28 Weeks, 1 Day (ish)

James is continuing to grow stronger, develop more brain cells (I'm convinced he's just taking mine, though), putting on more weight in the form of body fat, and his eyelashes have come in. Matt has incredible eyelashes (sorry, honey, but it's true!) so I bet James will have lovely eyelashes, as well. His senses are continuing to develop and his ability to hear and sense light are improving. I also notice that when I move he is more active, so his sense of motion must be getting better. That's not a good thing for middle of the night potty trips, because then it's hard to get him to calm down again. Is this a sign of what's to come? We might be in trouble!

We're in the 28th week now (or 29th, if the due date is changed), so either way we are definitely in the third trimester now. :)

Based on his kicks and movements, I believe he spends most of his time with his feet down and head near all my organs that he's smushing aside or sideways. I haven't felt kicks or punches in my ribs for a while. I hope this doesn't mean that he will be breech baby! He kicked me right as I typed that...what is he trying to say? :) His kicks are continuing to get stronger and are quite painful in certain areas. I feel pressure on my stomach/diaphragm/lungs, so either his head is up higher or my uterus has grown so much that my organs are just moving up more. Or both, I guess.

James is about 2 1/4 pound right now (not true, but we'll just go with what the baby development websites say) and almost 15 inches. 15 inches!!! He's about 75% there, lengthwise. Good job, James. He's the size of a Chinese Cabbage (we are politically correct on this blog...but really, that's what the website says-a Chinese Cabbage, not any old regular cabbage):

Or an Eggplant:

I've always found eggplant to be such a strange looking food. 

I enjoy eating it, but it is just so...strange. 

One awesome thing about his movements/kicks is that Matt can feel them very easily now. The other morning he felt them for about 15 minutes and couldn't believe how wiggly James was! He thinks he plays the drums in utero. I think he's right. When Matt's parents were in town Saturday they both got to feel James, which was awesome. Eric felt him and said that now the pregnancy is confirmed. We weren't lying after all! Ha. So funny. Maria started tearing up. I know my momma is really looking forward to being able to feel James when she visits in March. Last time she was here I was 15 weeks pregnant so she couldn't feel him (and I could barely feel him).

Speaking on Saturday...I had lunch plans to meet with Matt's cousin and my friend Danielle, at Olive Garden. I arrived 20 minutes early, because I can't be late to something even if I try, and almost ruined their big surprise of a a baby shower! It was Danielle, Dee (Maria's sister, Danielle's mom), and Maria. It was so nice of them and quite lovely. We are so spoiled already! James is going to be one well taken care of baby. Danielle and Dee live down here in VA Beach, and won't be able to make it to the shower in March. It was nice to spend time with them and catch up. Plus, James loves the Tour of Italy (Matt gets the lasagna).

My heartburn and acid reflux have been much worse this past week, so I started sleeping sort of sitting up. That hurts my back, but if I lie down the reflux is worse. It's a no-win situation. I've also been nauseous and vomiting frequently, which ties in to my increased levels of fatigue. I feel like I could just sleep all day sometimes. With Matt working nights and sleeping during the day, I find myself lying in bed with him reading while he is sleeping. Sometimes I fall asleep. I'm so lucky to be able to sleep during the day and not work right now. Working would also add major stress that I don't want to add!

This is an interesting article on stress during pregnancy: How to Ruin a Royal Pregnancy. I've been trying to keep my stress levels low. This isn't to say that pregnant women should be worshiped or not have to lift a finger, but it's nice to remember that a pregnant woman goes through a lot both emotionally and physically, and it's best to minimize the stress or anxiety she feels. Mood swings don't always follow that logic, unfortunately. I have been more emotional than usual this week. Poor Matt (and my mom).

Cassie and Zach's baby girl, Emerson Rian, was born on Saturday, February 16, at 8:32 PM. YAY! We are so happy for them and their beautiful family. She weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 20 inches long. She made her mom work hard, but it was worth it! She is a very happy and alert baby with a beautiful head of blonde hair. Cassie said she didn't cry at all when she was born (but was very alert and healthy).

I love her little expression here! Cassie posted this on facebook after her first bath. What a trooper! I think she looks like her mommy. 

I took a Lamaze class yesterday (and am taking the second part tomorrow). It's interesting, and I really like the instructor. There are some things I could go without learning about (like the hook they use to break a woman's water) but it's good information. There are two other women in my class. I'm leaning towards getting an epidural, but figure learning breathing and visualization techniques can't hurt. Plus, the class is free, so why not? I sat on an exercise ball and it felt sooo good. Might need to get one of those for labor! Also, I want a plastic or wooden back massager...something like this. I think I'll add this to the registry, actually. I'm going to need to start packing my hospital bag soon. Woohoo! 

I hope everyone has a great week! 

Much love from our family to yours. <3