I finish teaching for the term today! No more lessons to plan, just final exams to write and give. I have one more week of giving and grading final exams, and then the term will officially be over for me. Woo hoo! As much as I love my job and students, after 16 weeks, I am ready for a break. I'm always ready for a break around this time of year.
I don't know about you, but all these hours of darkness are depressing! Add to that frigidly cold temperatures, and I find my motivation in the evening is severely lacking. I get home from the gym, eat dinner, and then want to do nothing. I'm not digging this routine because my to-do list keeps growing longer and longer. How many more days left until the daylight hours start increasing?
Air travel while pregnant....what's your advice? DH and I are looking at visiting TX in January when I'm 22 weeks pregnant and MN in February when I'm 27-28 weeks pregnant. My OB says it's fine, but then again, she doesn't know my history and so far I look like a classic textbook pregnancy to her (aside from progesterone shots). My Napro Dr. says it's fine as long as I'm feeling well. I'm conflicted though....we've waited so many years to get to this point, is it foolish to even add something risky in (no matter how small the risk)?....or do I acknowledge I've had no control with this pregnancy from the beginning and trust God to watch over this child (Afterall, I need to learn to start trusting Him with this child). Any thoughts or advice?
I was so saddened to read of Michelle Duggar's 2nd trimester loss. She went in for her 20 week ultrasound to find out the gender, and there was no heartbeat. I can only imagine the devastation. This exact worry has been on my mind as our ultrasound appointment approaches next Friday morning. Her story again reminds me of the frailty of life and the fact that I'm not in control with this pregnancy. Ahh...so scary.
I mentioned in one of my last posts that I thought I had felt the baby move...well, now I'm not so sure because I really haven't felt anything since. Cue some minor freak out moments (especially given the fear mentioned above). I just keep trying to repeat "I am trusting you, Lord Jesus" and then pray for my Prayer Buddy to get the focus off of me. My progesterone was up to Zone 2 this week, so I'm taking that as a positive sign.
You may have noticed I finally added a baby ticker to my side bar. It looks funky because I don't know how to make it narrower, but I like this one best because it talks about what is forming in the baby. And the baby ticker is for St. Rita's Roses:-) She asked for one. I've been delaying adding one because I know many of you that read are still waiting for your miracle, and I don't want my blog to become a sore spot every time you check it, but I also want to acknowledge this amazing work God is doing at this point in my life. So thanks to St. Rita's Roses prodding...I have a baby ticker on my blog- oh my! Is it really me?
And to those of you that have asked for a bump picture...here's the latest taken this week at 18 weeks. I've really bulged out these past 1-2 weeks. I've only gained 3-4 inches in my abdomen area, but it sure looks and feels like a lot more. I'm up 10 pounds total thus far. I'm not one to post belly pictures online for the world to see, so this may be one of the few pictures I share. We'll see.
Have a great weekend!
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Yay, belly pic! :) Even those of us with IF still can rejoice with you!
ReplyDeleteAnd I too was saddened by the Duggars' loss. I am sure the entire family is grieving.
Yeah! A bump!
ReplyDeleteYour bump is so cute! I have heard traveling in the 1st and 2nd trimester is fine. A coworker of mine was cleared to travel up to 34 weeks I believe. But I still get you on the fact that any risk sometimes seems to big of a risk to surmount, at least that is how I get sometimes. But I so would want to meet up in February when you come back to MN - but I guess that is a selfish reason for me wanting you to travel! ;)
ReplyDeleteThe daylight should be increasing after 12/21 - ha! I actually love, love, love this time of year because of all the darkness, everything seems so much cozier and more beautiful because of all the candlelight, twinkling lights, etc. Another reason I think the Lord has a sense of humor, my baby is due on the shortest day of the year (in terms of daylight), but I think it is very appropriate. Have a great weekend!
I just did a little happy dance in my office today because I looked at the calendar and realized that we are 13 days away from the days starting to get lighter again. I cannot wait! I hate the early, early darkness. though I get to sleep in tomorrow, so the fact that it stays dark until later morning might be appreciated that one time.
ReplyDeleteLove the belly pic! :)
I was surprisingly saddened by Michelle Duggar's loss. She seems like such a sweet lady and her openness to life is so great to see on TV!
ReplyDeleteLove the bump photo!
You can generally travel up to 8 months of pregnancy if you're doing OK. I didn't make it that far (emergency c-section at 29 weeks for pre-eclampsia) but I'm also a minority with what I had, the form I had, and all that.
ReplyDeleteI love your baby bump pic! And your ticker is a good reminder for me as my sister is only a few days off from your due date. Congrats on wrapping up teaching for the term. Hooray! Enjoy the rest of the Advent Season!
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone, for your support, advice, and encouragement!
ReplyDeleteTexas tickets are booked. Still working on coordinating the MN travel plans, JBTC, but it looks like that weekend trip will be a go as well.
So while we are making plans, I've informed our families that if something comes up and I don't feel right about traveling, I will cancel the trip.
Patiently Waiting...glad to hear your sister is still doing well. I've been thinking of her and praying.
Thinking of you and the upcoming ultrasound. Can't wait to hear good news on Friday!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Bump and thanks SRR's for getting you to get a ticker. I was going to mention that too but thought twice about it. Praying for your safe travels.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree about the depressing darkness being unmotivating ... and the cold ... UGH! I miss the nice spring days. I'm glad you get a little rest and more time to get your list accomplished as classes are done. Hooray!!! Everyone needs a break, even if they love their job. :-)
ReplyDeleteSo cute ... your title above the baby ticker "Baby PPIW." Even though I'm still waiting, I do still rejoice for your happiness. For those days where its hard to see, people can always read through Google Reader instead. So happy to see your baby's progress and the bump pic! So cute!!! I continually pray for a healthy, safe pregnancy for you.
Following you closely and praying for you for your big ultrasound appointment.
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