30 Weeks---The count down begins

 I can not believe I am 30 weeks pregnant. I can not believe I am 3/4th of the way done with this pregnancy. I can not believe that I have 10 weeks or less left before Eli is here. I still can not even believe that I am pregnant. 

I do write this post with some sadness. I will not go into much detail in order to respect the privacy of the person involved, but I found out that someone close to me recently had a miscarriage. My heart breaks so much for her and her husband. They are in my thoughts and prayers during this time and I pray their hearts and her body can heal briskly. I have never experienced loss, nor could I even imagine the pain and heartache of miscarriage. They are in my thoughts and prayers, and if you could take a moment out to say a prayer for them as well. (((HUGS!!!))) if you are reading this. 

I had my 30w OB appointment today and got my Rhogam shot. The appointment went really well, but it is very very difficult to pee in a cup when you can't see your lady parts to "aim". Just saying. 
My OB didn't say anything about my weight gain, but she did say I should try to walk 1 mile a day. She foresees the rest of the pregnancy going "perfectly". I also asked about delayed cord clamping, which would allow more of the blood in the umbilical cord to get into Eli's circulation. She said that she has always been a "slow clamper" and waits until it stops pulsating. So, yay! All is good = )

I also had breastfeeding class today. It was very helpful to me. They taught about ways to get a good latch and that it can be difficult at first, but soooo worth it. I have been mostly nervous about being able to continue the breastfeeding/breastmilk while I go back to work. Since I work at the hospital where I am delivering (or I guess work at a hospital that offers this period), they will give me a breast pump to use and there are 2 pumping rooms at the hospital that can be used while I am at work. One of the rooms is very close to the floor I work on! I am feeling much better about being able to take 20 minutes, 3 or 4 times a shift to pump. Plus, they have to let me pump....it's the law = )

Mother's Day gift I received from a very thoughtful lady on the SAIF FB group. So thoughtful!!!

Cabin we stayed at in Lousiana last weekend for our "babymoon"

paradise = )

How Far Along: 30 Weeks
 Total Weight Gain: +25lbs

Maternity Clothes: I love them, can't live without them

 Stretch Marks:

Sleep: Quite uncomfortable. Either my hips hurt, but hurts, Eli is positioned in a weird spot, or I get heartburn (this fun night time heart burn started last night). I even brought a body pillow with me on our babymoon weekend.

 Best Moment This Week:We had such a relaxing and fun "babymoon" to Louisiana last weekend. It was so nice to relax on the porch of the cabin with the door open so the wind blew in. We also went on a fun swamp tour. We saw quite a few alligators, bald eagles, and beautiful birds and turtles. The water was rough at times so the banging of the boat was uncomfortable at times. Our guide was very very nice and planned in like 4 different stops that had bathroom so I could pee = ) He also bought me a virgin strawberry daiquiri! yummm!! I also had an OB appt today which went really well. Oh, and I finished my Spring semester in grad school with A's in both of my classes...yay! I will be taking time off of school until Spring Semester 2015.

 Miss Anything: Like I said last time, I miss being able to function at my full potential, especially at home and at work (I guess that is everywhere...). I hate feeling like I am putting more of a burden on others.

Movement: He has really been nice to me the last couple weeks and has moved around a lot. I guess he didn't like his mama worrying so he'll kick or move around to ease my discomfort. I really do appreciate it. I stays on the right side of my ute though, never crosses the midline to the left.

 Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Nope!

Cravings: I still can't get enough crawfish. I haven't had any for a few weeks, but it always sounds good. 

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!! Eli Preston!!

Labor Signs: Nope, I don't think I have had any Braxton Hicks.
Symptoms: I feel "ok" most of the time. I am starting to get used to the discomfort maybe. My ribs continue to hurt and I have a numbness/burning on the top right side of my abdomen (OB said it was normal). I have just learned to press on my abdomen or reposition to help ease the pain as much as I can. I have 1+ pitting edema to my legs, which my OB said will stay around until the end and she was ok with it.

Belly Button In or Out: It's still hanging on! In for now. I keep waiting to sneeze or cough and have it poke out. I did have a dream that it poked out and I showed my hubby....he was so disgusted he filed for divorce...I hope that doesn't happen = )

Wedding Rings On or Off: I went ahead and took them off. They were still able to come on and off but were definitively getting tighter. I put them on the hope necklace I wear every day. I am still wearing my wedding band because it has always been a little big.

Feeling: Honestly...I am really starting to get scared about the actual labor/delivery/birth process. I am scared, but he has to come out some how.

Exercise: I really need to do better. My OB told me today she wants me walking 1 mile a day. I think I probably walk a mile while working but I haven't been walking on my days off. I did walk a mile after I got home from the OB today. I survived and didn't have the severe side pain I have mentioned previously. I know that if I keep walking then it will only help me when it comes to delivery...so walk I shall.

Looking Forward To:I have a work baby shower next week, which should be fun, and a dear friend will be taking our maternity pictures in a couple weeks! So exciting!! And I just can't wait to meet Eli and see his face. See who he looks like and what his personality is like.

 Next Appointment: May 28th!