Well, it’s hard to believe, but we have made it to the 30-week mark. Only 7 more weeks until I have reached full-term, and only 10 more weeks until our actual due date! Baby Jack will be here before we know it. I have been very uncomfortable this week. I am starting to experience a lot of back pain, stomach pain and soreness (muscles stretching and belly growing) and the dreaded morning sickness has returned (not as bad as it was during the beginning though). I’ve noticed a big difference in what I am able to do around the house now. I tried to vacuum and clean a little yesterday, and I started having some pretty strong Braxton Hicks contractions and was hardly able to walk from back pain. That’s when you know it’s time to start taking it easy. On the flip side, Jack is getting a lot bigger and much stronger. I can feel him move almost all the time, and you can see my belly move when he rolls and flips around. That is a wild sight! His little feet have found my ribs now, and he has one particular spot he likes to push on, which makes my ribs real sore. But it’s worth it!We are reaching the final stretch! Our doctor appointments will now be every two weeks until March, and then we will go every week up until our due date.

Our baby showers start this coming month, and we are really excited about that! Everyone has been so sweet and generous to offer hosting showers for us. We are so grateful for our supportive family and friends. I think we will feel more prepared after we set up some of the bigger items, like getting the car seat installed in the car and setting up the pack ‘n play. It’s been hard not to buy them from the excitement and anticipation of our soon-to-be new arrival! We have completed the nursery as much as we can until a few back-ordered items arrive (a glider, ottoman and bookshelf). The crib is set up, the dresser is ready to go with the changing table attached to the top of it, the bedding is washed and all of his clothes are hanging in his cute, little walk-in closet that Sean designed. We are relieved that all of our house is now complete. We have a new bathroom in the basement, which has already been so convenient for us, and Jack’s bathroom is decorated and painted in cute frogs. We just love it!

Some funny late-in-pregnancy quirks:

• I can no longer ride in Sean’s sports car. I’m completely unable to get in it, and it would be a good laugh to try and see me roll out of it. We now take my car everywhere. Sorry babe!
• Sitting on the couch for more than 30 minutes requires a back rub from Sean, since my back starts hurting so bad. It makes watching my favorite TV shows hard to do these days, especially when I want to relax and put my feet up.
• My wedding rings only fit in the cold weather and during the morning hours. There have been many days that I haven’t been able to fit it on my finger. Maybe I need to buy a fake one for the next few months?
• Sean has to tie my tennis shoes for me, since they are the only ones I have with laces. I cannot reach my feet very well. Slip-ons are an ingenious invention these days!
• I discovered this week that if I take a bath, I need help getting out of our garden tub. That made for a good laugh!
• I wear pants everywhere I go because I cannot reach to shave my legs anymore. Pregnancy dresses are cute, but sorry! No can do! Thank goodness it’s winter!

Ok, time to wrap this up… We hope all of you are doing well. Thanks for taking the time to read our blog!