33 weeks 2 days

Gotcha!! (finally, a decent belly bounce video that almost compares to what I see before I get the camera out)

I'm in a silly mood today. Because of this I have to share some of my ridiculous humor with the blog. I hope everyone understands.

Fits of giggles are well-deserved on Friday afternoons!!

On a more serious note, the baby shower is coming up this Sunday. I'm really excited about it. My mom, sister, and I have spent lots of time planning the event, and I really hope everyone has a good time, especially my stressed-out mom. I will be helping with decorations tomorrow while watching the 49ers kick some New Orleans' Saints butt (go red and gold).

Note to Ezra:
You're getting bigger, and I just have to call you Baby Beluga because you are an active baby bouncing around my belly. Some friends have seen you moving around, and they usually say the movement reminds them of a chestburster from the movie "Alien" (I may show you the clip, when you're old enough). I'm pretty sleepy today; hopefully you and I get some quality sleep tonight because the next two days are going to be busy!

33 weeks 0 days

So a friend sent this video to me today, and I literally lost my cool at work and snorted in a fit of giggles for the length of the video. Please, enjoy!

Note to Ezra:

Mommy and Pops don't want you to have a favorite, we swear!

32 weeks 6 days

I've been fighting with my doctor over the possibility of having gestational diabetes. Most of the information I found lists a blood glucose level of greater-than or equal-to 140 for the one-hour, 50mL glucose test as the cutoff for taking measures to prevent full-blown gestational diabetes. What were my test results? 140 on the nose (I would like to see that in writing, however). They want me to spend ungodly amounts of money visiting the nutritionists and buying glucose test strips and monitors, all of which are not covered by health insurance. Now, if I knew nothing of diabetes, the fear of developing the disease would be enough for me to do whatever the doctor says.

However, I was raised by type-1 diabetes. Let me repeat: I was RAISED by type-1 diabetes. At avery early age I had a vast understanding of the pancreas, the affect carbohydrates have on "blood sugar" levels, needles, vials of insulin, and constant finger pricks for sampling glucose levels in the blood. I know that even 100%, fresh-squeezed-this-very-moment fruit juice is just as bad as eating cookies or chocolate. I know that carbs from fresh vegetables, especially those lower on the glycemic index, are the best carbs for a diabetic to control blood glucose levels. I know that walking is the fastest and best way to reduce blood sugar. What can a nutritionist teach me that I do not already know while making me not able to pay for diapers after our discussion? Not a whole lot.

Note to Ezra:

You were dancing for about 30 minutes straight before I caught this action on video (I think the stripes help expose your wiggles, so please don't judge me for wearing this shirt so often). When I'm frustrated like I am today, I watch these videos and feel much better. Thanks, baby.

31 weeks, 1 day

Because I can't get over how much Ezra moves:

Belly bounce video

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!

27 weeks, 0 days

Today marks the final week of our Second Trimester (27 weeks). You know what that means!! Yes, I can have a glass of wine to help me sleep once and a while without worrying that I will cause Ezra serious brain damage. My uterus feels like Ezra weighs 40 pounds, and not the meager 2.3 that he actually weighs. I have to get up and walk around more often now; my big baby is cutting off the blood supply to my legs so I get leg cramps without regular short walks. Ezra is still a shy boy. He moves a lot for me, but the moment someone tries to feel his kicks, Ezra stops moving completely as if to say, "If I hold still maybe they won't notice me."

Note to Ezra:

Hey there, bubbuhs. You sure do get cranky if I haven't eaten in a while, much like your Pops. Most moms feel their babies moving just after a meal, but I feel you most if I have not eaten in a while. You've been waking me up in the middle of the night lately; are you getting me ready for midnight feedings?

25 weeks, 0 days

Today I am 25 weeks pregnant; we only have only 15 more weeks to go. Ezra is moving around like crazy. He prefers to kick and hang out on my right side. However, if my bladder is full, Ezra prefers to punch that region with ferocity! I am starting to feel very pregnant now as my body adjusts for growing Ezra. Bo has to help get me off the couch most of the time, especially if I have been laying down for a while.

Bo and I decided to take Ezra to his first live music show because Tita Bernie's band was up from L.A. last weekend. During the show Ezra moved around more than ever before, wiggling and kicking almost to the beat. I got nervous that the music was too loud, and muffled my belly a bit with everyone's coats and sweaters. Based on Ezra's reaction to the loud music and my paranoia about subjecting my child to ear-damaging sound levels, I don't think I will be going to any more shows with him until he can wear fancy ear protection. Regardless of my neurosis, it was nice to be able to get out and have fun with our friends, even if we did leave early (no one wants to see a big ole pregnant lady hanging out at a bar).

Note to Ezra:

I hope you're having fun in my belly because it sure feels that way. Pops and I are exited to meet you, Ezra. We guess about what you will look like and how your personality will be. Will you like chocolate or fruit flavors better? What will your favorite color be? Will you love to play basketball like Pops? Will you be a good dancer like Mommy? We are so anxious to finally hold you. It's insane how much we already love you.