photos-6 months

6 month belly! Matt says it's the size of a soccer ball and babycenter.com agrees. Miles is a little over 1 lb and a foot long! Last night we had a delightful dinner at Chee Zee and then went to see Wicked. Since I ate too much (normally not a big deal on a fun night out, but painful when pregnant) the first Act, I had to focus way too much on breathing and NOT panicking at the tight theater quarters (being in between two large, leggy people). By the end I was doing ok and at intermission I got to stand outside in the rain!

It was a great show and such a fun experience! Matt planned it all as a surprise!

ok, back to work.

till next week.

24 weeks!

OK, so I am a little behind. Since the last post, lots has happen.

First, we met with a possible doula-to-be. The slight problem with our birth is that I am due on Dec 17th. A week late (totally normal for first timers) puts us at Christmas Eve!! Yeah, not exactly the easiest time to get someone to work! I mean, Miles most likely NOT going to come on his due date...so the question is WHEN?? :)

We both felt great about our first doula interview, great enough to forgo the rest of the 'interview's' and go with her...but then there holiday issue, so we may need to find a back up..Details to come.

Next, our last appt at the ABC went great. We met Annabelle, who set both of us at ease instantly! She was very encouraging about the pregnancy concerns I had and reassuring that I am not actually hurting Miles if I end up on my back in the middle of the night:) So that was a relief! In a few weeks I do my gestational diabetes test...

Also, Matt has been coaching me through breathing exercises lately. Sometimes, if my clothes are too tight or I've been in the car for a while or stuck at my computer ALL DAY, I start feel anxious and realize that I can no longer take deep breaths like I used to...sacrificing lung space for the little guy:) Its is VERY stressful when I start thinking & thinking about it. BUT luckily Matt is a GREAT coach and can transport me mentally if I just close my eyes and focus on whatever imaginary situation he's coaxing me through...its very sweet:) Also we've been going to the pool several times a week; swimming and 'jogging' and talking..Its very relaxing and feels wonderful to be weightless!

Also, I've been trying to walk the days we don't swim. According to most medical journals...or every website on pregnancy...almost EVERY pregnancy problem can be solved/reduced by walking a mile a day. Which on the treadmill in the AC is a piece of cake! So, I am trying to stay on top of that, even when it's painful to go. My swim class starts tomorrow at UT. I've found a teacher who is very sympathetic toward the 'pregnant' and will make some accommodations from the usual rigorous class pace. I'm so thankful!

As far as food goes, here's the latest treats:

-fried eggs on whole wheat english muffins (like several a day...)

-veggie wraps (whole wheat tortilla, guac, mushrooms, spinach, sprouts)

-peanuts/almonds

-LARABARS!!! too bad they are 1.4/each!

-sweet potatoes

-any and all soups (esp tomato basil)

-Dove peanut butter chocolates, that are apparently off limits since I lack self control in this area...

I am trying to keep the ratio healthy, but definitely 'craving' or greatly wanting treats. But I can tell my body is rejecting them (headaches, feeling sluggish) even though I think I want them so badly. Matt and I are both trying to integrate more raw foods into our diets. Starting the day with 32oz of water, then a huge bowl of fruit is undeniably a great way to start the day! But, I am keeping everything pretty normal + lots of fruit and veggies.

We are dressing up for dinner and the Broadway show "Wicked" tonight, so picture to come tomorrow. I promise!

22 weeks

Photo from 21 weeks. I am finally FEELING pregnant. As in large, awkard, having difficulty in picking objects off the floor, trouble getting comfy to sleep, etc. I just can't wait to see this little human that's inside of me. I've got some great maternity clothes passed down (thx Mandy & Ceci) and new stuff from Lynn and Mom, so hopefully I am set. Not sure how big of a jacket I'll need by Dec, but maybe it won't even be cold yet, knowing the TX weather...

We have some exciting appts this week, so I'll keep it short today and repost at the end of the week with any updates. By the way, for the those who've asked, Husband Coached Birthing is, so far, the BEST book I've read on labor. The more I read, the calmer I feel. PLUS talking to Mandy post-labor has also helped a lot; to know that it's very, very hard, but very doable! yay. over half way till show time:)

Here's what Miles looks like this week:

21 weeks

I should have invested in a digital camera by now...pics to come.

so, 21 weeks feels similar to 20 wks. Although some notable changes:

-even MORE activity from little Miles

-getting out of bed is a tiny bit more difficult

-sleepings requires more pillows, so i don't end up stranded on my back in pain

-maternity clothes that used to be comfy, aren't!

Emotionally, I've been feeling really good. I am enjoying being pregnant soo much. My summer schedule has helped me get extra naps in and relax a lot. However, I am getting a little nervous about the fall. I'll be working lots more, have committments almost every evening and be growing a HUGE belly. So, I am registering for baby stuff this week to have one less thing to do in the coming months.

So, that's the update.

In other news, ZOE WAS FINALLY BORN> after 36 hrs of intense labor for Mandy (and Matt). She is BEAUTIFUL! I was amazed at how beautiful she already is?! I am so happy for Mandy that it.is.over!

Her labor was really, really good for me to be around for because 1. I will be birthing at the same place and 2. This is the first friend who has had a baby since I've gotten pregnant. It was a great (vicarious) experience:)

Zoe!

20 wks

EXCITING NEWS!

1st. it is a BOY!! we had our anatomy ultrasound last week and got to see Miles Paul Boudreauon the big screen! It was exhilarating. We cried.

2nd. His kicks and movements are officially consistent. I feel him when I drive, sit, and especially at night when I collapse into bed to read. Last night I saw his little movements rippling across my abdomen. wow!! Matt felt him kick for the first time last week. finally! It was amazing:)

3rd. I'm digging deeper into the realm of cloth diapers and am fascinated! Hopefully this week or next, mom and I will go to a class to get some last bits of info before I decided which kinds I'll try to use...I'm not a purist by any means...but you save.so.much.$$! ($1,900/kid with disposables VS $100/kid with cloth...and that's if you have 3 kids, which I'd like to have four (!) so let's call it $75/kid:) haha.

4th. I've signed us up for our Bradley class that starts Sept 1st. I've started reading the book Husband Coached Birthing and it's already helped to ease my fears about the foreboding world of labor and delivery. But, I know the class will help both of us be informed and therefore prepared for what's to come...in the only way we can at the point. Plus, we gotta take it to birth at the ABC.

5th. Zoe isn't here yet. !! Pray that Mandy will go in to labor soon!

here are some half way pics. 20 weeks yay!!

Miles 1st gift from Zoe! 

the GI Joe that came w/ the onesie...and some flowers Matt picked for me!

I can still see my feet...

20 wks...

18th wk-kick!

Hi Everyone, Saturday I felt the first 'official' movement!! It was very exciting:) Matt and I have our next appt this Friday and then soon after, we'll find out the gender. I have absolutely no gut instinct on this and am very very curious. I'm compiling a list of questions for our midwife (like, can i get on a plane in sept for our two yr anniversary??). Also, I've started to investigate doulas or a labor coach. The research about their services is compelling:
"-women who have continuous one-on-one support during labor tend to use pain medication less often
-have slightly shorter labors
- are less likely to have a c-section or a forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery.
If you're serious about trying to give birth without pain medication, a doula may be your best ally." babycenter.com

I can't think of anyone better than Matt to be my labor coach, seeing as he's the best coach (type personality-irrespective of sports) I know, but he's still not too sure of himself on the labor scene and historically doesn't do well in medically stressful situations. So, as a backup for him and a comfort to us both, I think it'd be wise to have a labor coach this time!
We'll meet with a few in the next month and make a decision before we start our Bradley class in Sept.
next post: Miles or Isabella!!!

16wks

The belly is coming along. Pants are.not.buttoning! I've started to invest in elastic clothing!
I had a job interview this morning. It would have been a great fit. maybe. But, I'm realizing that my decisions do not just affect me now, but this little guy/girl inside! Wow, parenthood. Life changing...

Malachi 2: 15
Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.

Jess's pastor was talking about marriage and that the point is to produce godly children. Its the point! It reminded me of what we learned in Perspectives, about Abraham and his calling. It's an indicator that 'it' is not all about ME and my life, but about God getting all the worship that he deserves. So, we have children that will worship the Lord and will train their children and their children's children. Its about the generations and the gospel going forth...It's a very convicting and necessary point of view!

That concept (population growth for the glory of the Lord) is VERY counter -American- culture. Its irrespective of global warming, overpopulation, global hunger...all these fears that have reduced the population growth in America and Europe. [soap box-I'll spare you the rest...]
Anyway, I've always known that God loves family and that the family is being thwarted from every angle...Children are a blessing from the Lord: (Psalm 127:4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.) They are gifts from God and we get to teach them about God and his kindness and might; it's just so overwhelming a task and opportunity!

ok, back to the pregnancy progress...
I'm feeling more and more new 'sensations' and strange feelings. I've tried laying super still, but am still not confident that I've actually felt a real baby movement yet...soon enough!
that's about all for now. oh yes, the photo of the green monster:


till next week!