We're here :)

It has been a very busy time for us! Again, I have about 10 different posts in mind, so I hope to get them written today so I update everyone on what we've been up to and also get some answers to a few a questions I have.

Since the 3D U/S, Bubs has been VERY active! Not so much of the kicking or punching, but more actual full body movements (rolling, repositioning, etc). I imagine it's the "alien like" movements that people have told me to expect. It's really, really cool and I don't mind it at all. I've tried capturing it on video a few times, but like all babies, once the photographic evidence capturer appears, the movement stops!

Baby is active during the day and moves a little when I lay down at night, but movements don't keep me awake. I think baby has the same sleep cycle as mommy :) Let's hope that keeps up!

I feel good, although it's definitely getting more challenging to keep on my feet and get stuff done. The swelling in my feet and ankles is permanent. It used to go completely away at night, but now it just gets less (it's still present, though). I only have one pair of shoes that fit (tennis shoes that are a size 10 or 10.5).

And, I'm just going to throw it out there- I have NOT been exercising. At all. I can definitely tell a difference now that I've been so sedentary for too long. In real life, I'm not a small gal (size 14 in general), but now that I'm heavier, I can't imagine being this weight all of the time. I realize I'm developing another life inside me, but the weight is wearing on me and it's very tiring.

A friend of mine posted on Facebook that she just ran several miles and I actually got jealous of her!

Just before we got pregnant, I trained for and ran my first 5K ever. Although I can't say I ever ENJOYED the actual running, I did come to look forward to the runs. I would imagine the cold air coming into my body, nourishing my cells with oxygen and providing me with the energy I needed to get through the day. Early morning runs were the best. And I'm actually missing that.

Speaking of imagery, I'm preparing more for the actual labor and delivery. One method I'm working on is mentally preparing for the big event. We have a birth plan and part of that plan is to labor at home as safely as I can prior to being admitted to the hospital. I know this will involve so much patience and mental strength. The biggest part of this strategy is praying. Praying brings me much comfort and each night I'm praying for the patience to not be induced and also for patience during the early laboring. I also pray for strength and guidance for Hubs. He's my rock and I'll depend on him for every last ounce of strength during that time.

The other part of my strategy to help do this is to picture a happy place. MY happy place. My favorite place in the entire world is on the deck of a cruise ship in the middle of the Caribbean. I'm laying out under the sun, surrounded by beautiful, clean water. I'm breathing in the fresh Caribbean air. Usually there is a band playing quietly in the background. The warmth of the sun calms my mind and relaxes my body. Every so often, one of the crew members walks by and sprays me down with a cool mist of water, which is generally followed by an ice cold pina colada (complete with a paper umbrella and pineapple slice). The air is crisp, not humid. There is a breeze. I can hear the water splashing against the ship as we sail towards nothing.

It's wonderful.

No cell phones. No internet. No work. No drama. No pressure. No responsibility.

I've lived those moments many times in real life, and I've shared them with some of my favorite people in the world.

THAT is my happy place. I spend time every day or two picturing this place in great detail. Thinking about how wonderful it feels and how much I love being in that moment. My hope is that during labor, I'll be able to relive those moments to help work through contractions and pain.

When we approach delivery, I'm 100% thinking about the baby.

And thinking about the time when I'll no longer rub my belly and ask, on a daily basis, "what are you little one? Are you a boy or a girl?"

Until then, XOXO...