Pregnancy Journey - The BIG 30!

Hey hey hey!

Today I am 30 weeks pregnant!  It feels like a big milestone to be into the 30's.  I know I still have a few months to go, but the reality that we will soon have a baby boy in our lives is setting in and I am so freaking excited.  I cannot wait to meet him and get to know him.  That being said, I still want him to cook for a while longer.  

 

Weight:  My guess would be 20 pounds gained.  Holy cow!

Lincoln was apparently distracted by a squirrel or his tennis ball..much more important stuff!

Body:    Sometimes I go to get dressed and don't realize how much my body has changed.  Just the other morning I put on a non-maternity dress thinking it would fit fine and it looked ridiculous!  I truly love my growing belly though.  The number on the scale can be a little scary, but I try not to focus on it.  I know it takes 25-30 extra pounds just to give the baby everything he needs, so I like to think about it that way.

Clearly my belly button is popping out!

I'm still experiencing heart burn.  Sometimes not at all and then some nights before I go to sleep it's quite bothersome.  Luckily when I wake up in the morning though it has subsided.  My skin has still been really good, but I have noticed a few more blemished pop up.  Nothing I can't cover with a little makeup, but I went weeks with perfectly clear skin, so I notice it a bit now.

Cravings:  Well since I'm eating all the time, I'm just loving real food.  Grains, beans, fruit, veggies, tofu, tempeh, chocolate, shakes...  Smoothies are still a big hit.  I have to make sure I get a solid serving of protein at breakfast to start the day out right. 

Sleep:  I get up to use the bathroom more frequently in the night now, but luckily I've been able to fall back asleep quickly.  Getting comfortable is tricky business as I'm rolling from side to side throughout the night.   

Lincoln and Jax loving life.  This is after our hike and playing in the lake and with other pups.

Best Moment(s): It was such a beautiful weekend.  We tried the Thai restaurant by our house on Friday night which had tons of vegan options.  I love when restaurants label which dishes can be made vegan.  Saturday was filled with working on the yard and enjoying the sunshine.   And Sunday just rocked.  We grocery shopped then I made my first batch of Glo Bars (oats, brown rice krispies, sesame seeds, chia seeds, coconut, PB, brown rice syrup, and a few chocolate chips).  They are truly the best granola bar I've ever had and I will make them weekly for now on.  Such a nutritious and filling snack.

Our neighbors told us about some trails and lake close by our home.  Only 15 minutes away and we had no idea this place existed.  We hiked a bunch in the woods and Lincoln got to swim in the lake.  I've never seen a dog have so much fun.  Jax is totally disinterested in the water, but liked playing with the other dogs.  My husband and I certainly got a solid workout hiking.  Sunday night we headed out to the Rusted Root concert.  It was a spontaneous thing because we just bought tickets Friday night and I'm so glad we did!  It was an outdoor concert and the music was fantastic.  I was definitely tired Monday morning though.  Totally worth it.  It was our baby boy's first concert!

 We had our second birthing class last Thursday night.  We learned all about the first symptoms of labor and what to expect.  We watched a few more births as well.  I really have not made solid decision about whether I will need an epidural or any other sort of medication to get me through the labor process.  My first choice is to get by completely natural though.  That being said, I cannot predicts how labor will go for me, so I'm not taking anything off the table.  With each birthing class, I gain more confidence in my ability though.

Once again, the BEST PART of birthing class was when the teacher had the coaches give the moms a massage.  I got a killer back and shoulder massage from my husband.  It was definitely the most relaxed and peaceful I had felt all week.  It had been a long busy work day and it was so nice to just sit still, listen to the peaceful music that our teacher plays, and let all the tension leave my body.  Definitely something I can imagine doing while I'm dealing with tough contractions.  Now we just need to make a playlist of good music.

Last Friday's work outfit.  Maternity dress from Old Navy.  I wore a cardigan over it to work.

I stopped at the grocery store on lunch last week and it was at a really big Wegmans that I never go to anymore, so I had to hit up the bulk section.  I picked up some dark chocolate covered almonds and some organic granola.  When I was checking out, the cashier asked me if I was having some cravings.  And then I realized that she could tell that I was pregnant!  I know that's a funny thing to say, but for a long time I wasn't sure if people who didn't know me could tell that I was pregnant.  It was a happy moment.

Goals:  I want to pack our hospital bag soon.  Also, I'd like to pack a food bag too - juice boxes, granola bars, peanut butter, wheat bread...  I'm not sure when (or if) I'm allowed to eat during labor, so I'll have to find that out. 

My work baby shower is tonight!  After this week I'm going to take stock of any crucial items we need and go get them.  At 30 weeks, I'm really feeling great and I'm so thankful for that.  10 weeks to go, baby boy!