5.5 weeks to go There are just about 5.5 weeks left before Sophia's due date. That means that she really is coming soon! We still need to find a dresser and changing table, order diapers and the diaper accessories, hang up the wall decorations and get the rest of the feeding type things (pump and bottles). We've decided that the changing table will go in her bathroom. I think it's just a matter of going and getting these things and I am pretty sure that we can get this done over the weekend.
Next week there is a baby shower at Dean's work and another appointment with our doctor. After that appointment, we will be going every week! I am beginning to wonder if Sophia is going to arrive early or late. Most first babies arrive late and since that would work out better for Dean's leave, I'm hoping for that rather than her coming early, but who knows. We've also got a potential photographer who can come to the hospital, but he will be out of town until the 16th. So there is another reason to hope that she comes a little late. I've also started thinking about how many announcements we are going to need. I don't even want to think about when we are supposed to find time to address and mail everything (and be "we," I mean "I" since my guess is Dean isn't going to want to do that task).
Then there's the logistics of who will visit us when and making sure that they understand that in the first several weeks, what we really need is help to take care of the house so that we can rest when we get a chance. Of course, that probably flies in the face of what most people want to do, which is play with, hold and snuggle Sophia as much as possible (I want to do that too!).
Oh well, I'm sure it will all get figured out!
2008-03-03 (34 weeks)
Parenting Classes Dean and I went to parenting classes and a breastfeeding class this weekend. Some parts were helpful while others were not. It was nice to find out what to expect right after Sophia is born and to learn that the first hour after birth is incredibly important for bonding and beginning breastfeeding. One surprising thing was that every single couple in our parenting class was planning on breastfeeding, a first for our instructor. I guess many people today are coming to the same conclusion that Dean and I did. We were, however, the only couple who plans to use cloth diapers.
All in all, I thought that the breastfeeding class was more helpful than the parenting class, though Dean may have a different opinion. We did get several ideas on how to establish routines for Sophia, and how to recognize when she sets her own routines. I hadn't really thought about routine being important for a baby, but I can understand how it improves their feelings of comfort and safety. In fact, our pediatrician's recommendation on how to put Sophia down for sleep is really all about routine.
I think that I feel a little better equipped to handle those first two weeks home simply because I better understand what I can expect. I am still very excited that Sophia will be here in less than 6 weeks. I can't wait to meet her!
2008-02-29 (33 weeks)
One Benefit of Pregnancy The rally last night was amazing. There were over 11,000 people there and the energy and excitement was palpable. When Senator Obama got to the stage to start speaking, Sophia woke up. She was moving around during most of the time he was giving his speech. I really do think that we saw our next president last night! The picture here is one that Dean took of a little boy who was sitting in front of us holding an Obama sign as Obama was speaking.
Because we were far away, the pictures that we do have of Obama are really grainy. But because I'm pregnant, Dean was able to get us into the ADA section which was much closer than we would have been. Which was good because I was so swollen up from having walked 8 blocks from work and I was able to prop my feet up for most of the time we waited. Now that's a nice benefit of pregnancy!
I had some serious cankles going. In fact, I have had for the last week even if I drink a ton of water and avoid salt in general. I guess it's just part of this stage of pregnancy. I can wear my rings first thing in the morning, but after a couple of hours, my fingers swell up.
Dean and I start our parenting class tonight and finish it up tomorrow. I am sure that a lot of it will be common sense type stuff, but hopefully we will learn some new things. :)
According to Whattoexpect.com, this is what is happening with Sophia this week:
At about 20 inches and five and a half pounds (but with about five more weeks to grow), most of your baby's growth over the next month or so before you meet will be in weight (with a gain of anywhere from one pound to several), not height (baby's pretty much reached the in utero limit in that department). Accordingly, fat continues to accumulate at a rapid pace these days (on baby, not just on your hips). Back in the middle of your pregnancy, your baby's weight was made up of only two percent fat; now that percentage has soared to closer to 15 percent (and will increase to 30 percent at term). Which means your baby's once skinny arms and legs are now quite plump…and irresistibly, squeezably soft. Also continuing to grow at an amazing pace is your baby's brain power. Luckily, the part that surrounds that amazing brain — the skull — remains soft. And for good reason: A soft skull will allow your baby to squeeze more easily through the birth canal. (Mother Nature was really thinking this one through — imagine trying to push out a rock-hard head…ouch!)
2008-02-28 (33 weeks)
Yes We Can! Tonight Dean and I are going to the rally for Barak Obama here at the Fort Worth Convention Center. The Arena in the FWCC seats 13,500 and I imagine that many people will be there. Hopefully I will get there in time! Dean is heading to the convention center around 4:00 and doors open at 6:00. I will be walking to the Convention Center from work (about 8 blocks) with a stop to get some dinner for us after I get off work at 5:30.
It is so exciting to be a part of this movement- I don't remember anything like this and can only look back to my parents generation for events that may have been similar. Still, it will be nice to tell Sophia as she grows up that she heard President Obama speak in Fort Worth while she was in the womb. No matter who wins the nomination and subsequent election (though we all know who I am placing my bets on) this election season has proven that the White House isn't a good ol' boys club anymore- that women and people of color are welcome. That fact in and of itself makes me proud that Sophia will be born in this year in which all kinds of ceilings will be shattered.
