26 Week Observations

Attempt at belly pic #1.  This is what happens when Mama tries to take a picture.  We must be involved in everything.  Especially if Mama is trying to get something done.  Thanks for the help, boys.

Here's another attempt.  Please don't mind the unmade bed or duct tape on the wall or the undressed children- just another day here in paradise :)  Anyway, I'm officially 26 weeks today according to the "magic wheel o' baby" and thought it was a good time to share some thoughts.  I don't have a lot of pictures of my previous pregnancies but I do have with each boy at 37 weeks.  I'm looking forward to putting all three together and seeing how the bellies stack up. 

First of all, I've only actually gained 5lbs so far (after gaining back the few I lost in the first trimester, but I don't like to count those.)  I'm chalking this up to the lingering nausea and the gross taste I get in my mouth.  Both of which are new to me.  Might also have to do with still having a nursling, even though he's down to only three times a day at most.  Whatever it is, excuse me for a moment while I get some crackers and some Coke (my go-to for tummy settling, still.) 

Also different this time around is that this child is more mellow.  It's still early in the game and there are still relatively roomy accommodations.  The boys were both ridiculous acrobats from as soon as I could feel them.  This baby, on the other hand, seems quite content to chillax.  And I am good with that.  I could really get used to a happy, content baby.  It would be an adjustment after the boys but I think it would be a pleasant change.  :)  But like I said, it's also still early to get my hopes up. 

Perhaps my strangest observation to share is my great sadness at the fact that "Man vs. Food" is no longer being shown every evening at 7.  Anyone who knew me back in my vegetarian days is probably scandalized by this admission.  But truth be told, I haven't been veg in more than 5 years.  During my first pregnancy anything involving soy in any form made me want to ralph.  And the most simple solution - eat chicken.  By the time Bigger was getting into solids I could not handle making three separate meals all the time.  In the last year or so I even added red meat back into my diet.  And now I am craving PROTEIN.  Hardcore.  That made "Man vs. Food" a perfect match yet kinda cruel.  There are a few featured meals that I totally want SOOOOO bad.  In fact, we've made a deal to stop at Dinosaur BBQ next time we pass Syracuse - yay!  And there is a place not too very far (in the grand scheme of things) from where we are that has a ginormous steak topped with not one but TWO kinds of blue cheese and crispy onions.  I'm drooling a little just thinking about it.  But then there are foods like the "goober burger" that make me think I might barf just thinking about.  A burger with a big dollop of peanut butter and a fried egg on it - now that's just nasty.  And it's not just the hormones or my peanut allergy that say so, the WeatherMan agrees. 

 

My only other baby news is that my OB has switched my meds.  I have a genetic mutation that makes me a super-clotter.  Sounds cool to say it like that, doesn't it?  Like I could be in the X-Men.  Really it's called Factor V Leiden and it means I am at higher risk for forming clots.  Which makes pregnancy an even greater risk for clotting.  We learned this (and found out my mom is a mutant too) when I got pregnant with Bigger after my first pregnancy ended in a missed miscarriage at 18 weeks.  It's a long story but I was put on anticoagulants by a perinatologist when I about 22 weeks along with Bigger.  And lucky me, it continues.  I talked to my OB about other options but current medical wisdom is still that meds are the best choice.  But she did change me to a once a day rather than twice.  Which means that this baby is even more likely to receive an early eviction notice which has some things going for it.  And it means the shots will continue till kidlet is 6 weeks.  Oh yeah, I didn't mention that this med is injected.  Yuck :(  The good news is that since the new med is only once a day that cuts the hassle and pain in half.  And I don't seem to be bruising nearly as badly as before.  Thank goodness because the boys are not at all gentle with my ever growing belly and that's where I have to do the shots.   

And there you have it.  There really is never a dull moment :)  I'll let you know when we have an exit strategy but it probably wont be till about 35 weeks.