28 Weeks

So, I'm a bit behind on these, but here are some recent belly pics at 28 weeks.

Ladies and gentleman, time is really flying now. At my doctor's appointment last Thursday, we scheduled everything thing through December (37 weeks). Holy hell, that was a reality check. Olivia will be here before we know it.

I'm still feeling pretty good and working out 4 to 5 days a week. I had to give up my step aerobics class, but I'm keeping up with the light weights, elliptical and stationary bike. And, to make squeezing in some cardio even easier (now and when the baby's born), we now have this pretty little thing in our finished basement.

I told Josh it could be my Christmas, birthday, push, whatever-we-need-an-excuse-for present. Staying fit is obviously important to me, and getting to the gym is going to be a much more difficult task with a newborn. Problem solved :).

In other pregnancy news, I gained 5 pounds this month for a total of 20. It's hard for me to make peace with any weight gain, but this is obviously a necessity. And, I'm still right on track in terms of what is recommended so I can't complain too much.

As far as eating goes, during the week I keep it all healthy, and then I allow myself some splurges on the weekend. If I'm craving pizza, cookies or donuts, I make myself wait until Friday through Sunday for the most part, and I think it keeps me from going too crazy. But, I'm not going to say no to those things entirely. I mean, I'm pregnant for goodness sake. What indulgences do I have besides food???

The doctor also commented on the very faint linea nigra that has appeared on the lower half of my stomach. It's barely noticeable at this point, but she said with my darker, easily tanned skin tone, it'll probably be out in full force by the end of my pregnancy.

Turning over in bed is becoming quite the challenge, as is bending over. I've had three instances of sciatica in the past week, and all I can say about that is it's pretty horrible. It has to do with Olivia shifting in my pelvis and she'll temporarily place pressure on the nerve, causing shooting pain all down my right side. The best I can describe it, it feels like a charley horse, total numbness, and pins and needles all at the same time. It lasts anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes and provides a perfect opportunity for me to practice my pain management techniques :).

Speaking of pain management, we're halfway through our 4 week childbirth classes and I'd have to say that we're both really enjoying them. The three hours go by pretty quickly and I think my husband especially appreciates all of the information. I've read every book under the sun and he's read his fair share as well, but the added visualization is a plus.

Her room is coming along, we're shopping for a new car and our baby preparedness is in high gear. Just over 11 weeks to go...