I've Got A Bump

I realize that it has been almost a month since my last post. Rest assured I am healthy and as far as I can tell so is the little bean (Michelle's nickname for baby) aka chickpea (Brooks' nickname for baby). Life has just been incredibly busy for me and for a while I had nothing really to report on the subject. Honestly, I forget half of the time that I'm even pregnant because between my kids, being a good partner, and an amazingly full schedule with my doula business, I rarely have time to think about me or my body, or this little one using my energy to grow it's body. I've attended five births of varying lengths in three weeks, have had all those prenatal and postpartum visits to do as well as acquiring five new clients in that time frame and two more births coming up this month, not to mention the extensive notes I take during these births and then typing them all out (in layman's terms with lots of explanations) for my client's reading pleasure. Yep, I've been a busy pregnant lady and my first trimester is almost over! That flew by.

The nauseated feelings have mostly subsided in the past few days, and I've also gotten more sleep during that time too...so it could be related or it could be that I'll be 11 weeks along in two days and that whole "sickies ending at the 12th week mark" could be true. Here's to hoping! I also bought my first three pregnancy shirts last Sunday as my shirts have started getting shorter and riding up. My pants are also tight and I can no longer button them. I started wearing a rubber band through the loop and around the button on my favorite jeans. We'll see how long that lasts. The pregnancy support hose Lisa bought to help the circulation in my legs are awkward to get on, but feel quite supportive for a couple of hours (before they start slowly riding down my legs). I'm trying to wear them as often as possible, but usually don't wear them all day as I get tired of continually going into the bathroom to try to shimmy them up a make them stay, in vain. Here is a picture of me two days ago. I was out Christmas shopping and noticed my reflection in the bathroom mirror (I don't have a mirror this long at home) and was astonished at how much I am showing. I had to take a picture to send to the intended parents.

Lisa and Brooks have been very supportive, even if physically far away. I feel their love, admiration, and presence with me often. Lisa and I are in contact almost every day. She is working with her lawyer to get all the logistics figured out and have it sent to my lawyer once there is a cohesive contract written up. We also have figured out how I will be compensated if I can't work before or after the birth for a while due to pregnancy or birth complications. Just covering all the "what ifs". We are also trying to finalize the life insurance policy for me, another precaution. I have also joined a gym so that I can stay as fit as possible during pregnancy. My goal is to get at least a one hour cardio workout three to four times a week. It's been a little tough to fit in that many trips so far with my busy schedule, but I've started scheduling in gym time this week to see if that helps. 

Next Monday will be our first midwife appointment. I'm so excited to have Lisa and Brooks here! The four of us, Michelle included, will be going to the appointment and hoping to hear the baby's heart rate for the first time. I know it will be an extra special moment for the expectant parents. I am still so happy I made the choice to help them become parents to this little important person.