Maternity Monday : 27 Weeks Update

40 + 28 + 7… These are not numbers I anticipated going together. But in fact these numbers somewhat define me these days. If you read this morning’s article, you might have seen that I turn 40 later this week. Along with turning 40 later this week, I’ll also be 28 weeks (7 months) pregnant!

Update on Baby Girl + Me

First, a brief little update on baby and me…

How far along am I? 

27+ weeks. Due date is 7.7.17

How is the baby? 

So far, so good! We got to hear her strong heartbeat and see her via ultrasound this morning, which is always a huge moment of happiness for me.

As I mentioned last week, she is measuring pretty small, but we made up some ground over the last few weeks. So, that’s good news!

How am I?

Eh, about the same… Gall bladder related pain is still ever present, making eating difficult and causing severe nausea. So, we continue to try to manage the pain and get me the nutritional intake I need for the baby.

40 Things I’m Looking Forward to with My Baby Girl

In the spirit of celebrating 40 this week, I thought I’d take a minute to reflect and dream about the things I’m most looking forward to with my baby girl. Here are some thoughts from the top of my mind, ranging from the serious to superfluous…

1. Meeting my sweet little girl
2. Holding her and feeling that soft newborn skin
3. Smelling that sweet newborn smell
4. Giving her a sense of love and security
5. Instilling a sense of confidence in her
6. Reminding her every day of how beautiful and special she is
7. Seeing her bond with her dad
8. Adding even more pink to my life
9. Going on evening walks together as a family
10. Discovering her personality
11. Taking her to visit the cattle on the farm with her GranDan (my dad Dan)
12. Developing nicknames for her
13. Learning her strengths and skills and natural bent
14. Baking Christmas cookies with her and my granny
15. Traveling with her
16. Decorating Easter eggs together
17. Doing arts and crafts together
18. Watching her bond with her Aunt Kelli
19. Dressing her in cute clothes of course
20. Witnessing her interact with her older siblings
21. Learning how to do her hair
22. Having a little mini me
23. Doing all the girly things like dressing up and playing make believe
24. Reading books to her
25. Enjoying the great outdoors together
26. Teaching her sports like golf and basketball and tennis or whatever interests her
27. Getting manicures and pedicures together
28. Gaining a friend (I know, I know – I am her parent first, but I hope we will have a friendship as well.)
29. Teaching her how to do all the girl things like putting on make-up, shaving her legs, and all that stuff
30. Having things in common together
31. Discovering her uniqueness
32. Teaching her to be independent and self-sufficient
33. Instilling in her the value of education and a career
34. Introducing her to our dogs – both her big brother Spy and her cousin Pablo
35. Teaching her to act with integrity and responsibility
36. Showering her with hugs and kisses and love
37. Being vulnerable and open with her
38. Acknowledging the beauty of imperfections
39. Watching her develop into her own unique person
40. My heart experiencing a love like it has never known

In Closing

Trust me – I know there will be struggles. I am under no illusions that this will be a walk in the park. But it’s also good to dream.

Finally, what are some of your favorite aspects of being a parent? I’d love to hear, particularly if you have a girl. Let me know some of the things that have brought you the most joy as a parent.