Week 32

How Far Along:  32 Weeks (at 31.2 weeks, my doctor said I was measuring like a 39 week singleton pregnancy)

Size of Babies:  As of my April 26th ultrasound, Wren weighs an estimated 3 lbs 13 oz and Grady weighs an estimated 3 lbs 11 oz

Total Weight Gain: +41 lbs total as of my April 26th appointment  :/

Maternity Clothes: I wear mostly maternity clothes, but I can still wear some of my regular dresses

Gender: It's a Boy and Girl - Grady Warren and Wren Elizabeth! :) :)

Movement: LOTS of movement

Sleep:  The couch is winning for the most effective place to rest

What I Miss: Sleeping on my tummy

Cravings: SWEETS!

Symptoms: Carpel Tunnel, lower back pain, swelling, and fatigue

I am in the beginning of my 3rd week of decreased activity/modified bed rest. There are definitely pros and cons. The slower pace has been so nice. I am definitely less worn out and my blood pressure is mostly staying in the safe zone. However, it's been an adjustment because it was such an abrupt change going from working full-time to being home full-time. Not to sound too dramatic, but it's kind of caused a slight identity crisis for me. I must say that I have the most loving friends and family who have helped support me/us in this transition.  They have graciously blessed me/us with many visits and meals.  We feel so grateful and spoiled by all the love!

Best Moment(s) So Far: Over the past week and a half, Tom and I have spent parts of our evenings sitting in the nursery, just talking and enjoying the the transformation that the room has made.  It's been a sweet time for us to spend together and hear what's on each other's mind regarding our impending life change. And almost nightly, Tom has selflessly and sweetly rubbed my sore swollen feet and legs.  The frequent foot rubs have helped with circulation and swelling and I am SO appreciative that he is willing to serve me in that way.

Another "best moment" was last Sunday. I was sitting in the rocker/recliner in the nursery with my laptop in my lap listening to and singing along with our 'Lullaby' playlist on iTunes.  Immediately after I started singing, I felt really big kicks from Wren's side of my tummy.  She liked it! [That's how I'm interpreting it anyways.]  I told Tom to put his hand on my tummy because I knew he would want to feel what she was doing.  It was really sweet how much she responded to my singing.

Week 30

How Far Along:  30 Weeks (at 29.2 weeks, my doctor said I was measuring like a 38 week singleton pregnancy)

Size of Babies:  The babies are about 15.7 inches long and weigh almost 3 lbs.

Total Weight Gain: +34 lbs total as of my April 12th appointment

Maternity Clothes: I wear mostly maternity clothes, but I can still wear some of my regular tops and dresses.  I'm not sure the regular tops and dresses will fit for much longer though!

Gender: It's a Boy and Girl - Grady Warren and Wren Elizabeth! :) :)

Movement: LOTS of movement

Sleep:  I move between the bed, recliner, and couch. I wake up super sore no matter what I try.

What I Miss: Sleeping on my tummy

Cravings: SWEETS!

Symptoms: Carpel Tunnel, lower back pain, and swelling.

At my April 12th appointment, my doctor put me on modified bed rest due to the stress on my body at this point in my pregnancy and a rise in my blood pressure. Modified bed rest means I am prohibited from working and household chores and I need to spend the majority of my time "taking it easy" with my feet up at home. I can go on occasional outings but should only be on my feet for short periods of time. I've taken my blood pressure at home since starting modified bed rest and it looks like "taking it easy" has proven effective for lowering and keeping my blood pressure down.

Best Moment(s) So Far: Seeing the progress made on the painting of the nursery furniture. Our rocker/recliner finally came in and we got to pick it up from the furniture store!  :)

For Your Splendor

Dear Grady & Wren,

This morning while I was driving downtown to work, I was listening to the newest Christy Nockels album.  Christy is one of my favorite female artists, not only because of  her amazing vocals, but because she helps lead me to the throne with her songs.  This morning, that is exactly what happened.  I came to a stop light when the chorus of For Your Splendor was playing.  As I waited for the light to turn green, you two began moving around in my tummy and I began to meditate on the lyrics. Tears came to my eyes and I started singing and praying the words of this song over your lives as well as mine.

My sweet precious children, as your mother, this song speaks deep into my heart.  My prayer is that the words of this song [mainly the chorus] will be applied to your lives.  

For Your Splendor

I'm so concerned with what I look like from the outside

Will I blossom into what You hope I'll be

Yet You're so patient just to help me see

The blooms come from a deeper seed that You planted in me

Sometimes it's hard to grow when everybody's watching

To have your heart pruned by the one who knows best

And though I'm bare and cold, I know my season's coming

And I'll spring up in Your endless faithfulness

[Chorus]

With my roots deep in You, I'll grow the branch that bears the fruit

And though I'm small, I'll still be standing in the storm

'Cause I am planted by the river, by Your streams of living water

And I'll grow up strong and beautiful, all for your splendor, Lord

So with my arms stretched out, I'm swaying to Your heartbeat

I'm growing with the sound of Your voice calling

Your're bringing out the beauty that You have put in me

For Your joy and for Your glory falling

[Bridge]

Raise me in your love, love, love

Raise me in your love

Raise me in your power

To listen to a sample of this song, visit christynockels.com and 

click this image on the left side of the home page: