The ups and downs

From the day we found out we were pregnant, I have thought about this little baby. At the beginning, it was wondering if baby was a boy or girl. As we read about the developments of Baby T with each passing week, I think about what color hair she will have, whose nose and lips she'll inherit and if she will be blessed with my freckles or Phil's amazing eyes. And while I know she needs to stay inside for about 40 weeks, I anxiously wait for the day that I can physically hold her and cuddle her.  This past week was the first time that I wished I could keep her growing inside and keep her safe.
The week started off with a downer, as I had my first experience with sliding off of the interstate. On Sunday, I was on my way down to Sioux Falls to coach a meet and about a mile after getting on the interstate, I hit a patch of ice and down into the median I went. Thankfully, I was fine and the car was fine. And the first thing I did was to sit still and pray that Baby T moved (and then immediately breathe a sigh of relief when I felt movement). Continue with the rest of the week, which included finishing projects for school and completing grading for my first class that I taught as a grad assistant. And of course, this was the week that I had some conflicts at swimming, so it seemed like the week had hit it's low. And then enter Friday. I'm sure you all have heard about the shooting in Connecticut and it was something that brought me to tears. Phil and I have prayed for this baby for almost 2 years and now that we have her, Friday was the first moment that truly scared me of being a parent. Never in my life would I think about elementary school being anything other than a safe and fun environment. I was in high school when the shootings at Columbine happened and I had just graduated college when the tragedy at Virginia Tech occured. I felt I was old enough to process those events, but now I realize that  while I thought I understood those events, I was still a child. I'm going to be 29 on Monday and while I can't define being an adult with a specific age, I do think that certain life events can move you from childhood into adulthood. Back then, I didn't have a lot of financial responsibilities. I now have bills and a mortgage. Back then, I had to think about homework and papers. Now I have to think about insurance and wills. Back then, I could stay up past 10pm. These days, I love being in bed at 9:30p in order to get up at 5 for morning practice. Back then, I was experiencing 'first love' and learning that sometimes your heart has to hurt in order to grow. Now, I am experiencing a new first love and sometimes my heart will continue to hurt.
People always say that kids grow up too quickly and you should cherish each moment with them. With the responsibility of growing this baby, I am loving each movement, each moment that Phil gets to feel a kick and each new development. So while I am so happy that Baby T is growing and doing well, I am wanting to have a selfish childish moment and keep this baby all to myself. I don't want her to grow up and leave the safety of her temporary home in my belly. It's the task that every parent must face-- how do you let your child grow while still keeping them close?
There will be so many lessons that we will learn in the upcoming months and years. Phil and I are blessed to have amazing parents that have instilled great values and morals in us, so hopefully we can pass those on to our child(ren). So while I wish I can keep this little girl in my arms forever, I know I am going to let her go and grow. While we will teach her many life lessons, I know she will teach me a thing or two as well.

 

I am now 24 week and rounding the corner to the last trimester. Baby T is about 8.5 inches long and weighs a little over 1 pound. Her body is rapidly growing and she's continuing to hit milestones.  My belly button is still an 'innie,' but looks pretty close to popping. I am still feeling good and have been able to maintain a pretty steady schedule. At our pregnancy class the other night, we got in groups and talked about common pregnancy symptoms at this point in the pregnancy. I definitely have the heartburn (and the OTC meds to help) and have experienced a few leg cramps at night. With my scoliosis, my back has always been a bit tight and sore, so that's not anything new. I have treated myself to a few massages in the past 4 months and I see my chiroporactor once a month. Thankfully, not much else, so I would be one happy momma if that continues! 

 

 At our pregnancy class, we got some handouts for 'real life' pictures of how baby looks each month. So for 24 week, here's what Baby T kind of looks like :)

 

We have a to-do list for the next four weeks, as we will continue to talk about names, register for baby items, paint the nursery, look at daycare places, take the awesome glucose test, send out our Christmas cards, and continue to talk about how things will change once this little lady is here. So, while 16 weeks may seem so far away, I know it's going to sneak up on us very quickly!