I'm Growing Big Lately

Not to mention the baby, too.

37 weeks, 5 days

The growth ultrasound showed that the baby is big, but not as big as Julian. He's engaged the pelvis and I'm 60% effaced already which is way more than I could say about my Giant 11 pound baby. Julian was not wanting to stop growing or find his way out, no way!

My weight gain, despite the ginormous nature of my belly, has been right on-target this pregnancy. With this pregnancy I've gained roughly 22 pounds. With Julian, I gained a whopping 50 pounds. By the end my feet, ankles, and fingers were dreadfully swollen and my eyes were so puffy it's a wonder I could still see. My energy level was horrible as well. I remember walking 20 minutes straight was a big accomplishment.

My pregnancy with Julian at 40 weeks, 5 days (night before c-section)

Walking 45-60 minutes a day, eating well, laying off sugar while pregnant = smaller baby, feeling better, moving easier, and not being a swollen puff pastry balloon creature. Lesson learned.

Now that I'm "getting there" it is indeed more difficult keeping up with my toddler. Luckily Julian has taken to more educational activities lately.

He loves puzzles.

Sometimes he needs a bit o' help from Mother Dear, but don't we all?

Bonus: he even loves putting all the puzzle pieces back! Yay for less clean-up!

Everything about this new activity is great: it means I run around less, he learns new skills, and helps him work on his fine-motor skills. I really love watching him learn. In general he is a very patient student who takes pride in accomplishing tasks. I genuinely love seeing him grow into the young man God intends him to be!

I leave you with a video of him engaged in his new-found hobby. Hopefully Julian will be showcasing his new-found task of big brotherhood soon and very soon. We're all getting very eager to meet our little prince.