Physical: From what I’m reading, it’s likely that Bennett is now closer to four pounds and 19 inches long. He definitely seems like he’s gotten longer as I can simultaneously feel him pressing down to the lower left of my belly button and also up into my right ribcage.
At my last OB appointment on Monday, I weighed in at a whopping 150 pounds. That’s about 25 pounds I’ve gained, give or take, in seven months. Truthfully, I don’t feel like I’ve gained that much… Until I look at my thighs anyhow. Thank goodness for my support hose keeping me smooth and firm! Based on the last couple of appointments, it seems that I’m in for about a pound a week until Bennett is born.
It was so nice catching my second wind this week compared to last! I definitely feel more alert and am wondering if my previous tiredness was due to Bennett’s positioning.
I’m going to attempt to start wearing a belly band to support my growing belly. The other day when I was walking Esther, I felt a slight muscle strain in my lower belly. It was uncomfortable enough to persuade me to act on this now before times get harder (and I get bigger). They’re supposed to help with lower back pain and with belly support, so here’s hoping that I sail through these last two months!
Emotional: The resurgence of energy has been quite encouraging. Laying around doing nothing can be kinda depressing.
Spiritual:
Dear God,
I pray for Bennett. I pray that in every way, he is a better person than me and Brian. I pray that his health is better than ours ever has been. I pray that he has fewer allergies, fewer ailments and fewer accidents. I pray that his intelligence surpasses our own. I pray that he’s kinder, more generous, more loving, more caring, more successful, friendlier, that he loves you more and, still, I pray that in all of these things he’s also more humble. In short, I pray that he’s a better reflection of Christ than Brian or I have ever been.
Mental: I’m still studying up on vaccinations, trying to understand each one’s purpose and timing, weighing both sides of the arguments and praying for good discernment.
Being that I’ve been so occupied with understanding my body, pregnancy, labor, delivery, pediatricians, vaccinations and possible interventions, I’m thinking that maybe, just maybe, I might need to start studying up on – oh, I don’t know – HOW TO ACTUALLY CARE FOR A NEWBORN!
Feeling a little clueless.
We’re all clueless, unless you come from a large family like your great grandmother, who was the eldest child of 14 siblings. š But, It’s definitely a step up from that, or babysitting.
It’s true what they say about the mother’s natural instinct. š
You’ll be fine … you and Brian already have the nurturing spirit down pat. š
i would like to commend you for having the boldness to publicly share the specifics of your weight gain. i never could do it. maybe because i kept running into people who would tell me that they gained 10 pounds the whole time. or 5. or 3. Seriously. there was someone who gained 3 by the end of it. I loved the prayer you prayed for Bennett. I stole it and used it for Phoenix, just now. sometimes i still dont know how to care for my baby. but he’s still alive. and even gaining weight. so i take it one day at a time and feel that if he’s alive one more day, because of ME, i’ve done ok.
I’m flattered, Abbie. And you’re inspiring.
Motherhood maternity has an awesome belly band. I’m using one for back and hip support. I’ve tried other ones but this is once piece and feels great!
All of that comes naturally. Well most of it anyway. š
only 25 pounds! you go girl .. you’ll be back in shape in no time after delivery…as for me, NOT SO MUCH š
& you’ll know how to take care of him when he’s here. its like a sixth sense.
cant wait to meet Bennett!! <3
That is such a perfect prayer for him. Amen.
He’ll be the combination of the two of you, so he will have additional talents, interests and intelligence just
by this fact alone. He’ll love words and be clued in on sports. He’ll know about landscaping and the art of hairdressing. How well-rounded this child will be!