29 Week Bumpdate

May 3rd, 2016

It’s that time again to gawk at the rapidly growing baby bump and to hear the scoop about what it’s like to carry ONE baby at 29 weeks versus four.  As my youth group leader, Marie, would say, “Fasten your seat belts” (and then she would wait for all of us to click our pseudo-seat-belts). Love you, Marie.

I’m so excited we’ve made it to the 3rd trimester without any calls to the doctor, trips to triage, bedrest, etc! Once again, so thankful to have a “vanilla” pregnancy! At this point with our quadruplets, I was a week into my  in-hospital bedrest and fighting for every week. I’m so so thankful for FREEDOM! When I do complain about normal 3rd trimester symptoms, I’m quickly reminded of how minor they are in comparison.  How grateful I am to be out and about, on my feet, not drinking chalky protein shakes from a can, not being woke up at 5am for rounds and vitals, no late night monitoring sessions, and not living in FEAR!!!

I didn’t take very many bump pics with the boys. It was a strange way I tried to guard my heart in case we didn’t bring babies home. I regret it now, but here’s a comparison of when I went inpatient at 28 weeks. 

Yeowch! It only got harder from there!!!

Our baby boy should be measuring around 16 inches and right around 3 pounds now (bigger than Henry at birth)!!! His bones are fully developed, his eyes can open and shut, and I’ve felt him have hiccups 3x! Best part – his chances of survival outside of the womb in the 90-95%! Although, we’re planning on lots more weeks with him swimming in his soccer ball sac.

Here’s more about my not-so-extreme current state…

Symptoms: 

Third trimester hit hard last week. I was hit with exhaustion, shortness of breath, and different every day challenges, but this week is going much smoother so far! My round ligament reminds me when I’ve overdone it, but most things have been on the minor-scale of discomfort.

Highlights: 

We had another appointment at 27 weeks where we got to check on the little dude and see how well he’s doing. He’s measuring a little big and everything looks beautiful! What a relief and joy! I passed my blood glucose test with flying colors!

Brad and I got to take a day trip to IKEA last week to work on some big organizing projects and a couple of things for the baby’s room! So excited for things to start coming together! We’ve been purging a TON via donations, trash, FB Garage Sale sites, etc! (Keep in mind in true IKEA fashion 1 changing table = 10 boxes!) Bless Brad’s heart, he’s got assembly projects to keep him busy into JUNE!

Cravings/Aversions: 

I have almost zero cravings in comparison to the “Great Steak Obsession” of first trimester.  Ice cream is pretty great. But really everything tastes extra awesome. However, my appetite has been more on the normal side versus FEED ME NOW!

Looking Forward to:

My pastor’s wife is throwing me a small shower with close church friends and family – so generous and special. I’m really looking forward to celebrating this life with them!

Again, looking forward to working on the baby’s room soon. The closet at least is cleaned out and ready to fill!

Every week that passes now my heart gets more and more excited about meeting this little guy and holding him in my arms! 

The Boys: 

Every week that passes, they get more excited too! They are interested in weekly updates and all got to feel him hiccup the other night! They like playing “tag” with him where they push on my belly and he kicks back wherever they place their hand.

Name: 

Still a secret. Still pretty sure of a first not certain of a middle. I’ll give you a hint: It’s neither Donald or Bernie.

And on that I’ll leave you with one more Bump Pic of his first voting experience today! #GetOutTheBump