“Mom, you should stop eating food because I think you’re starting to get fat.” Words of advice from 4-year-old Graham. Honestly, he was generous to say that I’m only “starting” to get fat—my workout clothes, which I wear nearly half of every day, now fail to cover my round midriff.
I’ve reached 35 weeks, which is kind of hard to believe! I’m mentally planning to deliver within a week of my due date, but I’m also lining up a few essentials just in case. For example, our new infant car seat arrived today (Graham answered the door naked from the waist down, but the delivery guy let me have the package anyway), so we can go ahead and install it soon. There’s something so fun about new baby gear—I love it! I’ve also purchased Costco-sized quantities of diapers and wipes, just in case. A few weeks from now, I’ll set up the bassinet by my bed and pack a hospital bag.
It’s so reassuring to know that if baby boy is born now or at any time in the next five weeks, he’s likely to do well outside the womb. So, if I accidentally induce labor with a workout or a foot rub, all should turn out fine. It kind of feels like I’ve made it, and everything from here on out is just bonus time, letting baby get plump and ready for life. (Of course, I know I’m not technically full-term until 39 weeks—I’m not trying to rush it!)
Meanwhile, we have two more weeks of school and soccer games, then a piano recital, an audition for a local musical (Charlotte, not me!) and the start of baseball season for Finn. Time does pass much faster when there’s a lot to do!
In these final weeks, I’m trying to stay healthy and active. I’m aiming to hit the gym five days in a row this week (so far, so good). The baby is often leaning against my bladder now, and my walking posture isn’t great—I tend to lean back to compensate for the weight of my belly—so I’ve started using a maternity support band. It’s my first time ever using one, but so far, I like it! My posture is better, and I think it helps with round ligament pain, too. It’s nothing fancy, just a cheap one from Amazon, but I’m happy with it after working out in it for the first time today.
I start each day off well, as far as diet is concerned. A banana before the half-hour drive to school, then the gym and then a healthy breakfast. This picture is today’s first meal: a breakfast burrito with eggs, squash, spinach, cherry tomatoes and goat cheese. I would like to say the rest of the day was just as well balanced, but … I find myself hungry all the time and craving unnecessary items like cheese and soda. Maybe Graham has a point!
