Things are a’changing

Week 21

Last week I told you about a car accident that claimed the life of a 13-year-old girl and injured her brother. This week the 16-year-old boy died. I feel so bad for the family that is suffering another great loss. The 16-year-old was able to help other families, though. Several of his organs, including his eyes and skin, were donated.

I finally got to see my friends that had a baby girl (two weeks ago). Mom is battling high blood pressure and calcium deficiencies, but she looks great. The baby now weighs over four pounds and is doing well. So…what is going to happen to our annual camping trips? They had a girl and we’re having a boy. Andrew and the girl’s father are talking about an arranged marriage. I don’t know about that. Didn’t I say recently that my child is never going to date?

I have felt strong kicks on three or four occasions now. Andrew was so excited when he got to feel our baby move. He had been anxiously waiting for that. Patterns of movement seem to be developing. He is active mid-morning and when I’m going to bed. I have been expecting those kicks to be strong enough to wake me up some night soon.

I was worried this week as I noticed less squirming around in my belly. My best friend is an ER nurse. We paid a visit to her at work. She wasn’t busy at the time so she used the Doppler to check baby’s heart rate. It was very reassuring to hear that sound. You can buy or rent a Doppler to hear your baby’s heartbeat at home. By now, even a stethoscope should work.

My usual gym routine is growing increasingly difficult. I didn’t expect there to be such big changes for a few more weeks. I keep reminding myself that this is only temporary. At least it is finally getting warm out. It was 83 today. It has been so great to be able to walk outside more regularly. I bought a DVD of Pilates routines specifically designed for expectant women. As I’m lifting lighter weights, I’m going to focus on this now. I haven’t tried it yet, but now that I’ve told you, I’ll have to do it! I’ll let you know my opinion next week.

This weekend there was something called “Two Bit Days,” downtown. There were sidewalk sales, food, music, and street vendors of all sorts. It wasn’t that exciting, but something to do. I know you aren’t suppose to eat soft-serve ice cream, but I did anyway. There is a small risk of listeria. Lunchmeats, salad bars, and hot dogs are also on the no-no list. I had a hot dog at a bonfire that night, too. It’s hard to do everything you should!

My family left Saturday for a family reunion in Tennessee. I wish I could’ve gone! They are going to a beautiful state park for all kinds of fun, games, and relaxation. Andrew and I are saving our vacation time (and funds) for when baby comes. We are still planning on a couple of mini-vacations. We can’t let a summer go by without a camping trip or two.

In the next four weeks baby’s weight will almost double. Protein and calcium are especially important now. Baby’s body is also becoming better proportioned. Compared to an adult, a baby’s head will still be much larger in proportion to its body. The chances of having identical twins are 1 in 250.

Please view my other blogs:

• 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

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