Crikey! Its the Third Trimester!
A client at work confessed a secret to me. She thought she was pregnant. She hadn't taken a test or told her partner, but she felt pretty sure and was excited to reveal this to me. I of course shared in her enthusiasm, as I was very suspicious from the beginning that my body was trying to tell me something and its only a feeling that you can keep to yourself until your tested. With my new superpower of trust, I had never had a stranger divulge such sentimental information and was kinda touched. I have talked to plenty of women who have already had their first and they are always excited to talk to me about what I'm going through but this recent situation was the first where I have been ahead of someone else, being able to be the wiser, the elder with homegrown advice. In contrast, another client comes in with her 4 month old. She tells me that I shouldn't expect the first 3 months to be as dreamy as everyone claims. As a matter of fact, its grueling and exhausting- but it all pays off eventually. I smiled and nodded in understanding. Sounds like she had been through the ringer but her rose cheeked cherub did indeed to be bubbling with happiness at the moment. I, of course, couldn't really relate to the poor woman. I have good strong support from a loving husband and friends around me. I am prepared to take on the work and it will pass, and I'll say "that wasn't as bad as they said it would be." There's bigger things to be worried about that come with the territory of raising a family.
On the other hand, I had another appointment and ultrasound today. Not a lot of information except that my cervix looks "perfect." I know you were dying to know the condition of my cervix. I also talked to my OB about flying at the end of the month as Cam and I will be cruising around Yellowstone for a weekend. She shrugged and stated that I could fly up until my last weeks, 40 being the week I'm due to deliver. Her theory was if I am on a plane with a couple hundred other people, that somebody has to have a condition that could go awry and it would most likely not be me. The main problem with flying in my 3rd trimester is that I can cramped and swollen if traveling for a long amount of time and walks up and down the isle every hour are recommended.
Also, the delicate issue of circumcision came up as the majority of people I have talked to are against it. Culturally, at least %60 of Americans are for the cut, but I would say in Oregon that number could be more like %20. Being primarily a cosmetic surgery, I would say that larger metropolitan cities would have a higher rate but there is no extra medical reason to have the procedure done. I asked my OB what reasoning new parents had for getting the surgery and her reply was simple; daddy wants his son to look like him. There are religious and tradition reasons as well, but without having these legs to stand on, I feel that I would be a sheep to do this non-concensual procedure. Any feedback is welcome!
After that discussion, my OB measured my tummy. Her eyes widened as both of us are a bit incredulous at how big I've gotten in the last two weeks. As you can tell from the pic above, I feel like a spontaneous birth could happen at any moment. I have made reservations for the hospital we plan to land at and have also chosen a pediatrician from the recommendation of a friend. I would sign up for pre-schools already if I wasn't so taken aback by the tuition rates for some of the schools. Apparently, if you want to get into a "good pre-school" doing it a couple years early doesn't hurt. But I don't want to pay as much MY college tuition for such an opportunity. Meanwhile, we have to throw more money at IKEA in order to get Ryden's room together before August! Hopefully pics soon!
Posted in: on July 2, 2010 at at 10:32:00 PM
The circumcision thing rages back and forth here, some studies saying there is a big protective factor against HIV by being circumcised.
Since I hope Ryden would be taught about safe sexual practices, that research should not colour your decisions too much.
There is a small element of risk in any operation.
It was usual practice when I had kids, though even then beginning to be frowned on by the doctors.
You look so good! Ryden is getting ready, that's for sure. See you soon. Love- Dad
"I shouldn't expect the first 3 months to be as dreamy as everyone claims"
It's not the first 3 months that are the problem. Maybe the first 30 years....