Bonus entry: A father's perspective

The following pregnancy post was composed by my love and baby-daddy, Billy. I hope you enjoy his take on our pregnancy as much as I did! 

How far along?

How far along with what? Oh, you're talking about the baby. If my memory serves me correctly we have exactly 46 days, 4 hours, 36 minutes, and 36 seconds until the due date.

Total weight gain:

My total weight gain during Sara's pregnancy is ever changing. On days that we are low on food I'm about 10 pounds heavier, but when Sara makes her potato soup, I'm about 15 pounds heavier.  

Maternity clothes: 

Nope, that's outside the budget.

Sleep: Yes, I sleep pretty well...except when Sara wakes me up screaming that she has a cramp and I jump up and start rubbing her hamstring, but then she yells "my calf". But other than that I sleep well.

Miss anything: 

I miss Sara being comfortable. 

Best moment this week:

My last semester of college started this week. Can't believe how fast it has gone.

Movement: 

I try to move at least once a day but that's about it. Oh you mean the baby! Sara says she moves all the time; I get to see it every once in a while and even feel her punch Sara in the stomach.

Gender:  

The lady at our gender appointment said girl so she must be a girl because doctors are never wrong!

Pregnancy symptoms: 

I have heart burn after I eat about 1 - 2 pounds worth of food at one sitting. Not sure if that's a symptom or me just overeating. 

Emotional state: 

Excited to enjoy these last weeks of pregnancy with Sara.

Nervous about:  

Holding my daughter for the first time, changing diapers, and if she will like me.

Looking forward to:

Meeting our baby in person and Sara holding her for the first time.

Anything you'd like to say to the baby: 

Daddy will always be there for you, forever.

33 Weeks

How far along? 33 weeks
Baby is the size of a durian! What in the hell is a durian?
Total weight gain: 20 pounds!
Maternity clothes: I am currently raiding Billy's side of the closet for his larger t-shirts and sweatshirts. I may never give them back.
Stretch marks: Nope.
Sleep: Depends on the night...sometimes I sleep really well, and sometimes I get up to pee five times and contemplate life's purpose for a good 30 minutes.
Miss anything? We have officially entered the zone of, "Billy, can you tie my shoe for me?" Small things like that have become a test of wills, as I must choose between breathing or asking for help.
Best moment this week: Playing Dominoes with Billy, mom, and dad and laughing so hard I peed myself. That actually would have happened without laughing.

Movement: She is twisting and turning every day! Especially in the middle of the night. We can feel her foot (or knee, or elbow, or other unidentifiable appendage) on my left side when she pushes against me.
Food cravings: Macaroni and cheese, the traditional kind.
Food aversions: Nope, but I'm not as hungry as I was in the second trimester.
Gender: We're having a baby girl! If the ultrasound was read incorrectly, we have a backup boy name ready to go.
Labor signs: None.
Pregnancy symptoms: The heartburn was terrible last week, but mostly gone now. Back is sore, but otherwise I'm trucking along with just a waddle in my step.
Emotional state: Excited to be counting down the last seven weeks! Some days drag on and on, but we are finally getting to the finish line. I keep randomly remembering we're going to be taking care of a human life at the end of this...uhhh, shouldn't we have to pass a test first? Who approved this? I want names!
Looking forward to:  A night of watching comedy shows, relaxing with our dogs, and getting blinds installed on all of the house windows.

31 Weeks

How far along? 31 weeks
Baby is the size of a small pineapple!

Monday, after I dropped a mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cup on the floor (still in its wrapper) I faced an important life decision.

Do I risk severe injury from the weight of bending over to pick up the sad-looking treat? Or, do I consider it an act of fate and kiss the chocolate-peanut buttery goodness goodbye forever?

Of course I picked up the darn PB cup and enjoyed it as my reward for being brave in a moment of overwhelming unknown. It was delicious. And yes, I left my pride down on the floor in its place.

Other, slightly less dramatic, decisions Billy and I are facing carry more importance than whether or not to eat chocolate. We have had to decide on a name for our baby girl, talk about our parenting philosophies, discuss future career and home plans, choose between the green or pink hooded bath  towel, and think about how to raise a strong and curious daughter in a world we hardly understand. Instead of relying just on our two minds, I've reached out to our immediate families for their input asking the following questions:

1. What advice would you give to a young girl growing up in our society?
2. If there is one song you want to pass down to baby girl Boutelle, what would it be?

So, baby girl...one day we will share this post with you. A post where the people who love you the most took time to share some wisdom and music. Here you go:

"Be compassionate and humane to those in need. Remember, you may think you have it bad, but there is always someone who has it worse."

"Experience real life - unplug and put down the electronic devices. Go outside and interact with those around you without distractions or filters. Hopefully by the time you are of age to read this, there will no longer be a 'glass ceiling'. If it still applies, break it. Never stop learning, push yourself outside of your comfort zone, embrace failures, say yes more often, and try new things. Laugh often - find a partner with a great sense of humor."

"Never give up on your dreams. You can be anything and everything you want to be, and do not let anyone tell you any different for you are so very special."

"Be confident but humble."

"Show empathy. Stay true to your core beliefs - stubbornness is not always a negative quality. However, be willing to listen to those with different views/opinions, and don't be quick to judge others for their choices. When difficult times arise remember that you control how you react to it. Choose joy. Lastly, asking for help is never a weakness."

"Ask your grandparents about the 'good old days'."

"Focus on the things you can control. You will get opportunities to enjoy life and you shouldn't let the things you can't control impact your performance."

"It's important to pick good friends, and stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves. Don't let anyone push you around...there will always be bullies, just don't become one. Listen to your mom and dad; you may think they're only there to embarrass you and ruin your life, but in the end they're family and they love you more than you'll ever know."

"Life is short...eat your dessert first." 

"Be thankful for all that you have. Regularly express your appreciation and love for those closest to you. Treasure and trust the love of your family. Lean on them when you need them, and be there for them as well"

30 Weeks

How far along? 30 weeks
Baby is the size of a zucchini!
Total weight gain: 17 pounds!
Maternity clothes: I am currently raiding Billy's side of the closet for his larger t-shirts and sweatshirts.
Stretch marks: Not yet!
Sleep: Every night I have these extended times of being wide awake. Nothing woke me up, the dogs are being quiet, I'm not necessarily uncomfortable...I'm just awake. Usually between 1:00AM and 4:00AM for 30-60 minutes.

Miss anything? Moving around without making sound effects from the effort it takes. I'm getting to the point of needing momentum to turn over in bed or get up from the couch.
Best moment this week: Relaxing at home with the dogs and Billy. Being at the wrestling tournament with Chais and Lauren for the first time in a year.
Movement: She is twisting and turning every day!
Food cravings: Macaroni and cheese, the traditional kind. I can eat a whole box by myself. Maybe two...give me a few more weeks and I'll down five at once.
Food aversions: Nope. I even brought a microwave to my classroom so I can get to my food faster. HAHA microwave line in the teacher's lounge! I'll have my Chicken Parmesan in under five minutes while you wait for someone's gross fish to stink up the room!
Gender: We're having a baby girl! If the ultrasound was read incorrectly, we have a backup boy name ready to go.
Labor signs: None.
Pregnancy symptoms: I didn't realize the two worst pains of pregnancy would be the calf cramping and abdominal muscles ripping apart. I'm considering it a warm-up for the super fun labor thing that's coming around the corner.
Emotional state: Excited to be counting down the last ten weeks! With the coming months I'm hoping we'll have a healthy baby girl and some warmer weather.
Looking forward to:  My drive home with some good music. Baby girl and I love singing to musical soundtracks and rapping to Eminem songs.

I'm playing this new game called, Did I Just Pee Myself? It's really simple! Anyone can play.You go through your normal routine and guess whether or not you just peed your pants.

        Sneezed a little...Did I just pee myself? YOU BET!
        Sat down in the desk chair...Did I just pee myself? OF COURSE!
        Walked down the hallway after going to the bathroom...Did I just pee myself? YUP!
        Not moving, thinking, drinking anything...Did I just pee myself? WINNER, WINNER!