Baby Bear Diaries- 3rd Trimester! (Part 1)

Week 29

Grace,

We are soooo excited to meet you! Every week it gets more and more real (and I also get more and more nervous!). To calm my nerves a bit, Andrew and I decided to take a class through the hospital. It covered so many good topics, including stages of labor, breathing and relaxation techniques, possible medical interventions, breastfeeding, and so much more. Since it was a one-day class, we were pretty exhasted by the end.

We did, however, get to tour the hospital at the end of the class. I feel like having physically walked through the hospital and seen where I will be at certain stages of labor and delivery really helped me feel more prepared. So I left the class very satisfied with all I had learned.

Andrew, unfortunately, came away from the class a little....traumatized. haha. The instructor showed us some videos, and Andrew was shocked to see not one but THREE births. He had been so happy in his blissful ignorance before this class, but now that pleasant little bubble has burst. Even so, I think he too came away from the class with important knowledge of how he can best help me through labor and in the first few weeks after. It was good for both of us.

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Week 30

Wow, I feel like my belly is SO BIG, yet I know that you are going to be growing exponentially in these last months.  We had a doctor's appointment this week, and everything is looking good. I really haven't gained any weight (I am definitely not complaining about that), but I have wondered if you would see any negative effects. The doctor quelled any fears for me. She said that as long as I am eating enough, my stomach is measuring how it should, and I can feel you move regularly, everything is fine. 
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Well, baby girl, let the growing continue!

Week 31

This week we finished your bedroom! I am in love with it! I love the color pop from the flower-elephant painting, the girly spunkiness of the turquoise polkadot drapes, the inviting comfort of the rocking chair, and the little blankets folded around the room that cannot wait to snuggle you up.

All the room needs now is a little baby to brighten up the space. For now, I sit in the rocking chair daily (usually to read my scriptures and then engage in a little mother-daughter, one-sided conversation). I take the time to talk to you and feel you squirm. I speculate about our future together, and I cherish these quiet moments to focus on the fact that I am a mom already!

Week 32

Tis the season for baby showers! 

First, some friends and faculty at Sunset Ridge Middle School surprised me with a baby shower on Wednesday. They even invited Andrew, which was a fun surprise. We celebrated with some cake, pink decorations, and presents. I really love the people I work with, and it will be tough to leave them after this school year.

Then, I was able to go to California for Spring Break and celebrate with friends and family there. My mom and sisters hosted a baby shower for me. It was the picture of perfection, complete with beautiful decorations, delicious food, great conversations, and (surprisingly) really fun games! I am usually not a "games at shower" person, but I have to admit that my mom did a great job at keeping the party fun yet flowing smoothly. Some of the activities included:

• a "lotto" type scratch and win game
• a race to finish a children's puzzle
• making a baby out of play dough
• decorating a onesie 
• gift bingo

Gracey, all I can say is: We are both VERY loved. Everyone is so excited for our little family to grow. They keep telling me how your arrival will just transform our lives, and I am so excited for that day to arrive. Already, I feel like I am a different woman than I was before, and I hope to be a good mom to you.

Week 33

Gracie Bear,

I keep accidentally claiming that I am at week 37. Yikes! I must be excited to meet you.  But let's not rush things. You stay cooking right where you are, and I'll continue to nest and prepare for your arrival. I love you!

Heart,
Your Mama Bear