31 Weeks

4 October 2013

How far along: 31 weeks

How big baby is: 16 inches long, 3 ½ pounds

Baby is the size of: a coconut

Baby’s development: Baby Ariana is most likely heading for a growth spurt. She is also able to turn her head from side to side and is starting to develop more regular sleep and waking patterns.

Mommy’s belly:

Baby’s movements: This girl is a mover and a shaker! Sometimes she will move for hours without letting up. There are a lot of times when she kicks so hard it hurts and other times when it feels like she’s stretching out and trying to hatch out of my body! She makes me uncomfortable, but I’m so happy that she is healthy and growing.

Symptoms: I don’t know what to say now when people ask, “How are you feeling?” Honestly, I don’t feel great - ever. But most people don’t really want to know that I don’t feel well, so I usually just say, “I feel good.” In reality, my back always hurts, my joints feel loose, I’m always sleepy, and my restless legs are out of control. Sitting through a regular church service is excruciating because I can’t sit still that long. I feel like I’ve been pregnant forever, but I’m still so excited to feel terrible and be huge because that means that in about 9 weeks I’ll have a sweet new baby in my arms!

Food cravings: A couple of nights ago I had a dream that I really wanted a caramel frappe from McDonald’s but no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t get it. The dream seemed to go on forever. When I woke up I wanted that frappe so badly that after Penny was up and dressed we went to McDonald’s and I got one. And it was as delicious as I knew it would be.

Emotions: I’m getting so excited and impatient to meet this little girl! After seeing her face at last week’s ultrasound I am having a hard time waiting! Nine weeks might not be very long, but right now it seems like forever!

Sleep: I am so very tired that I sleep, but I wake up every hour because I’m uncomfortable. Thank goodness I’m able to sleep though. I know a lot of pregnant women have trouble with insomnia and that would make me crazy!

What I am looking forward to: I’m always looking forward to the next doctor’s appointment when I get to see this sweet girl on the ultrasound screen! I go every other week now, so it’s nice to see her so frequently!