Yikes! That is not how I remember it!

John and I started child birthing classes last week (they don't call it lamaze class anymore because they teach three different styles of birthing/pain management). We have 5 couples in the class and I am the only one who has any children before, but this is my first birthing class I have attended. The first class they showed us what to expect at the birhting and then showed us two live births. All I have to say is - I don't remember it being like that. In fact I leaned over to John and said none of my kids looked like THAT! What I have learned though is this class is to help you learn pain management so if you have an epidural then really you don't need to breathe he-he-he-hoo because well you juat ain't feeling the pain. It is good for the partner though - they teach good behavior :) Things like encourage your partner but don't say things like "you're not trying" or the say if your partner says she is on pain she is dont say things like "its not that bad". Always good to know before your wife goes into labor. It is a very good class for me as I am going to start off with the attitude of no drugs. However, I have a time limit on my insanity...so we shall see.

I am still growing and looking bigger all the time, but my weight has maintained steady. No more warnings from the doctor she is very happy with my progress. Heartburn helps curb the appetite - I don't have it nearly as much as I did with Kam - Kels - or Jed but I am older and listen to my body better. So when I start to feel it come on I know what I am eating that gives me the heartburn and I try to avoid it (Chocolate Chip Cookies ...as long as they are not present are easy to avoid - but have them in the house and forget it). I have yet to take Tums for relief - which says alot since I think I ate 3 bottles when I was pregnant with Kelsie. I still swell throughout the week and when the nurse noticed it at my last appointment she said I was not getting enough water. I said I drink so much water - I think I down about 64 ounces of water before I go home from work at 5 and I also include 2-4 glasses of juice and at least 2 glasses of milk. She said that sounds like enough but maybe I could prop my feet at work ;). Anyway - I have cut back on my sodium intake. It actually is comical to me because I have never looked at a label before to check how much sodium there is and now before I buy anything I look at the label. Crazy!! The weekends allow my ankles to reappear it is wonderful. I don't remember being uncomfortable with any of my three except for Jed in the last month. I am uncomfortable - I just feel like there is no more room for Raeli to grow and it takes a lot of effort to turn from side to side when I am laying down. I realize this sounds like complaining - really I am still enjoying pregnancy and the miracle that is going on inside!! I just wanted to let everyone know the progress of my pregnancy. One thing I will "complain" about is I am so stinkin itchy. I even have developed a rash on my sides - don't know if that is why I itch or the rash is there because I am always rubbing my sides to relieve the itching. It is something I could definitely do without!!

Now onto Raeli... We had our last ultrasound yesterday. I wish I had pictures to post but no CD or DVD was given to us this time. It is unreal to take a peek inside and see features of your baby's face. We could see her mouth moving, her arm in front of her face trying to cover it, and she even smiled - it was so cute! Not certain but I think she may have a dimple in her chin like John. She is measuring about 4.1 lbs. About 7 weeks to grow!