30 Week Bump Report & 3D/4D Ultrasound Photos

How far along: 30 weeks (technically, 30 weeks and 3 days today). Wait a minute...I only have 10 weeks left!

How big is the baby: Our baby girl now weighs around 3 pounds and is about 16 inches from head to heel. If we're talking fruits and vegetables, I think she's about the size of a squash (at least that's what The Bump says).

Total weight gain: Apparently I've gained about 2 lbs since last week for a total of 17 lbs since the start of my pregnancy.

Sleep: Nothing incredibly note-worthy.

Maternity Clothes: Yeah, I'm still rocking them.

Best moments of the week:

This week was pretty awesome. On Monday, my mom and husband joined me at my doctor's office to see our baby girl in 3D/4D (and yes, we confirmed that she is still a GIRL). I included a few of my favorite pictures at the top of this post. Everyone tells me that these images are a great reflection of what she'll look like at birth...which of course makes me even more excited to meet her. In addition to the live viewing, we received a CD with images and video clips. Here's one of my favorites - she's yawning...time for a nap!

We also started our birth classes this week. It's very different than what I imagined...at least what I've seen on television and in movies. Apparently, they no longer teach a specific way to breath, but focus more on comfort techniques. We did learn a little about anatomy, pre-labor vs. true labor, and what type of labor support we'd likely want based on responses to an image.

What I mean by this - our instructor walked around holding an image of a woman carrying a baby (anatomy shot). Each woman in the room was asked to state what she saw...first thing that came to mind. Most women said "baby." One or two said "miracle," or "cramped." Me...I said "head's down." In response, our instructor said that women who tend to point out things like the position of the baby are likely factual moms. I guess that's me. She said for those types of moms, they'll want to know more about where they are in the labor and delivery process so they can mentally focus. These moms also have a tendency to read a lot or watch baby deliveries on television so they can mentally prepare for their own labor. Meanwhile, mothers who say things like "miracle" or "cramped" are more emotional moms who will be looking for encouraging words during labor. I thought all of that was really interesting.

Finally, our nursery bedding and window treatments have returned from the seamstress. My parents are bringing them up this weekend so I can put the finishing touches on our little girl's room. I think my mom is also going to help me hang pictures and such. In a future bump report, I'll be sure to give you a tour...but I have a few other things I'll have to share first, so be patient.

Food cravings: Again, nothing note-worthy. However, my hunger is starting to come back. If only I could physically eat what my brain thinks it can handle.

Food aversions: Nothing new.

Symptoms:

• Circulation issues...check.
• Heartburn...check.
• Flat belly button on it's way to becoming an outtie...check.
• Lower back pain (at night)...check.
• Veins...check.
• Increased butt size (this makes me cry and laugh at the same time)...check.
• Braxton Hicks contractions...I think I'm starting to have them.

Exercise: Yep, I'm still hitting the gym about four days a week. Granted, I am not doing much more than walking along with a few light weights, but I'm keeping my butt moving. In fact, earlier this week I had six back-to-back meetings that required me to walk up and down the stairs. Everyone kept telling me to take the elevator, but I refused...gotta keep these legs moving as long as they still feel good. I should probably add that I continued to push myself into the night by going to see Wicked. The show was pretty good, but our seats were in the upper balcony...three flights of stairs. So, I got up at 6 am and got home at 10:45 pm...and watched American Idol until 12:30 am. I was tired, to say the least.

Movement: She is HEADS DOWN, but still moving - mostly during the day. Pray that this means she'll sleep well through the night after she's born.

Gender: STILL Girl! 

What I’m looking forward to: my work shower next Thursday!

What I miss: Um...an unoccupied stomach? Not that I don't love being so close to my daughter, but I'm reaching that uncomfortable stage of my pregnancy. One of my coworkers said he would be happy to report back to his wife (who is due next week) that while I give the impression of being one of those "happy pregnant chicks," that I get achy and irritable by day end. Since she's been quite sick the past nine months, I think she was starting to believe that I was just a freak of nature...I am. 

Next Appointment: June 1st - I'm in two week increments now.

What a Girl Wants, What a Girl Needs...

A few weeks ago, I shared a message from our church's "Modern Family" series called "Happy Husband, Happy Home." I mentioned that I'd be back in a couple of weeks to pick up the other half of that message which is "Happy Wife, Happy Life." I probably would have had this message posted a lot sooner, but it's been a busy week (in particular, I overdid it last night so I decided it was more important to rest than to post). If you'd like to watch or listen to the entire message, click HERE. 

A happy marriage is usually defined by our spouse's ability to meet our unique needs...needs that only our spouse can meet, because God designed it that way. Ephesians 5:25 says, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." If our men can learn to love us (as wives), then we can all enjoy a happy life. In fact, for those of you that are still single or in dating relationships - you should be looking for someone who can meet those unique needs. If the person you're currently with cannot meet those needs, then walk away.

With that in mind, in this week's (technically a couple of weeks ago) lesson, our minister described three of those top needs...as best he could considering he's never been a woman.  Just as I did with the men, I'll describe them in reverse order. 

3. Communication

I personally think communication is probably one of the most significant but difficult lessons to learn in relationships. It can make or break a relationship...especially if two people don't learn how to best communicate with one another...or worse, don't communicate at all. Based on what our minister describes communication, my husband may be more of a woman (at least as it relates to how he likes to communicate). He often tells me that he wishes I would enjoy talking to him more - usually when he's driving from one destination to another. I just don't like to talk on the phone (with the exception of my mother). I prefer to be face-to-face so I can really focus in on the person I'm with...so I can emotionally connect. There's really no perfect formula for communication - you literally have to work it out between you and your spouse because we all have individual preferences in this area.

So men - drop that word "fine" out of your vocabulary! Women love conversation - in particular, they love a good story. So, regardless of how boring or significant your day was, share it with her....in detail. It's not that we're trying to be nosy  - we are just trying to connect emotionally with you (our husbands). And the truth is that until you learn to connect emotionally, you will never fully connect with God. 

2. Leadership 

I studied Psychology and Leadership Studies in college. For purposes of this message, I won't get too deep into leadership definitions, but I will tell you that we're not talking about leadership as domination. Actually, the most destructive homes are those in which there is an overly dominant person. Men and women appreciate leadership as initiation...no one wants to be dominated or dictated to. Consider leadership in the same way that Christ leads his church. 

Granted, women have gotten very comfortable holding leadership positions on their own...I know I certainly have. However, there are a few areas in which women want to be led (as it relates to marriage): 

1. Spiritually. Although I do believe that all major decisions should be discussed between partners...most often, women will look to men for spiritual guidance (whether or not to attend church as a family, prayer, tithing, etc). I personally remember the first time that my husband invited me to church. It was the first time that I'd ever dated someone that invited me to attend church...and it was very attractive. After church, he asked if it was something I would ever do again - I was quick to tell him that I was so glad he did invite me and that I hoped it would become a huge part of our life (as it has).
2. Children. Women want their husbands to be involved in the lives of their children. This seems like such a no-brainer, but I'm not sure all men realize what their role should be beyond conception. Men should be involved in the daily lives of their kids...from their education, to after-school activities, discipline, etc. Notice, I didn't say that they should be in charge or dominate those areas - just that they should be involved. Furthermore, men will set the example for how your children will treat you (as mother). If men treat their wife with respect...the kids will follow.
3. Romantically. At the most basic level, men - don't forget birthdays or anniversaries. She may say she doesn't want anything, but you're a tool if you buy into that. Women love a good romance story. They love it even better if they are one of the main characters in the story. For example, I don't particularly like a lot of spontaneity...but when it comes to proposals, women like an element of surprise. My husband did just that. Not only did he surprise me at Duke Gardens with a dream marriage proposal, but he also hired a photographer to capture it all on "film." I will forever and always have a lead role in my own love story. On another note...when you travel, don't forget to bring your wife something back from your journey - even if it is something small. Say you can't afford it? Then ask yourself "what am I spending my money on?" I know times are tough, but you really can't afford NOT to romance your wife. You never want your kids to wonder if you love their mom. Need I remind you - you set the tone for how your kids will one day behave. In particular, if you have sons...what kind of husband do you want them to be one day? Set the example.

1. Security

Finally, the top need for women is security. God tells us in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Women need to know that their man is going to take good care of them...that he'll be there when she wakes up...that he's willing to lay down his life for her...that he'll do whatever it takes to provide for her and the family. You never want your wife to wonder about her security...in any regard. Insecurity can lead to all kinds of trouble. So, make security (both financial and emotional) a reality for your wife.

In the more literal sense, I remember being at home alone one night when our garage door opened by itself at two o'clock in the morning. I wasn't expecting my husband to come home in the middle of the night, so I immediately called him (probably should have called the police). Turns out there was just an electrical glitch, but my husband immediately called a security company the next day to install a security system. He proved then and continues to prove that my security is important to him.

With all that said, I think my minister did a fairly good job of expressing our top three needs. What did he miss? Furthermore, what are your spouses doing to meet these needs?