Pregnancy Update: 32 Weeks
**Here I am, big bellied, making waffle batter before I go to bed, and nibbling on coconut milk ice cream (adapted from this delicious recipe)
It is just unbelievable to me how close we are getting to meeting this baby! My due date is officially 8 weeks away, which means baby could be here anytime in the next 5-10 weeks! Wow!
I thought I would share my current to-do list before baby arrives. It might also be helpful to share what I am NOT going to be getting done. 🙂 I had high hopes of finishing all of my spring cleaning and decluttering, but I have resigned myself to not completing it. I did get the great majority of the decluttering done (the only place I really didn't venture into was the garage, which isn't too bad right now), and took it to the thrift store, so that is a huge relief.
The cleaning is about half done: I finished most of the living room/formal dining, the kids room, the main bathroom, the entryway, as well as the fridge/freezer and under the kitchen sink (but not the rest of the kitchen). I would still like to do some more deep cleaning in the kitchen, and some major organizing in our family room, but the rest will be left undone. With so little time left, and waning energy (not to mention a belly that makes deep cleaning more challenging), I have just realized that it might be too much to expect of myself, and that's ok.
So, what will I be working hard to complete in these next 8 weeks or so???
- Listing/selling several items on Craigslist (baby bike trailers, Denby dishes, etc.)
- Planning out our home education goals and curriculum for the fall and winter. I've already purchased pretty much everything I need, it's just a matter of making a plan to accomplish it, really. DONE!
- Finishing up Abbie's kindergarten level workbooks (Rod and Staff), and completing the first good portion of her new math curriculum (we chose Math-U-See, and I'll let you know how it goes!)
- Attempting once more to potty train Caden (if it doesn't work, I'm going to wait until the fall)- NOT DONE (but it's just not happening)
- Completing my list of foods for the freezer (I've updated it with my progress to this point) Practically DONE!
- Taking a one day personal retreat, for the purpose of getting refreshed as well as setting new goals, in the areas of my spiritual growth, mothering, relationship with my husband, and home educating. I'll be reading some good books, spending a lot of time in the Word and in prayer, and establishing some new priorities, schedules, etc. for the upcoming season we are entering. DONE!
- Totally re-organizing our family room (which is also our school room and play room and my office). It really. really. really needs it. Practically done!!!
- Take inventory of our diaper stash, determine what else needs to be bought (and buy it), and get it all washed and ready to go. DONE!
- Sort through newborn clothes, blankets, etc. and make sure they are all washed and ready. This might require re-organizing the kid's closets and drawers a bit, to make a little more space for the baby's things. DONE!
- Enlist (ie. hire because I don't have enough time or a properly working sewing machine) a friend to make me some cloth pads for post-partum- DONE!
- Make a fresh batch of nursing pads (I liked Lindsay's tutorial. These are similar to what I already have, but I've never made them myself. Looks easy enough! 🙂 DONE (well, taken care of by someone else, anyways!)
- Double check that all three carseats will indeed fit in the back of our little Mazda. We purchased a new, thinner booster seat for our 4 year old, and are pretty confident that everything will fit now, but we need to try it out soon just to be sure! DONE!
- Continue on with my garden as much as I have time and energy to, preserving whatever foods I can.
- Find some fantastic guest posters to fill in some of the gaps on this blog while I am recovering from birth and adjusting to life as a mom of 3! (Any takers? Email me!) DONE!
How I'm feeling:
Overall, I am actually feeling quite well for being so far along in this pregnancy, praise God! I think there are a few reasons for this.
The first is a really good one and a testimony to better health through traditional, whole foods. I just honestly feel that I am in the best health I have been in years, and that it is showing this pregnancy. Though my nutrition was pretty good with my other two, it has definitely improved since my last pregnancy. I can truly say that I feel more nourished, generally more energetic (though I certainly have my days and moments!), less achy, less headaches, and just feel overall pretty well, despite being more busy than ever before. Sure, I'm still fighting some reflux, sore muscles, have less energy than usual, and things aren't flowing as smoothly these days (if you know what I mean), but that's minor compared to my previous pregnancies, for sure!
The second reason I think that I am feeling so well is potentially not as positive (although it has resulted in less sciatica, less contractions, and less reflux, which are bonuses to be sure). Baby has not moved into a head-down position, but instead is in a somewhat transverse, diagonal position (we believe the head is slightly more down, so at least it's not straight across). Though this may be the result of being on my 3rd pregnancy and having a more rounded rather than pear-shaped uterus (this is the reason I'm hopeful for!), the fact that baby has been like this for a good 5-6 weeks indicates that at the very least, we need to check things out. It could suggest placenta previa or a low-lying placenta, which is definitely an issue as far as natural, vaginal birth is concerned. I have an ultrasound in just over a week to rule out this possibility, and we are just praying that baby turns completely head down in the next few weeks!
In other news, I'm trying to purchase a few of the items on my "I'd really like to have this time around" list. Just last night I bought a great sling used off of Craigslist. It's a Hotsling, and I think that it will be just perfect for those early months with baby. Last time, I tried to use the newborn insert in my Ergo, and I found it absolutely useless and not comfortable, especially as it is just sooo hot for both baby and mom in the summertime (though I still adore my Ergo for about 4-5 months and beyond). I also just purchased and am waiting to receive a beautiful nursing cover from another Canadian mom on Etsy (and they're still on sale- check it out!). I know that I can make do nursing with blankets, as I've done previously, but these covers are just so practical that when I found a great deal on one, I snatched it up!
The only other item I would really like to replace is my current diaper bag, which is just getting really worn out. If anyone who runs a baby supply company or makes lovely diaper bags would like to garner themselves a review on my blog by sending me a diaper bag, please drop me a line at keeperofthehome (at) canada (dot) com! 🙂
How are the rest of you pregnant mamas doing? I imagine some more of you have had your babies, too, or recently found out that you're expecting. I'd love to hear your updates!
Such a cute pic of you.
My last baby was transverse for weeks too. I did a lot of pelvic rocks and got in a strange plank position with my rear above my head (somehow it encourages baby to flip). It worked and about 2 weeks before his birth he was head down, praise God.
You are absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!! A woman in full bloom of pregnancy is the most beautiful of all women!!!
Enjoy the last few weeks as much as possible…. Your list proves you are quiet industrious!!!!
Heather
You are such a treasure! So cute, helpful, and industrious! I love reading your blog. It is inspiring. You strive to do what is best for your family without condemning anyone who may choose to do something a little different from you! God bless you!
So cute! Blessings as you finish all your preparations!
You look so good! I am about 6 weeks behind you with my third baby and have also been in a de-cluttering/deep-cleaning frenzy 🙂 I’m going to be trying a Hotslings this time around as well- they look like they should work out great!
I’m expecting my first baby (due late January) and I found a link to your blog on Sue Gregg’s website on Monday. I have been hooked for these past two days, reading your postings and thoroughly enjoying myself and being encouraged. It’s awesome to see a godly woman such as yourself taking the time to write. God bless you and your family and keep up the good work! I’ll be praying that God’s hand will move in your pregnancy and there will be no obstacles to a completely natural birth.
You look great! I am glad you are accomplishing most of your pre-baby goals. I had a list like this with my 2nd (now 4 months…how did that happen?!) and I felt SO RELIEVED that I could just relax and enjoy my baby for those first weeks uninterupted by cleaning/organizing/cooking/etc/etc!!
It is a great feeling. It really did put me in a better mood! In fact, you sound just like me w/ your list–I think if we lived near each other we’d be good friends!! 🙂
A one-day retreat is an awesome idea to glean, while not pregnant now, it definitely would help to have a bit of solitude every now and again! 🙂
Sarah M
good luck continuing on in the last few weeks.
Oh, you are so adorable!! You look so radiant, it is beautiful!! I am switching my oldest two to Math-U-See this year as well (from Saxon), although I am “vaguely” planning on going back to Saxon after “elementary” years. My last baby (#4) was “sunny-side up”, so I would have contractions, and they would stop because he couldn’t “engage.” But, we prayed and prayed, and I spend a lot of time in the “stinkbug” position (bottom up, knees under hips, head down on the ground), and lo and behold, he did turn!! God bless you!
You look fabulous! Thanks for the link to the ice cream recipe, that sounds perfect right about now. I am 3 weeks behind you and also feeling great. I’ve loved being pregnant both times and since this is our last {{planned}} pregnancy, I am trying to especially savor the moments. I needed a little push to get my priorities in order, thanks for the inspiration!
I love that picture!!! You are really cute pregnant!!
You look great!
We had our baby 7 weeks ago and I finally feel myself again after a not-so-great pregnancy. It’s a great feeling.
I just wanted to mention something about the carseats. I live in BC too. My husband looked up the regulations on the ICBC website. You should never use a booster seat with a lap belt. That means you shouldn’t put a booster seat in the middle seat of your car.
http://www.icbc.com/road-safety/drivers-passengers/childseats-new.pdf
We have concluded that if there is no other location for the booster seat that the child should just sit on the seat with the lap belt.
The carseat laws aren’t too friendly for people with larger families 🙂 (we have 5 children now…)
You look great!
I had a huge list too, but didn’t get it all done…and had to be okay with that (which for me, is very hard to do). I especially went crazy the last few weeks….in fact the night I went into labour, before bed I was vacuuming the basement floor and I remember saying I would finish it in the morning…well its still not finished and its nearly been 5 months. LOL. I hope you are able to get lots done but ALSO be okay with what can’t get done. 🙂
I also hope things are okay with the baby’s position, and that you can trust God no matter what happens.
Oh and by the way, I wanted to get more cloth pads too for post partum but ended up finding that it would cost a lot more than I expected…I have a stash that will last one menstral cycle but that is not enough for post partum, so I ended up using natracare pads (they even have maternity ones for postpartum and they are natural, in fact they now even carry some of them at my local grocery store) and then switched a few days after to my cloth pads. It wasn’t so much the washing (I was already washing cloth diapers we used right from the start) but the money for something that otherwise would only get used for postpartum times.
1 week away from a scheduled c-section for our 3rd baby. These last couple weeks have been the hardest, wishing I could get more done, but not having the energy or ability to do a lot of it. Trying to let it go so I can enjoy this end of pregnancy and anticipate holding our new little guy very soon. I have appreciated yours and Crystal’s blogs a lot, as it has given me ideas for planning ahead with meals, etc. a little bit more. Also, I’ve realized how basic our babies needs are and don’t require much to be prepared for them. Enjoying the updates.
Your things to do list is quite ambitous! I love that you are going to take a 1 day retreat with God. I hope it is nourishing both physically and spiritually.
You look great! I haven’t posted a comment here in a long while, but have been reading. This pregnancy sure has seemed to fly by. I can’t believe how close to the end of it you are.
I am also pregnant, almost 20 weeks, with our third baby. It’s a very exciting time! I’m glad you mentioned the ergo because I want to get one and was wondering about the infant insert. I noticed that Lindsay at Passionate Homemaking didn’t care for the infant insert either.
We are also having a little problem figuring out how to fit three car seats in the back of our car! I hope you can fit them in yours..it will be a full back seat 🙂
Take care! I hope you continue to feel well.
Stacy
I don’t have any stories exactly like those, but I would love to be pregnant! Not now necessarily. I’ve only just weened my little girl (like I may or may not nurse again in the next couple days.)
If I had my way I’d be pregnant sometime in the fall, but my sweet husband is content not to have any more children. This is something I have (and let’s be honest–continue to) struggled with, as I long for a large family with however many babies the Lord would allow.
I don’t share this to complain, but hopefully to encourage your readers in the same situation. I’ve come to understand recently my need to submit to my husband in this area. For me this means not hoping that he will change his mind or that God will “override” the decision. For me, not hoping to have more children means letting go of all the baby gear and clothes “just in case” there is a next time. It’s not easy… and I have relapses and need to fall back at the feet of Jesus to lay down my burden and lift His (as His is so much lighter).
I’m so excited for you as you anticipate your third, and for all you other ladies who are awaiting yours or enjoying those tiny babies. For the rest of us though, God does lead through our husbands and I’m learning to accept God’s will through the guidance of my husband in this area the same as I would have to if God “closed up my womb.”
Many Blessings!
Babychaser
re. cloth pads, D.M., who we both know, has a friend named Laura L. who also lives here in town and makes and sells beautiful baby slings. She could easily make you some pads, I am guessing, and may have the time to do it. DM could give you her number or email address, or I could, if you email me at the address I use to post. Good for you for using cloth pads! So much better for the environment and for you!
Thanks Sarah. Actually, the girl I’m getting to do it is also friends of Laura L. Small world, right? 🙂
Out of curiousity, what pattern of denby dishes are you selling? It doesn’t happen to be the energy pattern is it? (or at least I think that’s what it’s called).
all the best as you get ready to welcome a new life into your family!
Sorry Katherine, but it’s actually a discounted set called “Shamrock”. Wish I could help you out!
That’s supposed to say “discontinued”. 🙂
You look so radiant in that picture! I admire you for having a to do list and getting most of it done before your little one is born. Please do let us know how you like the Math-U-see program. This our first year homeschooling and I have had the hardest time picking out a math curriculum and finally settled with Horizons math. Not sure how that will work for us, but we’ll see. Just a tip on those cloth pads: I have had friends who used a newborn sized prefold for the postpartum period. Just fold it in three and use. Sounds weird, but it would save on having a huge stash of pads that may not be needed. I am glad that I found your blog and I will definately try out that ice cream recipe!
Thanks for sharing your list! I am 4 weeks behind you with #2 and starting to feel the time crunch. I know I need to get going on the house things because once that garden produce starts coming in….all bets are off! I have already been seeking out helpers once the baby comes so I can (maybe?) get my fall canning done. I too love the idea of a retreat day- fabulous thought! Thank you for all the work you put into your posts; it is always an encouragement.
Wow, Stephanie! It looks like you have a lot going on (exciting stuff!). You look so cute pregnant. 🙂 I hope the baby turns for you and that the ultrasound turns out great.
Love yah!
(and good luck on the home business, sounds great!)
Thanks for inspiring me to make yet another list as I reach the 32 week mark. I think the #1 priority on my list will be an overnight by myself. As I near 40 and anticipate #4, I am longing for a focussed retreat. We use Math-U-See and love it. Excellent choice. I doubt you will be disappointed.
You are such an inspiration on so many levels!!
My husband and I went through something similar to what Babychaser was describing. The Lord saw fit to soften my husband’s heart to want more children and this fall we will start trying for another baby!
My last 2 pregnancies were very physically trying and I did not take care of myself the way I should of. I have enjoyed reading about how you have prepared your body and your home for the addition of another baby!
We might be months away from actively trying to conceive but because of your example I have have started to prepare my body for the “hopeful” upcoming marathon! I am researching midwifes in our area in the hope that I can switch from my OB. I am looking more closely at what we eat, the products we use, the vitamins and supplements that I take. I have also started exercising and taking care of myself better. As a couple we are starting to come up with financial goals and a new budget to implement if we are so blessed with another baby.
It has been a joy to watch you through this pregnancy! Thank you for sharing it with us!
You look beautiful!
I forgot to mention yesterday that I also don’t like the infant insert in the ergo. I also have found it good only from about 3-4 months (when the baby has good head control, this varies, mine are early). My first baby practically lived in the ergo until about 15 months. I found the best carrier for the newborn to 3-4 months period (and even beyond, but it excels mostly at the new baby stage) is the moby wrap. I LOVE ours. I also have two slings (pouch and ring sling) but find they hurt my shoulders and back and don’t feel very secure to me.
As I’m 30 weeks pregnant (with our fifth baby), I enjoyed reading this post! It’s always fun to see what other expecting mothers have on their to-do list. 🙂 My list looks a lot like yours, and it is several pages long…I probably won’t finish everything, but I’m going to try!
I also have a list of things to make to put in the freezer. One thing I always like to have in the freezer after a birth is whole grain breads (regular bread, muffins, etc.). It’s so nice to have something nourishing that you can grab to snack on quickly in those first few days & weeks.
Our baby seems to be in a similar position to yours. I had an ultrasound earlier in the pregnancy and it was found that I had a partial placenta previa. I’ve been continuing to see my midwife and hoping for another home birth (our other four were all born at home). I have an ultrasound scheduled at 32 weeks to see if the placenta is in a more favorable position.
I’ll be praying for you as you near your due date!
You look great! I wished I looked like that when I was pregnant. You are all belly! 🙂 Best wishes!
You look so cute!! Wow, getting close, huh?! You are just a little behind me. I’m right at 35 weeks now. I am so glad you are feeling well and baby is doing great! I was wondering if you have any advice for me, or books to read or anything that might help me get through my first natural delivery?? Please send me an email when you get a chance! Maybe I’ll do a post asking my other readers for their advice as well. I haven’t taken any sort of classes or read a single book… I guess I need to do something before baby comes!
It has been interesting reading some of your blog. I like it. May the Lord bless you.