31 weeks, 0 days

Ezra is a strong baby! His kicks, rolls, and punches are starting to cause me some major discomfort, but I would not change a thing. I'm trying to get decent video, but Ezra is pretty camera shy. Here's a video of some pretty decent movement, but it's nowhere near what I actually feel and see when the camera is turned off!

I had some pains over the holiday weekend--on Christmas Day, to be precise. I'm pretty sure the cramping pains were Braxton Hicks contractions or false labor pains. After much reading on the interwebz, I realized that these early contractions are a good thing because they prepare the body for labor. The analogy I gave my Uncle Daryl is that my body is conditioning itself the way a runner might to prepare for a marathon race. So bring it on, fake labor! I want to be well-prepared when B-day arrives. I have been well-assured by many sources (i.e., Bonnie, my mom) that when "real" labor begins, I will not question whether the contractions are false labor; I'll just know.

One more fetal movement video because I just can't help myself...

The one thing about pregnancy that I did not expect, nor have I read much about, is my increased thirst. I am always parched, cotton-mouthed, or sand-paper-tongued. This, again, is a good thing because a pregnant woman is supposed to drink more water than the fetus-free version of herself requires. However, I usually have close to 100 ounces of water by 4:00 in the afternoon. I wonder if that number is "normal." I must remember to ask my OB/GYN. Hopefully she doesn't have a condescending, menopausal outburst at my obvious stupidity like she had at my last appointment (note to self: get a new OB/GYN if ever pregnant in the future).

Bo is taking over the decorating duties. He found these cute wall decal stickers in a freeway-and-cars theme. I like that they are temporary and changeable, but I am more excited to finally get something on the walls for Ezra. To be honest, I am glad to not have the pressure of decorating a baby room. I keep thinking, "What if Ezra hates my taste in decorating?" Oh, the insecure ramblings of a mom-to-be.

Note to Ezra:

Hey, baby. Mommy and Pops are talking to you more now. Do you recognize our voices? Pops always uses a silly voice that he reserves just for you; I wonder if he'll use that same voice when you get here. I wonder if the doctor is going to order a final ultrasound before the delivery because I desperately want to get a first look at you. Part of me wants to wait until you're ready to be seen, but that part gets out-voiced by my curiosity and impatience. Nine more weeks, baby. I'll see you soon!