The Grays

This week I measure 16 inches long and weigh just over 3 pounds – about the size of four navel oranges (naranjas)!  Now some of the amniotic fluid has been removed to make room for me and mom can feel my movements more frequently and intensley.  I can turn my head from side to side and every limb of my body is preparing for an upcoming growth spurt.  My brain is growing faster than ever. The brain cells are increasing at a rate of 100,000 cells a minute and 70% of the calories I get are used for brain growth.  Mom is being extra careful to keep healthy amounts of omega 3’s and iron in her diet.  Filet for dinner tonight and salmon tomorrow!

Mom is feeling very lucky because she is sleeping really well and feels good all around, although she gets out of breath more often and her legs and feet feel a big achy after a long day of work.  Dad has promised plenty of food massages during their last two weeks in Charlottesville!

Over the past few weeks we have taken several classes to prepare for the arrival of Baby Gray.  These classes are all offered through Martha Jefferson Hospital.  Monday evenings we attend a 2-hour preparation for childbirth class that meets over a period of 6 weeks. This class details the stages of labor, how to be a helpful birthing partner, breathing techniques, complications, etc.

On the first day of class the ‘birthing partners’ were asked to get into their favorite birthing position.  I’m pretty sure the instructor had every intention of embarrassing the guys and making the women feel more at ease.  Bill immediately went into a squatting position with his butt in the air – it was rather amusing.  Since then we have learned many birthing positions for early labor and later stages.  Our favorite is the ‘8th grade prom’ (I lean on Bill and wrap my arms around his neck while swaying) and using the exercise ball.  We have both been doing yoga 2 times a week and hope that some of these positions are helpful during labor as well.

Last week we were given two ice cubes and asked to squeeze them as hard as we could for two minutes and pretend it was a contraction.  Bill and I liked this exercise and coached each other through breathing to cope with the discomfort.  I will never think of an ice cube in the same way again…

Today we went to the basics in baby care class and we have yet to complete breastfeeding (Bill is really excited about that one) and infant CPR classes.  The classes have definitely been helpful but we’ve also just about reached the threshold of information that we can handle for now.  Bill is complaining about the lecture format of the classes – the Darden case method has spoiled him forever!

Only 10 more weeks to go! Now my eyelids are open and eyelashes and eyebrows are visible.  I’m 2/3 of my final size!  I weigh about 3 pounds and am 17 inches long – about the size of a head of cabbage (una lombarda).  My level of infection-fighting antibodies is equivalent to mom’s and I’m surrounded by a pint and a half of amniotic fluid.  Lots of cushioning in here!

Mom had an appointment with Dr. Wolanski today.  He said that her weight is perfect and she is measuring exactly 29 weeks, which is consistent with the modified due date.  Only one more visit to Dr. Wolanski before we all move back to Michigan!

Last weekend my three best girlfriends from college came to visit Bill and I and to attend my baby shower on Sunday.  I am so grateful that they made the trip to Charlottesville – Sarah drove from Charleston, Alexis from Cleveland, and Lisa from DC.

Friday evening I showed Alexis around town and took her to her first tapas restaurant.  Sarah and Kent arrived late that evening and Lisa came early Saturday morning.  I made french toast for brunch and we walked around the downtown mall and went to Veritas for wine tasting.  It was HOT – 100 degrees!  Charlottesville was also extremely packed due to Foxfields and the Dogwood Festival and Parade (the dogwoods were in full bloom).  I think I pretty much exhausted the entire crew on Saturday.  After wine tasting we went to Blue Mountain Brewery for lunch and then walked around UVA campus.  We then got some cold beverages and had a nice dinner at Orzo.  Baby shower cake for dessert (a gift from Bill)!

The baby shower was Sunday.  Cassy, Sarah and Chiara did such a wonderful job planning the entire event!  Most of my friends were able to attend.  We played games, enjoyed great food and opened gifts for Baby Gray!  Bill and I were overwhelmed with the generosity of our friends and look forward to using everything and preparing for the baby!

Click here to see more photos from the weekend and baby shower.

At this point my hearing is keenly developed and I am 3/4 the way through my development.  I am sometimes startled by loud noises and am getting accustomed to the sounds of mom’s pounding heart, digestive system, and rushing blood.  I can even make make a distinction between some voices.  I measure about 16 inches and weigh 2-3/4 pounds, about the size of a butternut squash (una calabacera).

Mom continues to stay active and is sleeping really well.  Just waiting for the ‘pains’ of the third trimester to kick in…

Kristy has brought a Snoogle into our bed. Apparently she’s in love with Snoogle, as it helps her sleep through the night. The feeling is not mutual, and I’m looking forward to kicking this pillow out of the bed shortly after Kristy delivers our little girl. My understanding is that most men don’t like sharing the bed with a Snoogle.

All joking aside, I’m fine with the Snoogle since it helps out Kristy. It would be nice if they made a slightly smaller, and therefore more husband friendly version. This thing is huge!

We did have one incident last week. During the night Kristy tried to get out of bed and got all tangled up in the Snoogle. I think she came close to planting her face on the dresser before she could free herself of the pillow. We have certainly laughed about this pillow several times.

Today we celebrated Kristy’s 28th birthday with her favorite meal:  flank steak, oven baked french fries, broccoli, Michigan salad, and ice cream and chocolate cake (made by Ana) for dessert.  I gave her Mikimoto pearl earrings to celebrate both her birthday and completion of her Master’s degree, and we continued her birthday tradition of playing Rummikub.  It was a fun evening!