And a update

I seem to be in one of those seasons of life where there are so many thoughts and words in my head and heart that very few of them make it to the written word. I just checked and realized that I haven't given a Mama/Baby update in almost a month. Yikes!

So... what's been going on, pregnancy-wise?

Near the beginning of April, I started wearing my sacro-iliac support belt much less often, for three reasons. 1) Baby was not settling down like usual and I felt the belt was making things less than comfortable for Baby. 2) I was tired of feeling like an invalid and the belt was seriously restricting my movement ability. 3) I had gained enough strength in my SI joint and hips that my chiropractor was comfortable with me going without the belt more to see how things went.

The first week I just wore the belt less, but the past two weeks I haven't worn it at all, haven't missed it, and my appointments with my chiro have shown that I'm staying strong/gaining strength this way. The belt was extremely important and helpful in this pregnancy; I'm just beyond grateful that I don't need it anymore.

I have been amazed at how much difference this change has made in my outlook and attitude. Not only am I more comfortable, I feel much more confident about labor and birth, about my health overall, and about my body's ability to do what it needs to do. I once again really KNOW that my body was made for the task ahead, and that my Creator has equipped me and will walk with me through the journey.

Friday will mark the 37 week milestone. I am looking forward to passing that mark and being in the "comfort zone" as far as birthing at home is concerned. The last week or so has seen me restricting my activity level quite a bit, as I am feeling a good bit of pressure and tightness when I'm up and around very much. Once Friday arrives, I'll feel more free to be up and around, taking care of things I'd like to have done before Baby arrives. I'd like to make it to 38 weeks, and think I will, but we'll see.

Almost all of our "baby prep" is done. The birth pool is here (we still need to test for leaks), and all of the essential birth supplies are ready. I have about a dozen meals in the freezer; I would have liked to do more, but am happy with accomplishing what I have. There are several odds and ends that we need to take care of, but nothing that seems stressful or like things will fall apart without it.

And in non-pregnancy news...
We discovered last Friday that Davey has a very bad tooth. After several days of us researching options, he has a root canal scheduled for tomorrow morning at the dentistry school in St. Louis. We honestly don't know how we're going to pay for the whole process (the root canal is just the first step), but will take it one step at a time and watch to see how the Lord provides.

The garden is coming along. We're a bit late on planting carrots and potatoes. Maybe we can get them in this week. Our seedlings are doing well and should be ready to plant next month when our planting guide says it's time. We have peas, spinach, and onions coming up, and we need to replant the lettuce bed (my mulchers didn't know that bed was already planted and didn't need another layer of mulch).

We're almost done with logging hours for this school year. We'll stick with at least some math daily through the summer, and of course, reading. But it will be nice to have the hours recorded as required by our state.

Whew. That's enough for today! Hope all is well with you!