Welcome 3rd Trimester & Dr's appointments

Welcome 3rd trimester!! It's hard to believe I am already in it. So far, I believe that I am a little behind blogging about my Dr's appointments. Luckily, everything has been very normal and healthy and nothing out of the ordinary. As of my 26 week appointment, Ethan was measuring about a week- week and a half ahead (gonna be tall like Daddy and have a large head like Ryan), but that typically has more to do with growth and size estimates than determining a change in due date at this point in time. My Dr said the first two sonograms at 6-10wks are the best predictors of due date so September 12th is still ours. (Doesn't mean I wouldn't be happy to see him a little early, but still in September) ;)
I have officially gained 10 lbs for this pregnancy as of my 26 week appointment on June 6th, but likely have added another 1-2lbs since then. I definitely believe my belly is beginning to grow quickly, yet I feel weight gain has been slower this pregnancy. Perhaps Ethan plans to put on all the fat in the end. I will have to go back and look at my blogs from my pregnancy with Ryan, but somehow it seems less at this point than I feel it should be. Dr. Daum isn't concerned though, so I will consider it normal as well. I guess it will just make it easier to lose weight as soon as baby Ethan is born! The only big difference I can determine is I was sitting at a desk working 8hrs a day while pregnant with Ryan, but with Ethan I am running around doing errands, playing and chasing Ryan all day long. Perhaps I am burning more calories this time. (I wouldn't be surprised) I have one more 4 week appointment on July 5th, and then I will begin seeing my Dr every two weeks.

My blood pressure has been running normal and thus far no swelling. (YAY!) Last time, it was around 30/31 weeks when I had my first issues off and on with swelling. Also, had my glucose test at my last visit and the results came back normal at 118 or 119 (I don't remember now). Everyone always asks during pregnancy "How are you feeling?". I never really know how to respond because really everything is going fine and I feel great most of the time. I am starting to be a little tired some days as I'm typically waking up once or twice a night now. Sometimes it's hot flashes, bad dreams, other times to use the restroom, and occasionally even Braxton Hicks already. Unfortunately, I am already experiencing Braxton Hicks off and on 3-4 times a day. It is a very weird sensation and I feel it during the day a few times, but it typically only bothers me at night. I suppose my body is trying to remind me what less sleep feels like and prepare me for Ethan's birth. I just wish it would wait another 6 weeks or so to do that. The weight of the baby makes the top of my tummy generally feel sore in the evenings so I will usually lay down for about 15-20 minutes after dinner while Ryan and Mike play. Other than that, really no complaints.

I am thankful to God for another new life and for my health and his. I often take for granted the joys and experiences of pregnancy that are so precious. I am really trying to soak in every kick and movement again this time around and be grateful for each one.  We are uncertain yet if 2 or 3 kids will be our limit so it's even more sentimental. It's hard for me to imagine being done, but who knows how life will be with two rambunctious boys keeping me busy. ;) I am grateful that God has entrusted them to me and hope that I can fulfill his will and desires in mothering them.

Leaving you with a few scriptures that are on my heart this evening:

Psalm 139:13-16- " For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unseen body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

28 wks 1 day