Week 27

Weight gained: 8kg
Feeling: Heavy
Baby stats: 14.5", over 2 lbs

This week in couples class we saw two different births. At first I thought I'd be grossed out/scared of the whole experience, but after watching the videos, I'm feeling more at ease of what's to come. We now know what different things to expect, and learned about all the possible types of pain relief available (VERY important!). Ideally I'd like to have a natural birth with no epidural, but I am open to anything since I really don't know what is going to happen or how much I'll be screaming. Let's just say I'm not limiting myself when it comes to pain control!

"Push, squeeze, rub, thump!" This is what I will be doing during labour... if I remember to. It's what we learned in my active birth class last night. Our instructor teaches us to use stress balls and squeeze or bang them together when there's pain, or use any other forms/objects to distract the pain from overtaking us. Basically, you need to make sure that you have a healthy and positive action (emphasis on ACTION) to have a healthy and positive result. And this entire time I thought that I just laid on the hospital bed until baby popped out. I can actually move (if physically able to, depending on how strong the pain is) during the labour. It isn't called 'labour' for nothing--you gotta work for it!

They say that initial contractions feel like period cramps, and then grow increasingly more painful. But I don't get period cramps, so I'm afraid the pain is going to be unbelievable. I just need to make sure I stay focused and keep reminding myself that the end result will be our beautiful baby!

As the weeks continue, the heaviness of my tummy is becoming more obvious to me. I get tired more easily when out because of its weight, and my legs and feet get more easily tired as well. The other night we were watching the new season of Project Runway (the season has probably finished in the States already), and there's a contestant who said something along the lines of, "When you become a mother of 5, you can easily slide into a daily routine of sweats, so I make it a point to dress up." After she said this, I looked at Vincent and said, "That's what I've become! And I'm not even a mother yet!" So I have taken that as my new motto. Even if I am at home all day, I am going to make an effort to get out of my pj's and look presentable because I am THISCLOSE to becoming a major slob.

Here's a photo of me and baby (from a wedding this weekend)--we're very happy together!


Since the video last week didn't work for anyone, I've uploaded another one below. Here the baby goes ballistic in my belly(mainly in the first 3 secs):


This week's special--Orange Cinnamon Bread:

Delicious on its own and makes the most amazing french toast for brekkie!