Nesting? - 29 Weeks

Yesterday we had our first lesson in "Childbirth 101". It was actually very informative, and I think it will really be helpful when the big moment comes. We practiced breathing exercises and labor positions, and we also heard from a nutritionist, which I especially enjoyed, and then I spent today counting the number of servings of vegetables, fruits, grains, etc... I ate. I didn't do too bady - I definitely have the fruit group covered - not that I was too worried. I've taken Food Science here at WSU, so I'm not totally ignorant to the fact that a blizzard doesn't exactly count as a "dairy" product (probably more likely falls in that top triangle). So I don't know which is worse - being oblivious to nutrition or actually knowing what is good for me and chosing what isn't. Ah well, at this point I've gained 9 pounds, which is pretty decent for this stage, so I can't be doing too much wrong.

It was really great to spend time with Ian in the birth class focusing on the baby. It's so easy to get wrapped up in just going from day to day, I forget that there is an end - a very painful end, but still. I'm also very happy to have Ian for my birth coach, as much grief as he gives me, I think when I need him, he'll be amazing. I don't know if it's come accross in this journal, but I'm not the most calm person in the world (which may or may not have something to do with my blood pressure spike at the doctor), in fact, I can be wound up pretty tight. Ian was very good with helping keep my breathing slow and steady while we were practicing. He's my rock.

I'm happy to report that the "nesting instinct" has finally kicked in. I spent last weekend clearing out the dining room closet and bringing in Emily's baby things I've saved in storage. Today I cleaned out Emily's room and made room for the crib (amazingly everything fits!). It's hard to explain, this impulse to organize - I think I can now imagine how a person with OCD feels - it's like this constant nagging in the back of my mind, I don't have to be looking at it to have it bother me that it needs to be done. Ahh, but I can finally put the nagging to rest for the moment. The crib isn't set up, but there's room for it, the newborn outfits are awaiting their owner in the dresser, and there are presently no choking hazards in the kids' room (that is truely an amazing feat, trust me).

At this point I'm just counting down the weeks - not exactly the zen-ness I was talking about just a few weeks ago, but I can't help it. Sometimes when the baby is kicking, I really feel like there's a person in there, shifting to get comfortable, or doing some uniquely newborn movement, and I just can't wait to actually see him. Next week Emily will be headed to the other side of the Mountains for Spring Break, and my mom is throwing a baby shower, so that will be lots of fun. After that I'll have nothing to look forward to do but graduation and then the baby's arrival - hopefully in that order.