier and stroller frame. So far, we still love both. 

Worst Moment of the Week: Wednesday at my doctor's appointment my blood pressure was higher than normal. It had been higher at home so it didn't come as a shock to me, but it did mean I had to go to the hospital to be monitored. Everything turned out okay so far, but I'm never a fan of being stuck in the hospital. 

What I am Looking Forward to: We have our last labor class on Wednesday. I have kind of mixed feelings about the class, but either way, I'm excited to be able to say that we are done with them. 

36 Weeks - Update

Countdown: 27 days 

Baby size: She weighs somewhere around six and a half and could be 22in long. Roughly as big as a watermelon according to my what to expect app! I'm not sure if the fruit comparison can possibly get any bigger. 

Symptoms: Nothing out of the norm this week. All the normal symptoms of being 36 weeks pregnant are present, but in moderation.  

Cravings: I had a strong brussel sprouts craving over the weekend.  

Best Moment of the Week: My baby shower was pretty awesome. We skyped in some family and it was just nice to get a bit of home for a minute. All of the gifts were so sweet, and we are just about set for Eleanor's arrival. 

Worst Moment of the Week: Thursday night we took the c-section portion of our labor class, and I had pretty bad dreams about it. I am so terrified of a c-section. I know that my fear is a bit extreme but I can't help it. 

What I am Looking Forward to: Valentine's Day! D was sick last year and all of the other years we have been apart. It will be our first actual date on the day. I'm excited for a night for just the two of us, especially since I worry about how our relationship might change after the baby comes.

Nice to See You Again, Morning Sickness.

Please tell me that the sarcasm in that title is obvious. It should be, really. Morning sickness is never ever nice to see... and it's not nice to experience either.

I shouldn't complain. I really shouldn't. My first trimester morning sickness was a breeze compared to most other pregnant ladies. I only threw up a total of four or five times. My nausea could mostly be controlled by making sure I ate frequent small snacks. As long as I had something in my tummy, I didn't vomit or get too crazy nauseous. It got a little worse whenever I had to be in a car, but even then it wasn't that bad.

Don't hate me please. I get it, I was super lucky.

That doesn't change the fact that my morning sickness is back and badder than ever. Still not a ton of vomiting, although in a few short weeks, I have wildly surpassed my record in the first three months. This time around, the nausea is way less predictable. Keeping my tummy full doesn't always mean I'm not going to throw up. Plus, trying to keep my stomach full is much harder considering my appetite has grown immensely in the past month or so. Seriously, I feel like I could eat as much as an olympian swimmer and be just fine with it. The problem is, my stomach is cramped for space. So eating just a little makes my stomach feel bloated, but it doesn't necessarily mean I am full. It kind of means that I am having to choose between sure fire nausea from an empty stomach or feeling overly stuffed.

Sensitivity to smells has also returned full force. That makes public bathrooms a nightmare. Nothing is worse than being in a stinky bathroom and then getting sick.

Brushing my teeth is a really bad trigger for me too. It sucks so much. It's one of the only ways to make my mouth feel less gross after getting sick, but sometimes, it causes me to get sick all over again. I just can't win. I do try to substitute mouth wash sometimes. I can tolerate that a little bit better.


I realize all of this is pretty normal morning sickness related complaints. And honestly, I don't think I would complain so much if this had all happened in the first trimester. No one told me that there was a chance it would come back in the third trimester. I wasn't prepared. I was prepared for back aches and uncomfortableness, not more vomiting. So, newly pregnant ladies, this is my warning. Morning sickness is not always just a first trimester thing. It's sneaky.

35 Weeks - Update

Countdown: 33 days 

Baby size: She weighs somewhere around 6lbs and could be 22in long. Roughly as big as a large cantaloupe according to my what to expect app. 

Symptoms: Hot flashes and heartburn were particularly terrible this week. 

Cravings: Chocolate. Particularly in brownie or cookie forms, although I will settle for spoonfuls of nutella in a bind. 

Best Moment of the Week: I was super emotional this week, but it has to be listening to D sing and talk to my tummy. He's so sweet and I can't wait to see him grow into the role of a father more and more. 

Worst Moment of the Week: Waking up five times in one night just to go to the bathroom or doing weird inverted stretches to try and get Eleanor to get into a head down position. Both are equally awkward and tiring. 

What I am Looking Forward to: We start our labor classes Wednesday night (and D will officially be a year older!). I'm nervously optimistic. 

34 Weeks - Update (A Day Late, Again)

Sorry about the lack of cute in this picture. This is a week made for comfy pants and sports bras. 

Countdown: 41 days 

Baby size: The baby was 5lbs and 14oz. according to the ultrasound we had on Monday! Ultrasounds do have a margin of error, but my goodness, she's a big baby. Roughly as big as a large cantaloupe according to my what to expect app. 

Symptoms: Morning sickness is back. No fun. 

Cravings: I didn't really have any cravings this week. I kind of want all of the foods and none of the foods at the same time. It's weird. 

Best Moment of the Week: It's a tie. On Friday, we spent the day at Disney with friends. It was tiring but really fun. And Monday morning, we got to see our girl and she was perfect (although still breech). Anytime I get to see her and know she is doing okay is a good time. 

Worst Moment of the Week: There were a few moments this week that were total crap. I'll award this particular honor to missing the toilet when throwing up though. There is nothing quite like having to clean it up all while trying not to get sick again. 

What I am Looking Forward to: I'm determined to get Ella's little corner of our room completed in the next two weeks. Mostly because it will make me feel more prepared to bring her home. I'm so excited to see all of this finally starting to come together. It makes it so real. 

33 Weeks - Update

Countdown: 48 days 

Baby size: The baby is almost 5 pounds and could be to 21in long! That's huge... Roughly as big as a pineapple according to my what to expect app. 

Symptoms: I'm getting some pretty intense hot flashes lately. It's disgusting. 

Cravings: One of the things I have craved throughout my entire pregnancy... milk. I've also had a really strong craving for a beer this week, which is a little strange considering that I am not usually a huge beer fan. I'd prefer a mixed drink or wine any day, except now apparently. Also frustrating cause there is not a thing I can do about it. 

Best Moment of the Week: My sweet friend (and roommate) made me birthday brownies, twenty three candles and icing included. I made a wish for a happy, healthy baby and then ate a delicious brownie. They lasted for for four whole nights. I was proud.

Worst Moment of the Week: Friday was a rough day. I was exhausted and just had zero energy. Nothing was particularly bad, I just was not feeling it. 

What I am Looking Forward to: We are going to Disney on Friday, and I've not been in a while so I'm excited. A little cautious too because I'm not sure how my body will handle it. 

Bonus Birthday Picture 

Third Trimester Terribles

Today was rough. It was partially my own fault. You see, I left my water bottle at home and we only have a few cups in the kitchen at work and they were all taken. So, I definitely had less than my normal  bajillion ounces of water (I'm exaggerating by saying a bajillion, but only slightly). With time, I have learned that water is the secret cure-all to almost all pregnancy things and when I don't drink enough, it sucks. So yeah, partially my fault, but still. The sucks.

If you google Third Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms you get a pretty long list of unpleasant things. (Is this like starting a high school paper with the dictionary defines word as blah blah blah?... that was my favorite trick to take up space). Anyway, the list is as follows:

• Weight Gain 
• Braxton Hicks Contractions 
• Backaches 
• Shortness of Breath
• Heartburn
• Swelling
• Spider Veins, Varicose Veins, and Hemorrhoids 
• Frequent Urination 
• Vaginal Discharge

I have approximately 77.7% of those symptoms. I'll let you guess which ones. I try not to complain too much because my pregnancy has been pretty easy and complication free. But today was rough. I found myself, a few times, looking down at my belly and saying, "get out Eleanor!" Then I would quickly remember that I am not full term and our car is in the shop until the end of the month. Never mind kid. Get comfortable and stay a while. (At least, until your due date). In the mean time, I've got a giant thing of off brand tums, comfortable bathrooms, a heating pad, and a glass of water to keep me company. 

32 Weeks - Update (A day late)

Countdown: 56 days 

Baby size: The baby is around 4.5 pounds and about 19 in. long. Roughly as big as a honeydew according to my what to expect app. That just sounds adorable. 

Symptoms: Nothing new really... I think I may be having some gallbladder stone issues so I am trying to avoid fatty foods. 

Cravings: This week I have really wanted bananas and steak. I have this craving for a really good steak that has yet to be satisfied. 

Best Moment of the Week: Funnily, it occurred right after the worst moment of the week. Some friends were amazingly helpful and we ended up at their house watching their kids play with some presents we got them for Christmas. They have two girls ( 4 months and 2 years) and it was nice getting to think about Eleanor being there to play with them in a few months. 

Worst Moment of the Week: On Saturday, I wrecked our car by driving into a median. I would go into details here, but it was embarrassing and stressful so I'm not really up for it at the moment. That said, everyone is perfectly safe and we have relatively good car insurance so it's okay. 

What I am Looking Forward to: My birthday is Tuesday (today, since I am late posting)! D and I are taking the day off work and just spending the day doing happy things. 

31 Weeks - Update

Countdown: 9 weeks

Baby size: The baby is a bit around 4 pounds and about 19 in. long. Roughly as big as a head of lettuce according to my what to expect app, but I have never seen a head of lettuce that big. 

Symptoms: I'm getting pretty uncomfortable. It feels like there is just too much stuff taking up space in my abdomen. 

Cravings: Nachos... Specifically, tortilla chips with shredded cheese, jalapeño slices, and sour cream. D says this is not a nutritionally sound meal, so sometimes I add lean ground beef, black beans, and salsa. 

Best Moment of the Week: We bought and put together a crib! I thought we were just going to browse and try to make a final decision on which one we wanted. We ended up getting a call from D's mom while walking around Ikea and she offered to buy it for us. I have such a great mother in law. So lucky. 

Worst Moment of the Week: Tuesday night I was completely incapable of sleeping, regardless of what I did. The longer I couldn't sleep, the more annoyed I got. 

What I am Looking Forward to: I am looking forward to a quiet, lazy week. Preferably with lots of sleep. 

30 Weeks - Update

I should have started doing this much earlier, but I am just now finding the motivation to do it. I would just put it off all together, but I always wanted to know what my mom's pregnancy was like in more detail, especially now that I am pregnant.

Countdown: 10 weeks

Baby size: The baby is a bit over 3 pounds (she was 3.2 right before Christmas, 62 percentile for weight) and around 18in long. Roughly as big as a head of lettuce according to my what to expect app.

Symptoms: I still have right hip pain if I stand or walk for a long time. Other than that, just minor issues like occasional heartburn. It's starting to get really uncomfortable to sleep, like I just can't find a comfortable position anymore and wake up every 2-3 hours.

Cravings: I don't have strong cravings for any particular thing right now. I do still have an aversion to chicken but it's not as bad as it was in the first trimester.

Best Moment of the Week: We had an ultrasound on Christmas Eve and Eleanor was doing wonderfully. It was so fun to watch her moving around and she has the most adorable cheeks.

Worst Moment of the Week: D surprised me with brunch at a place in Hollywood on Sunday. When we got up to leave, there was a gush of liquid that made me think my water had broken. It was really scary because Eleanor definitely isn't ready to come out yet. It turned out to not be a premature fluid rupture and everything was okay. But it was a scary moment nonetheless.

What I am Looking Forward to: I'm looking forward to getting more stuff to prepare for Eleanor. We still need a lot of the big items (car seat, crib, etc.) and I'm starting to get anxious about it. We also just signed up for a baby care class at the end of January. We may sign up for more but that one seemed the most important for now.