back to the real world

I've been living so much to make sure I follow all my restrictions, do as I'm told, take it easy, etc. that somehow a month has passed since I last updated.

All is well, as best as can be.

I have done what they have told me, and as a result, I've made it to 32 weeks with no additional complications, and only a few bouts of aches and pains from doing too much. But all and all, just like the bed rest, the restrictions do become second nature after a while. I miss being able to live my life as normal, but it feels like we're finally in the home stretch. I'm so excited to meet him, and I'm trying my best (from a seated position) to do my best to get ready for him. We have most of the things we need, and although I haven't been able to get out a pick out cute outfits and things, we've got the basics and online shopping has become my new evening activity. We're still going to be borrowing a lot, but that's just how it goes. The tape is up in the room, ready to be painted, and that will happen in the next few weeks. I'm back to my usual obsessing; this time, it's about finding the right pj's to take with me to the hospital so I don't have to be in a gown the whole time like I was with Maura. I'll feel so much more human, but I really don't need to obsess quite this much. I'm packing my hospital bag tonight, and had Jay go to Target to get me sample size toiletries so I could have everything I need. I'm making a list tonight, too, of things I need to throw in the bag at the last minute.

I feel comfortable and ready to do all of this because the baby is growing just fine. At our appointment on Wednesday at 32 weeks, he was 4 lbs. 3 oz., just 12 oz. shy of Maura's birth weight, which is pretty unbelievable. He'll grow (hopefully) a half pound a week for the next 8 weeks, so if I deliver around 40 weeks, he should be 8 lbs. or so. Perfect. I'm still nervous about the growth because this is about when Maura stopped, but they're watching me closely and I'm trying to relax. We had a non-stress test today, and his heart rate was great with no contractions on my part. I am breathing a little easier. Here's the man, sucking his thumb like his momma and sister:

Maura is doing great. As I've said before, she's quite the toddler, and it is frustrating for her to want things and not be able to say them. We're working on her speech, and she gets better everyday. She still cannot/won't/doesn't say Momma or Mommy, which is tough. I know once she does say it she'll go overboard and I'll regret that I was worried, but I just don't feel too good about hearing Dada all the time and nothing even close to resembling Momma. I'm trying not to get a complex. At 19 months now, she is smart, creative, adorable, cranky, cuddly, spastic and focused, and every other mix of characteristics you can think of. She is currently obsessed with her activity table my Mom bought her last weekend, and this morning, refused to have her diaper changed and instead insisted on coloring at 6:30 a.m. She looked so beautiful I had to take pictures:



All in all, the next few weeks will fly by, I'm sure, as most of our weekends are fully booked and work is plenty busy and life must go on without us holding our breath. I'm so ready to meet him already, but hoping to hold out just a little while longer.