32 Weeks

I have officially reached 32 weeks in this pregnancy.  While I'm feeling large and slow, overall, I am feeling pretty well.  Currently the biggest hassle is the heart burn. I went straight from nausea to heartburn and all I can hope is that this baby comes out with a crazy full head of hair! (It is an old wives tail that heartburn = hair)

There have been lots of funny comments made, especially by our little man.  While the all day morning sickness was going on, when I got sick he would ask if the baby was choking me.  That was his understanding of me getting sick while not really being sick like with the flu.

Yesterday at my midwife appointment he attempted to take over the appointment explaining to the midwife all that was going on. He began the moment she walked in the door. He eyed the Doppler in her hand and insisted she turn it down! He repeated his request until he was satisfied that she had completely complied. Then he explained that he calls the baby Buddy and pointed out on the poster to her where our baby is in terms of development.  As I tried to let her know of my efforts to stay active, by walking the girls to school and hiking home everyday, it's about 2.5miles round trip and I push a stroller, little man spoke up again.

"yea, mom is all sweaty when we get home"

Giggles from the midwife.

"and when were walking she breathes like this" demonstrates my heavy breathing.

More giggles from the midwife who then tries to come to my defense and explains that the baby is squishing my lungs and it is hard to breathe.

Sweetness spoke up and asked if she could turn on the Doppler when we went to listen to the heart beat, the midwife gladly let her and let her control the volume as well.  The girls have had their questions and before the midwife came into the room we discussed the various posters and what they were teaching us and a quick lesson on internal anatomy  seemed to answer most of their curiosity yesterday.

About a month ago we had to start making a list of rules for the baby.  This is how it went:

Little man, "Mom, when your baby boy comes out of your tummy, I'm going to pick him up and hide him!" said with a huge smile and enthusiasm.
Me, "Oh? Where are you going to hide him" I smartly asked feeling like this would be useful information.
Little man, "In the toy room, with the stuffed animals!" A smile showing how proud he is of himself.
Me, "And why are you going to hide him in the toy room with the stuffed animals?" more out of curiosity for me than anything at this point.
Little Man, "SO WE CAN PLAY HIDE AND SEEK!" he couldn't contain himself any more he was so excited!

I took a short pause and considered how wonderful it is that at 3 years old our little man wants to include his baby brother in fun and games and understands that he won't be able to on his own and has made a plan to include him.  After that very short moment I switched gears.

I switched gears from the cool collected momma to drill Sargent momma.  Okay, let's talk about the rules:
1. NO PICKING UP THE BABY! EVER!! Only Mommy or Daddy can pick up the baby!
2. NO HIDING THE BABY! ANYWHERE!! EVER!!!

Thankfully he has internalized and repeated these rules to others. He happily tells people that he calls the baby Buddy, then follows up sadly with Mom said no hiding the baby. (or sometimes he says he's not allowed to pick him up).

Each of the kids like to take turns reading to the baby. It's a great way to start those connections, get their reading time in and the bonus, I get cuddle time too.  Little man always remembers to show him the pictures. The girls seem to understand that that's not necessary.

The girls are trying to help pick out a name.  We never told them they got a say, but it is fun to hear what they come up with.  We have, once again, ruled out Brian.  It's a wonderful name, but at some point Brian Ryan might attack us in our sleep.  ;) Sorry Sweetness, he will also not be a Zach of any form.

I am anxious for some relief from this heat, hoping that I might have a bit more energy and I can start pulling out, cleaning up, and organizing the baby gear and clothes.  Each of the kids are currently clamoring to be a roommate with the new baby.  I think to start with, he'll be my roommate.  I have started filling our freezers with side dishes and meals, trying to feel like I'm organized and ready, and at the very least, the family won't go hungry!


On this adventure, we have made it through some scary moments, extra testings, deployments and trips, injuries and germy sickies. Basically, as always, life has continued on very busy and unpredictable and wonderful.  We count our blessings and cherish each precious moment we can.