31 Weeks

I am 31 Weeks pregnant and Bryson weighs around 3.5 pounds and is about 17 inches long.

This week great. We had a wonderful Christmas! We had a delicious dinner, and fun with family. I attended my first hockey game which was so much fun! I am seriously a hockey fan now!! Bryson kicked around through the entire game so I guess he is a hockey fan as well!!

This is an adorable keepsake ornament that Kevin's brother Troy got for us. :)

We were also so blessed this holiday to get a second car! Kevin's Grandad does not drive anymore and was kind enough to give us his car! Kevin's Mom and Stepdad drove the car to us when they came to visit. It was so amazing that his family would all work together to help us out so much! I know that Kevin has been especially worried that I would go into labor and he would not be able to get to me without a car. This is such a huge weight off of our shoulders in so many ways! 

I have been keeping really busy this week with work, travel, and packing for our move. I am really looking forward to being all moved in to the new place! I can't wait to get the nursery set up! I am going to get my hospital bag packed once we get settled. We are also having my baby shower in a few weeks, so after that I will get busy buying all of the final items that we need. It is crazy to think about how we only have 9 more weeks to get everything ready! 

My anxiety has subsided this week thank goodness! I have been feeling/sleeping much better! My biggest symptom this week has been back pain! OUCH

Bump this week-

30 Weeks

How far along? 30 Weeks - 10 more to go!

How big is the peanut? Bryson is about 3 pounds and 16 inches long.

The doctor said that I my uterus is measuring a week behind still, but no reason to worry. Baby's heartbeat was 130 which freaked me out... that is the lowest it has ever been. He is normally around 150. The doctor said it is completely normal and his heart rate changes just like anyone else.

Total weight gain/loss? I gained back the couple pounds I lost last week, total gain of about 22 lbs now

Sleep? Here is how sleep went JUST LAST NIGHT...

I woke up once because I was cold, once because I was hot, I woke up 3 times to use the restroom and drink water because I was SUPER thirsty (a vicious cycle lol), I woke up once because I was STARVING and had to eat a banana in order to go back to sleep, however then I could not fall asleep because I had heartburn (from a banana?? What the heck?) and my back was aching, so I tossed and turned for an hour or two (my mind stressing about the baby shower and moving) until I feel asleep again. Then I dreamt that I was at work for two hours. -I was waiting on tables that kept stiffing me on the tip, and a huge group that was really impatient and yelling at me, and then finally I woke up when Kevin got up in the morning and I cried from stress and exhaustion over breakfast! (Because I was STARVING again)

....So yeah, sleep is getting more difficult! LOL

Best moment this week? Spending time with my husband. We did some shopping, wrapping gifts, and looking at Christmas lights. It has been a lot of fun.

Symptoms? ANXIETY! Day and night... (see the sleep question above) It is the worst! I have not noticed many hormonal changes throughout this pregnancy until now. It seems like it all hit me at once this week! I feel stressed and worried all the time even for no reason at all! I truly feel for people who suffer from an anxiety disorder because it is no fun! I am trying to just keep my mind focused and not allow myself to dwell on negativity as best as I can.

Food cravings/aversions? Nothing specific this week

Gender? Boy!

Labor signs? I have had one or two mild cramps that could have been a braxton hicks contraction... or it could be one of the 10,587 other things associated with pregnancy... so who knows... lol

Belly button in or out? Same- partially out, fully out when I cough which is weird

What I miss? Not feeling like a big ball of crazy hormones 24/7!! Lol! Honestly, I am handling the hormones well for the most part. I FEEL different then my normal self, but I don't think I am acting different on the outside. Kevin is the only one who really sees the changes and he is super supportive and understanding!

What I am looking forward to? Seeing family for Christmas! It will be nice to have some time off work to just relax for a few days, be with family, and eat some yummy food! We are driving to Troy's house (Kevin's brother) who lives in Alabama. It is 6 hours from our house, and 8 hours from Jeff City, MO (where his Mom and Step-Dad live). It is a great central location for us all to meet up and be together! We are really excited!

Milestones? Bryson's brain is developing grooves and indentations to allow for an increased amount of brain tissue. He is also beginning to loose the peach-fuzz like hair that has been covering his body to keep him warm. His brain and new fat cells are regulating his body temperature so he doesn't need it anymore. Also this week his bone marrow has taken over production of red blood cells which allows him to better thrive on his own once he is born.

Bump?

29 Weeks

At 29 Weeks Bryson is about 2.5 pounds and around 16 inches long. Up until now he has developed "brown fat" which is used for temperature regulation. Now he is starting to get "white fat" (the kind you and I have) which serves as an energy source. He is nearing his birth length already, so he is mostly just plumping up from here on out!  He will now gain about 1/2 a pound per week for the next 8 weeks! I can't believe his due date is only 11 WEEKS away! That is 75 days until I am a mommy! WOW

This week his head is growing to fit his developing brain. (Completely proportionate to his body for the first time) I read online that it is really important for me to have calcium this week for bone growth in his skull and also the development of his permanent teeth in his gums! 

This is a video of Bryson moving and kicking through my belly! He looks like the his doing flips in there!!

Luckily I have not been very hormonal during this pregnancy, because this week I have started getting some rude and annoying comments from people!

The other day I was waiting on a table at work and as I was walking away one of the guys at the table mumbled to his friends, "God she is FAT!" Right at that moment, my loud mouthed coworker snapped around and said "No you A**hole, She is PREGNANT!" The guy's girlfriend smacked him out of embarrassment. I know that he was just an idiot, but I am sad to say it did hurt my feelings a little bit! Clearly all my weight is in my belly!! I wish I could have told him that in a few months I wont be fat anymore, but he will still be an idiot!!

I have also had many people make comments about my size. I know they don't mean to be negative but I keep hearing comments like, "Oh you still have 2 1/2 months left? Wow, that is going to be a BIG baby!" My baby is not going to be bigger then normal! I wish people would stop trying to scare/worry me! My body and development is completely normal and on track for where it should be!! 

Anyway, thanks for listening to me rant! I am trying not to worry about what people say! Other people's negativity belongs only to them. That which you dwell on most will surely come to pass... so I am dwelling on only positive! I love my pregnant body. This may be the only/ one of the only times I will ever have the experience to being pregnant in my life! This is something I will remember and cherish forever so I  am trying to enjoy it and not rush through this beautiful life experience!

I have been feeling pretty good as usual. My back aches a little, restless legs, and heartburn occasionally but no big deal. My only concern right now is that I have lost 2-3 pounds this week! I have steadily gained weight until now so this seems strange. I assume Bryson is just using up more nutrients then normal to pack on his weight. Maybe I just need to eat more! I will keep an eye on it for the next week and see what the doctor says at my next appointment.

During my first trimester, if I became hungry I HAD to eat right then and there. If I did not eat when hungry I would feel sick. This symptom seems to be returning now in the third trimester!. I go from completely normal to being on the brink of death from starvation in a matter of minutes! LOL I read this hilarious description in a blog the other day...

"Let me tell you something, people. A starving pregnant woman is like a prison inmate with nothing to lose. Her desperation could lift a semi-truck off a trapped cheese-steak sandwich... I could never comprehend the manic frenzy. It’s like being possessed by Cookie Monster, if Cookie Monster also had a violent criminal history. My point is, if she’s hungry - don’t make her wait. Whatever you do, save yourself and throw her the nearest bread basket immediately." 

http://hahasforhoohas.com/stories/things-pregnant-women-don%E2%80%99t-do-gracefully

LOL!

Bump-

OUR NEW HOME!

This is not baby related, but we found a new home! I wanted to share pictures here so that our family and friends can see! We will get the keys January 1st. It is a 3 bedroom, 2 Bath with a fenced in back yard for the dogs. The neighborhood is really cute and the home is bright and well lit. It feels very "homey". I can't wait to get it all set up to bring our little one home to! 

Front of home

Back of home/patio

Backyard

Backyard

The girls are going to love the doggie door!

Living room

Kitchen/pantry

Kitchen

Dining area off kitchen, looking at back door

Hallway to bedrooms

Bryson's nursery

Master with private bath

Master bath

Guest room

Main Bath

Laundry room

Thanks for looking!

28 Weeks

28 Weeks- Bryson is around 2.25-2.5 pounds and about 15 inches long.

Only 12 weeks, or 82 days to go!

His lungs are now capable of breathing air but it would still be difficult for him. Although he would need some medical assistance, he has a 90 percent survival rate outside of the womb right now.

This week I have started having restless legs, which is super weird! I have also had some MAJOR pregnancy cravings! Normally I don't like spicy foods, but I can not get enough spicy Popeye's chicken and mash potatoes with cajun gravy! I am seriously addicted! I ate it two days in a row, but if I had it my way, I could eat it EVERYDAY! Lol. I am also really into cottage cheese right now yum!

I had a doctor's appointment today and everything went great. The doctor said that I passed my glucose test, so nothing to worry about. He measured my stomach to check the size of my uterus and said that I am measuring at 27 weeks, although he is not worried about it. His exact words were "You are a small person, so that is to be expected." lol. Bryson's heartbeat is 155. He was moving and kicking the monitor the entire time. The doctor said, "An active baby is the best sign of a healthy baby." :)

I forgot to share this cute little panda hat/scarf set that I bought on cyber Monday for only $4.00! I bought the blue one! Too cute :)

 

Bump-

27 Weeks - THIRD TRIMESTER!

How far along? 27 Weeks... I am officially starting my third trimester! WOW this is going FAST

How big is the peanut? Just over 2 pounds and 14.5 inches long - This is double his weight 4 weeks ago. He will more then double in weight AGAIN in the next 6 weeks!

Total weight gain/loss? 19-20 pounds... All in my belly thank goodness! According to what I have read, this is the time when most women begin to experience swelling in their hands and feet. I have already had to buy new shoes because my feet have grown.

Sleep? The only way that I can sleep is on my left side, with my body pillow. If I fall asleep on my right I wake up after an hour feeling uncomfortable or with a leg cramp.

Best moment this week? Thanksgiving! We celebrated with family early, so for Thanksgiving we had some friends over to the house and I cooked a dinner for everyone. It turned out great. It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed some sparkling cider instead of wine this year. Yum!

I also had fun this week with shopping! I got my Hypnobabies set yesterday which was super exciting! I also got some great Cyber Monday deals!

I got this Fisher Price Bouncer Seat for 45% off. Super soft and cute in style "snugabunny." It plays music and nature sounds with a gentle vibration. (I also registered for the matching swing which is SUPER cool)-

I also got this Graco Bumper Jumper for 40% off. It hangs from the door way and allows our little guy to use his feet to kick the floor and bounce himself around. How perfect is this for an active little boy! He should be able to use it as early as a few months old.- 

Symptoms? Just some achyness... nothing too bad. I was super uncomfortable sitting or standing all day yesterday. The only way I could get comfy was to lay down. I even had Kevin bring the mattress from the guest bed onto the living room floor so I could lounge and watch TV. Lol. Sometimes I have days like that. I call it a "growth spurt day" when everything is stretching. 

Food cravings/aversions? I have been loving apple slices (specifically golden delicious) dipped in creamy peanut butter!

Gender? Boy

Labor signs? No Braxton Hicks yet.

Belly button in or out? Partially sticking out. When I cough it goes almost completely out. Lol

What I miss? Coffee

What I'm looking forward to? Planning my baby shower. My friend Colleen is throwing it for me. We are planning to have it right after the New Year.

Milestones? This week I felt hiccups for the first time! It has happened a few times now. I am also able to see him moving through my belly more then ever. When he kicks my belly bounces and jiggles, often moving across my stomach. Kevin can see it too. 

There have been two times when he kicked strong enough that I could see an entire appendage sticking out! It looked like a golf ball sticking out of my belly! I just love to stare and my belly and watch him move. I know his movements will only get more intense.

I have a doctor's appointment next week. I haven't heard back about the glucose test so I will assume that is a good sign. I am sure my doctor will let me know for sure at my appointment. I have been going to see him every four weeks but from now on I will start going for a check up every 2 weeks. (Bi-weekly for weeks 28-36, then I have to go weekly until he is born.)

Bump? 

Just for fun, here is a comparison of the first day of my 2nd Trimester vs. the first day of my 3rd Trimester-

Oh Baby! He is really growing! I remember feeling so big in that picture! LOL (13 Weeks)

26 Weeks - Goodbye 2nd Trimester!

How far along? 26 Weeks

How big is the peanut? He is just under 2 pounds and measures 14 inches from head to heel. He is finally opening his eyes! He continues to put on baby fat and develop his lungs. He can now hear much better - both mine and Kevin's voice. He is also beginning to respond to noises and could even become startled by a loud sound.

Total weight gain/loss? I have still gained around 18 pounds so far

Sleep? Still sleeping pretty good. My only complaint is that I often wake up with some leg cramping. I have had 2 really bad charlie horses which is THE WORST way to wake up! Both times I was sleeping on my right side. It is recommended that you sleep on your left to provide the most blood flow, so I assume I just didn't have adequate blood flow to my leg and that is what caused it. It was like 2 whole minutes of intense, unbearable muscle cramp in my calf. I couldn't do anything to make it stop. I literally said out loud "PLEASE JUST STOP!" Ouch! My calf muscles were super sore for the next few days as well, as if I had done an intense work out!

Best moment this week? Feeling Bryson moving. He has been moving for a while now, but this week the movements are much different. Before, I would feel kicking in one specific spot. Now whenever he moves it is from one side of my belly all the way across to the other side! It is such an awesome feeling! I was even able to see my belly move for  the first time! It was subtle, but when he was kicking I could see my belly "bouncing" with each kick. He is getting so big and strong!

Funny moment this week- I asked Kevin to stop by the store on his way home from work to buy me some Oreos. He was in the checkout line with nothing except for cookies, so the cashier joked with him and said "What are you pregnant?" He said "No, but my wife is!" Lol I thought that was pretty funny!

Another exciting thing this week- I finally ordered my hypnobabies home study! I am so excited to get it and start practicing!

Symptoms? HEARTBURN! I have only experienced heartburn once ever in my life before now. My uterus has now grown to my rib cage, so it is cramping my organs more then before.

This week has been a bit rough. I feel like I am re-learning how to do everything! Whenever I try to bend over to pick something up, get out of bed or off the couch, or squeeze through a tight spot, I feel like there is a little voice saying to me...

LOL!!

My back aches whenever I sit. I bought a travel pillow to prop behind my back which has really helped. I assume it is because of the way my back is curved from the extra weight I am carrying. Whenever I sit perfectly upright it hurts like crazy! If I go out to eat, sitting in a booth is almost unbearable! I am seriously just going to take my pillow everywhere! LOL 

Food cravings? This week I've been craving spicy foods... that probably won't help my heartburn! LOL

Gender? Baby Boy!

Labor signs? Nope!

Belly button in or out? Still just partially sticking out

What I miss? My family! It was so great seeing them last week. I miss them!

What I'm looking forward to? Finding a new place to live, and setting up the nursery! We just found out that we will be moving in about a month. I think it will be nice to have a brand new, clean, organized home to bring Bryson home to. 

Milestones? Almost done with my second trimester! This is the last week of my sixth month already!

Bump? 

I took the glucose test today. It wasn't too bad except they make you fast before the test so I was starving and it took 45 MINUTES to get checked in because the hospital was really busy today!

The test checks for gestational diabetes. This is a high sugar condition that some women get during pregnancy.  When you arrive for the test you drink a sugar solution (tastes like a syrupy, flat, orange soda), wait for an hour, and then they draw your blood to check your sugar level. The idea is to see how efficiently your blood processes sugar. I should have the results soon. 

If you have it it means that you have to do extra testing and make changes to your diet. Gestational diabetes typically only lasts through pregnancy, but can carry over after the baby is born for some women. Hopefully I will test negative and wont have any extra worries!

Just for fun- I did one of those fun internet things that tell you what your baby will look like... I uploaded pictures of me and Kevin as a baby and it produced a picture of what our baby might look like... lol

This is me and Kevin (CUTIES!)-

 This what the internet says Bryson might look like-

I am certain he will be much cuter then this photo!!

25 Weeks

At 25 Weeks Bryson is about 13 1/2 inches long and weighs about 1 1/2 pounds. He is growing more hair, which if you could see it, you could discern it's color and texture. His nostrils, which have been plugged up until now, are starting to open this week. He will be practicing taking breaths by "breathing" amniotic fluid. Blood vessels are continuing to form in his lungs and under his skin- which helps his skin appear pinker.

My uterus has now reached the size of a soccer ball! I have gained about 18 pounds. Apparently that is 1 pound more then where I should be, but I am not concerned at all. It might have something to do with the Thanksgiving dinner, tailgating goodies, and going out to eat with family all week. LOL

This week Has been pretty easy. No severe headaches and no trouble sleeping. I have had a little bit of an achy back and struggled more then usual with everyday activities, but nothing major. Bryson is very active. He kicks and flips several times throughout the day. I have begun to notice some pattern to his movement, although it is mostly random and sporadic. He tends to move more when I suddenly go from upright to laying down, or 20-30 minutes after I eat.

We spent this entire week in Missouri. We had so much fun on our trip and Bryson got a lot of goodies! I miss my family so much already! It's hard to believe that I will see them again in only a few months when he is born. Time is going by so fast!

He has so many clothes now. YAY! These are from Nana, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Anthony, Kevin's Cousin Oliver and his wife Jennifer, and of course I had to buy several items myself. Lol I Can't stop buying footie onsies! Too CUTE!

Kevin's cousin's wife, Jennifer, (Whew that was a mouth full! Cousin-in-law?) does embroidery. She made this ADORABLE bath robe with our last name!

Nana, (Kevin's mom) picked this one out! HAHA

I mean how much cuter does it get then little matching top/pant outfits?? I LOVE THESE!

My obsession with monsters continues... this one has a monster on the butt! Haha! Thanks Nana!

I can't wait to try them all on our little man!

Bump this week...

24 Weeks

How far along? 24 Weeks!

How big is the peanut? He is 12 inches long and weighs around 1 1/3 pounds. About the size of a cantaloupe! He is working on fattening up! He is supposed to gain about 6 ounces a week and will double in size over the next 3-4 weeks!

To put that in perspective... He weighed only 9 ounces a few weeks ago when we found out that he is a boy, and now he is gaining 6 ounces per week! Crazy to think how he is getting so big now! I assume that means I will be getting bigger in the next few weeks too! Bring it on!

Total weight gain/loss? I have gained around 15 pounds so far and I am feeling it! Things are starting to get a little bit more difficult! lol

Maternity clothes? All maternity now. I had to go through my closet and figure out which clothes will actually fit and put the others away for the next few months! For my birthday dinner i tried on a dress that is normally way too big on me and I couldn't even zip it up!

Sleep? Still sleeping pretty well. Can't complain too much about that yet!

Best moment this week? My birthday! We went out with friends for an early birthday dinner. We had hibachi at a Japanese steak house (yum!) and then went out afterwards to play pool and darts. It was a lot of fun! Everyone brought me a children's book as a birthday gift which was awesome. I am so excited to build a library of books to read to our little guy! It really warms my heart to think about reading him bedtime stories at night. So far I have several good classics: Where the Wild Things Are, The Rainbow Fish, The Hungry Caterpillar, Dr. Seuss Oh the Places You'll Go, Curious George... etc. So exciting!

Symptoms? Headaches as always, swollen feet, extra weight making it hard to get up/down and bend over.

Food cravings/aversions? None. I guess I have kind of been on a Sonic Slushy kick. They are yummy!

Gender? Baby Boy

Labor signs? Nope. I could start getting mild braxton hicks soon, but none so far.

Belly button in or out? Still barely poking out at the top for now.

What I miss? Egg nog! They are starting to carry it in stores now and it looks SO GOOD! Unfortunately, I can't have it because it contains raw egg. It has always been one of my favorite parts of the holiday!

What i'm looking forward to? Spending this next week with family in Missouri. We are actually traveling home now! We are going to spend some time in Jefferson City and in Kansas City to see friends and family. We will have an ultrasound while there, an early Thanksgiving dinner (since Kevin has to work on Thanksgiving day), and go to a Kansas City Chiefs game. I am super excited to spend time with everyone!

Milestones? I turned 26 years old... lol

Bump?

23 Weeks

23 Weeks!

Bryson weighs just over and pound and will double his weight over the next four weeks. His sense of movement is developed now (so he could feel if I were dancing). He can hear loud noises outside of the womb such as dogs barking, or a vacuum cleaner. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare for breathing. If for some reason he were born premature, he could survive. The youngest that a baby can survive outside of the womb is 23 weeks. (obviously I hope... and PLAN to carry him to term lol)

We had another doctor's appointment this morning. Everything looks great! Bryson was being stubborn again and did not want to show his face, but finally she got the shot that she needed. He does not have a cleft lip. His face is perfect :) and the spots/cysts that they saw on his brain last time are all gone! YAY! His heart rate is 146 and everything looks healthy!

He is breech right now but no need to worry, he has plenty of room and time to flip around. The ultrasound tech laughed and said to me, "You poor thing! He has his little feet right where he is just kicking you in the bladder!" He had the hiccups during the ultrasound which was really cute to watch. I can't feel those yet though. He did kick once or twice which was really neat. It is so amazing to watch him kick and feel it at the exact same time! She commented on how because I am so skinny, you can already feel where he his through my stomach. She had me feel right in the spot where his head is and it was awesome to know that what I was touching and feeling was the top of his head! I could see on the screen where I was pushing on him! The whole thing is just fascinating to me!

She said that because I am naturally skinny and the placenta is on the back side of my uterus, I will be able to feel him ALOT. She said pretty soon I will be able to watch him roll from one side of my belly to the other. We did get a shot of his boy parts again. She said there is absolutely no doubt about it... he is a boy! (I didn't doubt it before but it is nice to have extra confirmation that we wont be surprised on his birth day!)

I have gained 15 pounds! Holy cow that number seems high, but it is right on track. I should gain about a pound a week which means about another 17 to go!

Only a few more weeks left in my second trimester! I can't believe how fast it is going by! I will go to have my glucose test sometime in the next 3-4 weeks and then we will go back to the doctor for a check up at 28 weeks. I am pretty sure from then on I have to go see him every 2 weeks until Bryson is born.

Here are some pictures of his little face. You can see his little skeleton... kind of strange! We didn't get as many "cute" pictures as we usually get. Like I said, he was being stubborn!

My Halloween "costume" this year-

Bump this week-

22 Weeks + My thoughts on birthing.

22 Weeks!

Bryson is about 11 inches and finally hit the one-pound mark! He is sprouting hair on his head that is bright white (no pigment for now). He is developing his sense of touch, sight, and hearing. He practices his sense of touch by holding a grip onto the umbilical cord. His sense of sight is getting more developed and he can perceive light through his closed eyelids, such as a flashlight shinning on my belly. He can hear my voice, heartbeat, gurgling stomach, and the whoosh-whoosh of blood circulating through my body.

I have started doing a lot of research about birth. I want to be as informed as possible so when the time comes I can make educated decisions as different situations may arise. I plan to have an un-medicated hospital birth which I am really excited about! I read "The Birth Book" by William and Martha Sears and I highly recommend it to anyone who is expecting a baby! It taught me so much about my birthing options and helped me get a better idea of what I want vs. the scary, painful image that I have always had in my mind.

Basically what I have learned is that fear and tension increase and cause pain. The uterine muscles have very few pain receptors and can contract and relax without causing pain. Pain comes from causing muscles to work in a way they are not designed to. Pain is also felt in the tissues around the uterus as you tense up your body. If a woman is scared, or "bracing" herself for the oncoming contraction it causes her to tense muscles which causes other muscles to over-work. This imbalance exhausts the muscles causing more pain. Fear also creates pain-inducing hormones that release into your body as well.

My take away from all of this... RELAX. I believe that if I can relax my mind and body I can allow my abdominal muscles to work as they are meant to and trust that my body knows what to do. I believe that pain has a purpose. If I feel pain, it is a sign to move or readjust my body. This makes contractions more bearable for me, but it also benefits the baby to allow him to change positions, rotating to find an easier way out. Women who are numbed with an epidural can't feel those unphysiologic signals to move and laying still tends to slow the process down. We are built as women to do this and when our bodies send us signals we should listen!

So what do I plan to do? I want to walk, use a birthing ball, take a shower/bath... just MOVE as my body sees fit. I want to keep a calm environment with low lights, and music. I plan to use breathing and meditation to relax my body. I am surprisingly very interested in hypnobirthing! If you haven't heard of this (I hadn't either) you may think it sounds crazy. The idea of hypnotizing makes us all think of some cheesy magic show with a pocket watch swinging before your eyes and people barking like a dog on stage! lol It is NOTHING like that!

What they call hypnosis can be compared to being really interested in a television show that you "zone in" to a point that you feel an emotional response to the characters, or the way that you drive yourself home from work on "auto pilot" without thinking about it. It is basically just becoming really focused on relaxation techniques. This is something you practice throughout your pregnancy (basically meditating) and you become more familiar with it. Eventually you are able to "meditate" or go into a relaxed state more quickly. When you are in labor, you should be able to go in and out of this relaxed state as contractions come and go. You are fully aware of everything going on around you. You can hear and talk as you choose, or you can tune it out during a big contraction to focus only on relaxing your body so that you are not "fighting against" the contraction but rather allowing your body to do what it is naturally meant to do.

I want to buy the cd's and start practicing on my own! The reviews online are overwhelmingly positive from any website/blog that I have seen! If it doesn't work for me, it didn't hurt anything to try! I will be in a hospital full of drugs to fall back on if needed! Honestly I think it is worth it simply for the confidence that it builds alone! I am going into this feeling like I can do it! I am excited, whereas a lot of woman feel that birth is something they simply have to endure. Women for years have used Lamaze, The Bradly Method, breathing techniques, etc. I just see this as another approach which has been shown to work! Plus, practicing will help me stay relaxed throughout my pregnancy which is great, and has been said to help women to sleep better during their pregnancy as well!

Hopefully I can get the cd's soon. I will keep you all updated about how it is going. I am waiting a while to try and find them used for a good price. The set I want is fairly expensive. The good news is that whenever I am done with them they are really easy to re-sell and get some of that expense back!

If you are curious to find out any more info on hypnobirthing, here are a few links...

This is a youtube "sample" of some other company's relaxation program. This is NOT the one I want to purchase, but it is a free sample of something very similar to what I am talking about. This will give you a general idea of what the cd's are like. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOEWGiiy5sw

This is the program that I plan to buy... http://www.hypnobabies-store.com/Products-Home-Study-Courses.html

And this is the original Hypnobirting website that started the whole thing. I read the entire book by Marie Mongan (the creator of the program) and was very inspired! http://www.hypnobirthing.com/

Anyway, here are some belly pictures this week!...

My new maternity swimsuit- I love it!

My belly button starting to poke out at the top. LOL! I am definitely going to have an outie before long!