week 23

Today we had an ultrasound and doctors visit.

Ultrasound: Since Hallie would not cooperate last visit, we had to have another ultrasound to get the measurements of her organs. They all look great! So far she doesn't have mommys kidneys, yay! She weighed one pound and three ounces-- right on track for 23 weeks. Just like the previous visits, her ankles were crossed. My sweet, modest baby girl. Also, we learned that she her head is facing down and her feet are in my rib/chest area. This explained last night-- I felt movement in my lower and upper belly at the same time. Her arms (lower) and legs (upper).

Doctor: I've gained 7 pounds in 4 weeks. A little more than "one pound per week." But i'm blaming it on the Holidays! Mawmaw Havards ham and dressing, Mommas potato salad, Mawmaw Fayes banana split cake, and the sweet tea! mmm... So far, I've gained a total of 13 pounds. Doctor says my weight gain is average but not proportionate. In other words, I did not gain a single pound the first trimester. All 13 pounds were gained in a little over 8 weeks, oops! At this visit, the doctor encouraged us a lot. I mentioned to him that I've had nightmares the past week about the labor process and being a mommy. He assured us that he and the nurses are prepared for any situation (he elaborated) and that we should take classes. Him talking to us and answering questions relieved some of the anxiety.

Dreams/ Nightmares: One-- my first dream was about being a mommy (or not being such a good one). In this one, I was running around the house cleaning, cooking, etc. and completely forgot about having a baby in the other room that needed a diaper changed, food, love, etc. Two-- the second and subsequent dreams were about labor. My water broke when I was several weeks from my due date and my body would not contract or push the baby out. Three-- This dream was about me pushing with all of my might and still she would not come out. Even the doctors couldn't get her out and were panicking. Those are some of the nightmares I've had. I know and realize that I'll never be able to forget to take care of my precious Hallie, and the doctors will be able to get Hallie out if my body won't do it naturally for some reason. However, that still doesn't take the anxiety away. I have so many questions and concerns. I've never had a baby before.. how does it all work? what do contractions feel like? are kidney stones REALLY worse than contractions or is that all just talk? will I be prepared for the pain? Will my water break? Where will I be? Will the epidural hurt? Does it really ease the pain? etc, etc. I didn't think I would be one to take classes, but now I feel like I'll be unprepared if we don't. My emotions and perspective changed when my belly started growing. That's when the reality of this pregnancy set in: that I really do have a baby girl inside of me and in a few months she has to come out!

Other than the nervousness of not knowing what to expect, I am very anxious for her arrival. Though, we aren't at all prepared. We need baby furniture and bedding, a bassinet, diapers, wipes, etc. One thing I do know is that we have enough clothes for the first year! And more than likely she'll never wear one outfit more than once. Momma, Mawmaw Faye, and myself have bought her PLENTY of clothes. We can't walk into a store without looking at the "baby section." Our friends, Kelly and Paula, gave us BAGS, BAGS, and more BAGS of baby clothes! So, we are prepared for baby Hallie as far as clothes are concerned.

The season of being a mommy and daddy is ever soo close... but first... a house to move into, a room to prepare, and a semester of college to complete (all in 4 months OR less)!!