Bumpdate: 31 Weeks

We're down to single digit weeks to go!  Assuming the baby comes on time, that is!  Since I was induced with Brantley, I have no idea what to expect this time around.  Speaking of being induced, oh how I'd love to do that again!  No guessing about when to go to the hospital, no suffering through hours of contractions at home first, no surprise phone call to parents who are 2.5 and 4 hours away, no chance of my water breaking at school...the list could go on and on.  With Brantley, I really wanted to experience going into labor on my own, but now looking back, and realizing how nicely my body responded to induction, I'd happily agree if it were an option again! 

At 31 weeks pregnant, I feel like I did at 39 weeks before.  I feel HUGE.  And heavy.  And quite miserable at times, if I'm being honest.  Things seems to wear me out like never before.  Even something as simple as carrying a laundry basket up a flight of stairs is exhausting.  It's nearly impossible to bend over or squat down and trying to sit Indian-style to read books to Brantley is almost painful!  I get so tired at school, especially on days when I teach three blocks in a row.  Seriously, maternity leave (even partially unpaid) is sounding better and better each day!  And so is having this baby on time!

For the first time over the weekend, I noticed that I'm starting to swell.  I put on a pair of flats to wear and felt as if my feet were bulging out.  After attempting for five minutes, I couldn't bear to wear them any longer and opted for looser boots instead.  I also went without my wedding band over the weekend as I felt it was cutting off my circulation, but I'm back to wearing it today.  I have a feeling my days are limited.  (Call me crazy, self-conscious, whatever, but I hate not wearing a wedding ring while pregnant!  Luckily, my engagement ring is looser and should fit for awhile longer still.)  I also feel like my face is a little fuller in my bump picture this week.  Ugh.  And I still have nine weeks to go...

How Far Along: 31 weeks

Size of Baby: ~16+ inches, 3 1/3 pounds; the size of a coconut (and according to Baby Center, heading into a growth spurt...)

Gender: BOY

Weight Gain: 25 pounds - only 4 below my total weight gain with Brantley :(

Food Cravings: Nothing specific

Food Aversions: None

Movement: Feeling kicks, punches, and somersault-like movements.  It's so weird watching my stomach jump from the outside.  He often pushes his butt(?) up against my upper stomach and I even felt an appendage when I pushed back the other day. 

Sleep: I had been sleeping great, until last night when I woke up with the worst acid reflex ever.  I could literally feel it fizzing and tingling in my throat.  Not a good feeling.  I tried to prop my head up higher, thinking that might help, but that's not an easy thing to do when trying to lay on your left side and stay comfortable at the same time.

Clothing: So ready for skirts and dresses and flip flops!  Even my maternity pants are feeling less and less comfortable.

Other Pregnancy Symptoms: The Braxton Hicks contractions are becoming more and more frequent - about once every hour or two.  They have never hurt, but at times can be really uncomfortable.  Other symptoms include swelling, acid reflux, uncomfortableness.

What I Miss: Sleeping on my stomach and just being able to get around easily.

Best Moment: My 4-day weekend.  Thank you Parent Teacher Conferences and President's Day.

Whoa Moment: Scheduling a hair appointment for this week, only so I can go again eight weeks later--which will be right before Baby's arrival!  Also, discussing future travel plans with my doctor.  I can't believe I'm going to be 35 weeks so soon!!

Looking Forward To: March and everything about that month!