So much for a Tuesday update! Oops :S I guess this week and next week would make more sense to update on Thursday since that's when my appointments are booked. Anyway, it's been an eventful week and a half. First up, a quick look at what I did, then the medical update from my fetal assessment today, and finally my "Bump-date".
This past week a dear friend of mine took me on an incredible 4 day tour of Southern California. She know's I'm a Cali-Girl-Wannaba and took it upon herself to help me unwind a bit before things get crazy with baby. So last Wednesday my husband drove me to the airport, bright and early, to send me off to San Diego. While I was there I got to see and do so many incredible things. I got to see Carlsbad Beach, Pacific Beach, Torrey Pines, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Newport Beach, and Venice Beach! So many beaches! But highlights for me were definitely Muscle Beach Gym, working out at the original Gold's Gym (seeing equipment that Arnold Schwarzenegger used when he was training there!!!), doing a class at Soul Cycle, going to the San Diego Zoo, and, drum roll please... MEETING KARENA AND KATRINA FROM TONE IT UP!
Ok, if you don't know me then you don't know that I have been a huge fan of the Tone It Up nutrition plan and workouts since 2012. They are such incredible role models for fitness and life and have really had a big impact on me. Never in a million years would I have ever guessed I'd accidentally bump into them and get to talk to them! It was amazing.
Three times a year they host 8 week fitness challenges and this fall the theme of the challenge is charity. They've encouraged us all to choose a charity and just like you would ask for pledges if you were running a fundraiser marathon, they want us to raise money for something we believe in. Each week they'll also be awarding 5 instragram workout check-ins with a $200 donation to the charity of their choosing. So of course I chose to raise money for the Western Canadian Children's Heart Network, but I'll post more about that in my next update.
But back to reality. October is going to be a busy month. Between work and all the extra appointments coming up, things are getting crazy. And today, to kick things off, was my first fetal assessment of the 3rd Trimester. I was anxious of course, but my mom came with me, which was exciting because it was her first time seeing our baby on the ultrasound. He's still measuring right where he should be, and all his other organs are functioning the way they should.
Though they did have some trouble getting an accurate reading on his heart rate because he was squirming and had the hiccups! Baby hiccups are so funny to watch! And this time around the doctor actually showed us exactly what clued them in to possibility of a heart issue. He pointed out where the great arteries are and told us what they're supposed to look like compared to how they appear on our baby. He was really sweet and gave us some photos to take home from the appointment too.
Though they did have some trouble getting an accurate reading on his heart rate because he was squirming and had the hiccups! Baby hiccups are so funny to watch! And this time around the doctor actually showed us exactly what clued them in to possibility of a heart issue. He pointed out where the great arteries are and told us what they're supposed to look like compared to how they appear on our baby. He was really sweet and gave us some photos to take home from the appointment too.
At one point the doctor was examining baby's face and said that it looked like he was singing. Of course my mom and I couldn't help but giggle at this because I was a Vocal Performance major in university and so was she... it kind of runs in the family. He has excellent vowel formation for the record.
But I think my favourite picture was one where it's just his face straight on. He looks so peaceful, and if you look closely I think he's even smiling :)
And finally, my "Bump-date". I'm officially 28 weeks pregnant, which is 7 months and the start of my 3rd trimester. I've been told the last trimester feels the longest and I'm already itching to hold my little guy. I feel like I'm starting to find a lot of peace about the situation and it really helps to hear all the amazing words of encouragement and knowing how many people are praying for our little guy. But let me tell you, this kind of thing really gives you a whole new perspective on life. He's not even here yet but he's already taught me so much about life, love, and being sensitive to others because you never know what they're going through. So why not show some extra love, grace and compassion. I certainly haven't mastered it, and I mess up all the time, but I'm open to growth and hope to learn as much from each experience as I can.
"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."
- Arnold Schwarzenegger