Just wanted to start this post by saying a huge thank you to all of you who signed and shared the petition from yesterday. Plus all the wonderfully thoughtful birthday wishes. It made my day incredibly special. If you missed yesterday’s post, please sign and share this petition to help my friend with a debilitating condition. She really is amazing and I want to do anything I can to help her.
Anyway, this week was pretty low key, which was actually nice. Joel and I had no plans for the whole weekend, other than our regularly scheduled Bradley Method class on Sunday night. That meant a lot of lazing around and soaking up some of our last times together before our world is rocked by this little guy inside me.
Bliss. Seriously.
Joel is getting more comfortable with talking to our little guy through my belly. It took him awhile, which is understandable honestly. I mean, if I want to talk to Baby Boy I can be as goofy or silly or serious as I want in privacy. Joel on the other hand has to talk to him in front of me. I can see how it would be awkward to know what to say. I generally try to be quiet and let them have their own time but we were trying to get Baby Boy to move for a video (seriously, it looks like alien sometimes already) and I managed to snap this during that time. It’s completely candid, he thought the video’s focus was on my belly and he certainly didn’t know I was taking a picture within the video.
My heart practically explodes when I see it.
This kid is so strong. I know I mentioned it last week but it still surprises me. The other day he poked his head out so far into my hand it actually made me gasp out loud. Seriously, I’m surprised I couldn’t see his facial expression. He is also quite opinionated. He goes nuts after I take a shower. Not sure if the hot water wakes him up or he’s protesting it ending or he likes the massages he gets when I lotion my belly but no matter what time of day he has some of his most active times after I take a shower. His other most active time is when I go to bed. He often has strong opinions about which way I lie down. He has protested me laying on my left or right side so hard that I’ve had to roll over. Sometimes neither side is okay with him. Of course I’m not supposed to lie flat on my back and the whole, one hip propped up with a pillow position, can really kill my back. So going to sleep at night is… fun. Thankfully he has yet to really wake me up from kicking. My bladder takes care of the waking me up part.
My lower back has been feeling better thanks to this sexy thing.
I know, down boys.
But seriously, if you’re pregnant and experiencing lower back and hip pain I highly recommend purchasing one. My pain was to the point of me barely being able to walk by night time, and that’s when I took it easy during the day. Joel’s nickname for me is Ducky and let’s just say I earned it with my pregnant “swagger.” With this belt things have gotten way better. I didn’t wear it yesterday and I noticed a huge difference. I only wear it around the house because it’s a bit uncomfortable without a layer of clothing between it and my skin and it’s not exactly the fashion statement I want to make. Still, it’s been a lifesaver. This is the one I have. This isn’t sponsored and that’s not an affiliate link, my mom gave it to me for Christmas. I just really like it so I thought I’d pass on the information.
This weekend should be a lot of fun. I’m going out tonight with Joel to celebrate my birthday (since he had work and school all. day. long. yesterday) and tomorrow I’m celebrating with my family. Because just one celebration for my birthday? Psh.
katemoore04
I used one of those too! One thing that can also help is if you want to sleep on your side use a body pillow. Place it in front of you, with your head at the top, place your belly on top of he pillow and then place the end of the pillow between your knees. This will help a lot, it was the only way my boys would let me sleep on my side:). I was on bed rest for 4 months total between my two boys and both of my pts recommended he body pillow. It works really well. Also a balance ball if you are going to sit up straight for more then 30 mins or so. That will help your lower back as well, and when you are closer to the end it will help open your pelvis. You are doing great and look great!! Hang in there!!
abigail
Thanks for the advice about the balance ball. I was thinking of trying it so it’s good knowing it helped you.
Amber
Hope you have (well I guess, its “had” now, since I am a bit late catching up on my favorite blogs) an awesome birthday, filled with all things wonderful! Are you carrying pretty low? With LW (my first), I carried him ridiculously low the entire pregnancy and combined with being on my feet all day as a nurse, my back was about to snap in half by night… But NK (my second), I carried higher and my back didn’t bother me as much. Anyways, glad you found relief in the support belt! Maybe try wearing a cami between it and your top, for when you go out in public? Just a suggestion 😉 Love the pic of the Mr. with your belly… to precious for words. Have a lovely weekend, girl! (Sorry I always blow up your comment section with my ridiculously long comments, haha)
Amber
too*
abigail
I don’t really know if I’m carrying low… No one has said one way or the other and I don’t really have anything to compare it to. I already had low back pain issues before the pregnancy though so I think either way I was doomed, haha.
Melisa Wells
Those pictures are adorable. (all of them!)
Happy belated birthday! Enjoy these last weeks of being just a couple!
abigail
Thanks! We definitely are soaking up every second we can with each other.