Family: Weeks 27-29
Random thoughts/things that Iโve noticed:
-Iโm definitely sloooowwwiwng down. Naps have always been one of my favorite things, and Iโve been indulging pretty often lately on the days that Liv will nap. If I can get a lot of my work done in the morning and at night, during Livโs nap Iโll tie up some loose ends, and crash out. Iโm taking advantage of it before sleep is a distant memory. (I wrote this part of the post before we dropped Livโs napโฆ Now, during โquiet timeโ I get work done, and since sheโs been going to bed much earlier, we crash out earlier too. There are pros and cons with every stage – for this one, it makes the days seem longer- and I never thought Iโd say this, but I like the no nap!)
-I still havenโt been offended this pregnancy, but I guess thereโs still time, especially when Iโm โabout to pop.โ (What does that even mean? Like my belly is going to explode and a baby will appear?) I feel like last time, I got a lot of weird comments from well-meaning strangers about the size of my belly (โAre there TWINS in there?!โ) allllll the time. And this time, nothing. Iโll take it. Everyone has been really kind and wonderful.
-The belly is officially too big to cross my legs. I feel like Iโm constantly splayed out, because thatโs really the only thing that feels comfortable. Tom walked into the living room today to find me completely sprawled out, belly up (with pillows propped under me), on the couch. He said, โNo matter what they do in movies with all of the makeup/costumes/special effects to make actresses look pregnant, they cannot replicate this.โ haha
-The biggest change in the past week is that Iโm officially on โmaternity leaveโ from BODYPUMP and Spin. I miss them so much already, but can tell that I was getting close to my limit. Still teaching barre and it still feels great! Itโs also been fun to take classes again, since my workout schedule is usually 90% classes that I teach. I took Spin and barre last week, in addition to teaching barre, PiYo at-home workouts, and a fun TRX circuit.
Weight gained:
-25 lbs. Last pregnancy, I gained 34 lbs, so I think for this one Iโm on track to gain about the same.
Crazy pregnancy dreams:
Involve dinosaurs. We saw Jurassic World last weekend with some friends, and since then, Iโve been having insane sea monster dinosaur dreams. (For the record, I have this weird fear of dinosaurs. I went on the dinosaur ride at Animal Kingdom years ago and CRIED during the ride haha)
Cravings:
Eggs. Sometimes I have them multiple times a day because itโs one of the few proteins that I crave.
Soft pretzels. Iโve been indulging about once a week with Liv -we share one at Target or at Belmont Park- but I wish I could find a gluten-free version. I looked in the freezer section at Sproutโs and didnโt see anything. Let me know if you have found any! Iโd love to have some here at the house, like at this moment. It sounds so good.
Fruit, especially mango, pineapple, plums and peaches.
Aversions:
Food, especially of the dinner variety, is still kind of meh to me right now. Iโll definitely eat anything you put in front of my face, but nothing sounds particularly delicious at any time, unless itโs pizza, soft pretzels, fruit or chocolate.
Loving:
Having long mermaid hair! I always tell Julie and Monica that I love their long mermaid hair, and would wish that mine would bust past the length plateau itโs been in for so long. It finally started growing when I got preg! I have no plans to hack it off afterwards this time. ๐
Acupuncture and chiropractor visits. Both have been helping with my hip pain quite a bit, and are also extremely relaxing.
Getting pedicures. I usually prefer to paint my own toenails, but since reaching them involves some Cirque du Soleil-style positions, I figured Iโd leave it to the pros until the beeb is here.
Constant baby movements. I talked to the midwife about this, and she said usually you can feel the second baby earlier and more distinctly because you have more room. Little Miss is moving and rolling around all day, and itโs the best thing ever. Iโll gently rub her foot or baby bottom and sheโll push back. Itโs like our own little game, and why I canโt wait to finally meet her and have here here with us, Iโll definitely miss feeling those kicks all day.
Belly button status:
An outie! Iโve never had an outie before, and it feels weird to have a little ball poking out where my innie used to dwell.
Baby-related purchases:
None- Iโve been so immersed in VSD research that I havenโt thought much about gathering supplies. During Amazon Prime day, we did get Livโs little kickboard for the Orbit but I think thatโs it.
To-dos:
-Get the nursery together. We figured that we need to do it now because time is flying!
-Wash all of the newborn and infant items we saved from Livi and pick up some necessities (like burp cloths, diapers, swaddles, pajamas and breastfeeding supplies).
-Pack up a hospital bag. Thank goodness for the Push Pack! Iโll just add some other necessities to the suitcase like pajamas and going home outfits. (Getting closer, Iโll add some Shot Bloks and coconut water for labor + bars, dried fruit and jerky.)
Looking forward to:
-Our fetal echocardiogram. Iโve made a list of questions since our original diagnosis, so Iโm excited for the opportunity to see our baby again, and also get a better idea of whatโs going on (how big the hole is, and the plan from now on). Thankfully everything was approved and our appointment is set, so just praying it miraculously heals before then. Thank you again for all of your heartwarming comments, prayers, and kind words. I appreciate you so much. <3
-Visiting Tucson!! It will be our last family trip as 3 1/2, and I canโt wait to see the fam.
xoxo
Gina
Past pregnancy #2 updates:
So, I’m definitely with you on the dinosaur thing. I’ve had crazy dino dreams since I was a kid and have never been able to get over it. I went to Universal Studios a couple of summers ago and cried on the Jurassic Park boat ride, because I was convinced being an adult had cured me. Nope! On the fence about Jurassic World because of my Chris Pratt love, but I’ve abstained for now… As always, sending healthy preg prayers your way!!
You look fantastic! Enjoy (as much as possible) pregnancy has a way of flying by and dragging on at the same time!
thank you! yes, that’s so true!
At nearly 35 weeks I’m being asked constantly now if I’m “about to pop.” I still have 5 weeks to go so it’s a bit disheartening to have to continually tell people I have over a month left! I’ve only had one person come up and touch my belly, which I didn’t mind at all. I think it’s so cute how happy/excited people get when they see a pregnant woman!
I got offended ALL.THE.TIME. when I was pregnant. Like, every day. I don;t know what goes through people’s mind when they open their mouths, I swear.
right?! it’s funny because after i posted this, i knew it was coming. today i got, “wow, you’re HUGE!” and “are there twins in there?”
do people really think that’s funny? :\
Gina! They have frozen soft pretzels (That you can bake) that are gluten-free in the freezer section of Whole Foods! I can’t remember the brand, but I’ve seen them there multiple times and contemplated buying them quite often ๐
AHHHH! i am on a mission to find these
You look wonderful and so fit!
oh, thank you, friend!
Hi! I’m also pregnant and used to do a lot of ashtanga/power yoga. I’m really struggling to adapt it for pregnancy without making it so unchallenging that it’s boring. I’ve been interested in PiYo for a long time – you got me hooked on TurboFire! – but wasn’t sure if I should wait until post-partum to get the most out of it. is it hard to modify for pregnancy? Is it still challenging with the modifications?
Thinking of you and hoping the best for baby!
i’ve been modifying a bit here and there. it feels really great to move, even if the modifications make it a little bit lower intensity. i’m still really loving it!
You’re getting so close! So so excited for you!!
As a first time mom, I would love to hear what you’re preparing as far as breastfeeding and the necessities you’re stocking up on!
sure, i can do a post on it!!
hey! I’m a long time reader, and also happen to be a pediatric cardiac intensive care nurse! I take care of babies all the time with VSDs and other heart defects…if you have any questions I would be happy to answer them for you. I love what I do, and the little ones I care for ๐
wow, that is amazing! thank you so much, kim! i may be reaching out after our next appt, depending on what’s going on
xoxo
You look great! Soft pretzels sound so good! ๐
ahh all i want right now!
Hey! I’m pregnant for the first time (20 weeks) and teach PE in Hawaii (outside). I’m wondering if you are able to go most of your pregnancy in your normal stretchy pants or if you needed to buy maternity workout pants. I’m well aware I will need maternity tank tops but didn’t know if pants were necessary. Any suggestions on where to get some cheaper workout maternity clothes? On a tight budget!! I hope I look as great as you at 29 weeks!
i’ve been wearing most of the same workout pants but some are uncomfortable. the BEST pair is from for two fitness. old navy also has great maternity athletic wear and very inexpensive
congrats to you on your pregnancy!!!
xoxo!
You’re looking great, mama!
thank you!!
Hoping for the best for your little one and her heart! <3
thank you! <3
Just wanted you to know I had the same experience with the heart issue with my 10 year old son. It was super scary, but actually seeing the heart specialist made me feel better. He did the fetal echo and just recommended that I swing by my ob’s office 2 times per month to check heart rate and beats per minute. He said he didn’t see anything that needed to be dealt with before giving birth and just suggested that around 2-3 weeks after birth, taking my son for his own echo. His issue corrected itself, which was wonderful, and he’s never had any issues since. Hoping this helps to give you an idea of what to expect. Praying that your sweet baby girl self corrects as well. I know how scary this can be, so praying for peace for you.
that’s so good to know!! our echo is in a couple of weeks and i’m hoping that will give us some peace of mind, or at least an idea of the next steps
I completely agree with you about the Dinosaur ride in Animal Kingdom!! Terrifying!! One time (after much cajoling from friends I rode the ride) the ride got stuck right at the T-Rex part! I screamed my lungs out and hid in my friends lap. SO SCARY!
that is my worst nightmare haha
You look awesome ๐ I have some comments about your upcoming appointment. I just wanted to say, as a Nurse it makes me furious when patients do not get the information they are entitled to. Please ask as many questions as you want, and if you do not understand something that the Doctor tells you, ask them to explain it more clearly. If you feel they are annoyed with you, throw those thoughts out the window and keep pushing to have your questions answered. It. Is. Your. RIGHT. PP&T!!!!
thank you- that’s reassuring to hear. a friend is coming with me to the echo to lend some support and help me make sure i get all the info i need
Praying it miraculously closes up! Our son’s did by the time he was 6 months old and he’s a happy healthy 4 year old! ๐
that’s wonderful to hear! I hope so!!