Our wiggle worm

Week 23

On Monday we attended a retirement party for my best friend’s dad. He had worked at the same company for 30 years. He still used the same lunch box he did when he started that job. My friend put a picture of it on his cake with the words, “Goodbye lunch pail!” It was cute. And tasty!

Maybe it was the cake… or the rhubarb crisp… or the strawberry pie… I certainly indulged this week. Whatever it was I gained another pound! I am up ten pounds since becoming pregnant. I promise I try to eat healthy! The abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables this time of year makes it easier, but I can’t resist baked goods or ice cream.

We’ve started calling this baby Wiggle-Worm because he has been so active. This child definitely has Andrew’s genes. Neither one of them can sit still for five minutes. What am I going to do with two hyper boys?

I’ve also started to feel movement higher up in my abdomen, even above my belly button. I learned that my uterus is now about the size of a soccer ball. I can even see my stomach move when I’m given a strong kick. Wiggle-Worm is also developing a strong grip this month. In fact it is more powerful now than it will be after birth.

Heartburn and swelling are common in pregnancy. My heartburn has transitioned from minor nuisance to major pain. I keep a roll of Tums in my purse and at my desk. I’m still trying to keep my feet elevated whenever possible. The swelling hasn’t been too bad in my feet or ankles yet, I think I notice it more in my hands.

At least I’m not among the 20-50% of pregnant women that get hemorrhoids. Make sure you do your kegels and get enough dietary fiber. Constipation and straining to go to the bathroom may contribute to hemorrhoids. Rectal bleeding should be reported to your doctor.

Buds for baby’s permanent teeth are now coming in. These are high in the gums behind the baby teeth. His nostrils have been plugged until this point, but now they will begin to open.

Andrew’s plans for golfing Saturday were canceled so he told me he was taking me on a surprise date. Andrew borrowed a friend’s 1979 Trans Am and wouldn’t tell me where we were going. It was a beautiful day for a drive in that “Smokey and the Bandit” car.

Despite my inquiries, Andrew wouldn’t tell me his plan. He took me to the zoo! It was a nice surprise. The giraffes were awesome, my favorite. The lions always seem to be sleeping, but they weren’t this time! I’ve never seen them so active. They played and wrestled with one another. I can’t wait to return with my nieces and nephews this summer.

Please view my other blogs:

• Crafting, sports, pilates and…waddling?!
• Things are a’changing!
• It’s a boy!
• Communicating with your big belly
• Keepin’ it all straight
• Terra’s Announcement
• Terra’s Trip to the Midwest
• My Little Secret
• Terra’s First Few Weeks

Please view my profile on Mommy.com here .