THIRTY THREE

I'm thirty-three weeks pregnant. Which means that sometime in the next 8 weeks (hopefully 5-7), I will have a baby in my arms.

THAT is blowing my mind. Every step of pregnancy has kind of blown my mind, though.

This week I went to a breastfeeding class that, while sort of awkward, left me feeling really informed and confident in nursing. Previously, it had been something I was really on the fence about.

Conrad and I also went to our first birthing class. Since I'm simultaneously a super-motivated mama and an uber-procrastinator all at once, I waited until a few weeks ago to sign up for the class. Which is seven weeks long. And I have seven weeks left. If we're lucky, we'll get out of the last session or two. As much as I loved school, I always loved ditch days, and what better reason to miss class than "I gave birth."

I spent some time with my family this weekend, which was great. I've got my showers coming up next week and had some stuff to go over with my mom. Weather in LA is drastically different than in San Diego. Read: much freaking hotter. Like, a thirty degree difference. So my mom dug out her most stretched out swimsuit for me to borrow and we swam in the pool. The heavenly pool. It was actually the first time I've really gone swimming all summer. I mostly sat on the extra-wide first step and let The Boy kick while I soaked up some sun. And burned a little, since that's what I seem to do these days, with all these extra hormones, or something.

People keep asking me, on account of the heat, if I'm really ready to be done, or some variation of the question. I can honestly say, no, I'm not. Pregnancy has been one of the most pleasant, fulfilling, fast-moving things I've ever done, and any discomfort I've felt has been totally outweighed by all the kicks and excitement and closeness that Conrad and I have felt. So, no, lady in the grocery store. I'm happy to stick it out for the summer. And I'll be happy to do it again in a few years.

Pregnancy updates:
Baby probably weighs around 4 pounds.
I've gained 25 pounds.
The Boy is a fish who's too big for his pond. Every move he makes throws me off balance or makes be dizzy. We're both getting excited for the day he can come out.
I've officially stretched my love handles further than they're willing to go. Up until about 28 weeks, I was rocking one single, vertical stretch mark on each side. Now, it looks a little more like a bear mauled me. Still none on the front of the belly, though, which I'm grateful for.
I'm leaking. I'll just leave it at that, since I know my dad reads my blogs sometimes.
I'm DYING to get a 4D ultrasound. Anyone want to front $100 so I can go see my kid?
My feet don't really swell. Maybe at the end of a long, on-your-feet day, they'll be a little puffier than usual, but nothing elephant-like.
My hands have had some "numbness." That's not really how I'd describe it, but that's how my doctor described it, so I guess that's what it is. I can still feel my hands fine (they don't actually feel numb), but I have trouble gripping objects like pens or cups. Like I have less control over those muscles. Weird. And it makes applying eyelashes quite a bit harder.
My back hurt for a while, but I realized I need to stop sitting on my couch that promotes horrible posture and spend more time on my birthing ball. Also, massages are wonderful.

Questions for you:
My hair has gotten darker. ^^^ I'd still call it blond, but it's much darker on the top of my scalp. For those of you who've had babies, will my hair go back to it's medium-blond color, or stay darker?
Have any of you felt the hand "numbness" I described? How do you remedy/prevent it?
Anyone have any healthy snack suggestions that I can make or have in larger quantities, ready to grab?
Which trimester did you grow/gain the most? I feel like I gained and grew much more in the second trimester. Not that it's bad, just wondering.

And just so you guys know, here are some blog updates I wanted to share with you!
I gave my About page a huge facelift. I'd love for you to check it out and let me know what you think! (Also changed/added: My Contact page, FAQ page)
Here's a giveaway for an art print from A Cat-Like Curiosity.
Here's a giveaway for $50 credit to Fruitful Feet.
July will be the last month I accept sponsors until after the baby comes. I'd love to have you on my sidebar! Check out my advertising options here, and use the promo code 'babyframe' for $10 off any ad!