30/31/32 weeks

30 weeks after date day

At the very start of 30 weeks I was in for another ultrasound to get a decent measurement of this crazy cuddle bug.  Turns out that this belly measurement system they have is fairly archaic (where they take the centimeters from the top and bottom of your belly) and is not so easy to do if your kid insists on laying sideways and not taking up much real estate on the top of the uterus.  They were a little concerned that for over a month and half they hadn't been able to get a decent measurement and the measurement they did get was four weeks smaller than it should be... The two day wait for the ultrasound had me a little bit nervous.

Well, as it turns out this kid is in the 81st percentile for size and according to the pictures he is 8-14 days larger than expected at this point.  He's on track to be a big boy like his brother.  During the ultrasound, he was actually sitting head down but in an upside down L shape stretching out on both sides.  He just needs to stretch up a bit to give him (and me!) a little more room.  Their measurements also indicated that the uterus has plenty of space and lotsa fluid ready for him to continue to grow - He needs to use the real estate provided!  The ultrasound tech immediately exclaimed how active this little guy is and how wedged in there he manages to get his little face.  She gave us ridiculous attempts at photos of his face - There is one up his little nose and the other is a pretty blurry shot.

31 weeks heading to first photo class

We've been swimming at the Roger Williams University rec center (the university where J and I met, but they built this nice indoor pool a few years after we spent the summer there) during their open family swim.  It's awesome for the belly muscles to get some total relaxation. The instant relief I feel when I get in the water is offset by the shock when I get out and need to change in the noisy, cold locker room, but overall it is worth it. The only tricky part is that my "bathing dress" maternity suit is getting snugger each time. I was swearing it shrunk last time, but I don't think that's the real deal.

I was lucky to have a good paying photo gig back at Brown to cover a panel discussion.  I delivered 120 photos from the event, so I was pretty active the whole time.  I have to say I really try to be inconspicuous while taking photos, but I think despite being dressed in all black, a rounded pregnant lady waddling up and down the aisles was probably anything but inconspicuous.

I've been volunteering as a "pajama volunteer" (which means you don't have to go anywhere and can help out in your pajamas from home) for an organization called Drop In and Decorate.  Their goal is to distribute good cheer in the form of cookies to those that are receiving some sort of assistance.  I'm helping them research and develop an easy online system for information on the places that accept donations.

32 weeks before birth class

At 31 weeks, I kicked off my last RISD class.  I knew that this semester would include giving birth to my final project (which she is actually calling our thesis) and to this new baby.  I don't think I realized just how FAR along in this pregnancy I'd already be when it started.  It also turns out that she's upped the ante this term and we not only have a show at RISD, but a public show at the art association in Wickford.  This means that it needs to be work that I'm really proud to show, not just a class assignment. On top of this, she expects us to have our portfolios fine tuned and completely reviewed.  Phew, so I figure I have about six more good weeks to get this going before I complete it in total sleep deprivation mode.

At 32 weeks, everything fell into place for both J and I to attend the Women and Infants' Hospital Alternative Birth Center (ABC) all day birth class, thanks to our new babysitter.  Aiden loooves her, and was bouncing up and down with excitement as she arrived.  It was a good review of everything we already knew and some specific techniques and ideas for the natural birth process.  The ABC room itself is not all that much different from the regular rooms, but it does have a queen sized bed and a whirlpool in the room.  The hospital tour was the most valuable part since it has really changed a bunch since we were there last time three short years ago.  Luckily the construction is all cleared out, so we won't be serenaded by saws and a crying newborn during our stay.  I'm looking forward to a different experience in a somewhat familiar place.