28 Weeks

So I'm at 28 weeks now. I had an appointment on Wednesday, and my glucose tolerance test on Friday. Everything seems to be just fine, but it's really hard to actually think about having another baby. I think that's because, well, I already HAVE a baby, LOL. Anyhow, I'm starting to feel tired and blah, and I feel big and awkward--you know how it is. On the Well Trained Mind general board a lady posted yesterday about how she also was at 28 weeks and pretty much feeling the same as I just described. Another woman responded with her story, which gave me quite a different perspective on the last trimester of pregnancy and was a real inspiration. Here is what she wrote:

Almost 4 years ago, when I was pregnant with #3, I had a 19 mo old and a 35 month old. My pregnancy wasn't going well, and I was tired, on yucky meds, stuck in bed, my house was dirty, my kids wanted more of mommy. I felt rotten, and in moments of weakness wished it "could all be over" and I could "fast forward".

My baby was born at 28 weeks and 3 days gestation, after my water broke. When I saw him in the NICU with a vent down his throat breathing for him, all sorts of wires and IVs on his tiny 2 lb body... I would have done *anything* to get my old tired, pregnant body back. At that moment, I recognized the miracle in each and every day of pregnancy. Each day matters. I'll never get to finish that pregnancy, to feel a third trimester enormous belly, or have an excuse to finish off 1/2 a pizza. To nurse him. But you will.

Exhausted means you're using calories to grow a baby. And each day that you provide for him/her in utero is a *gift*. Nesting means you have hormones pumping wildly through your veins allowing you to make a home for baby, by instinct alone. Commitments mean you are healthy and able to carry out all sort of tasks, and grow a human at the same time. Like a superhero. Don't wish it away. Love this time and your ability to create life. Craddle your belly and sing him or her a lullaby. 28 weekers can hear you, I promise. They can open their eyes, and "cry". They can grasp objects in their hands, and hear music. They are soothed by mom's voice. You may not see your baby's personality as much I saw my son's at 28 weeks... but if you could you would be *amazed* by what a baby at that gestation can do. And by how much more they need.

I pray for many of us that will never get that third trimester, that you see through my story how beautiful, special and *important* those last weeks are. Hang in there. I wish you a big, beautiful, healthy screaming 7 pounder. :)

ps - My miracle baby will turn 4 on May 8th. He's perfect.