Week Thirteen
April 14, 1997:
Welcome to my second trimester! I can't believe I am here! I gave Kevin a card this morning to mark the occasion. He was surprised, but all in all he has been super to me through the hardest part (I hope it was the hard part!).
I am not feeling better yet, but I can't expect the nausea and vomiting to just disappear because of what the calendar says. I am eating what I want, which has boiled down to: tapioca pudding, turkey pot pies and cold water. Hardly the vegetarian diet I am used to, but hey, it stays down! I lost 7 lbs in the last 2 weeks, so I have to do what I can do.
April 19, 1997:
I've been feeling the baby move more and more. That is a really nice feeling, although it is quickly replaced by "Why isn't the baby moving?" Still, I enjoy that private moment when I can smile, touch my slowly curving belly and share with this baby.
Emotions are still way out of whack! I was crying as we watched 20/20 last night on television. I kept turning away so that Kevin couldn't see his blubbering wife! He would understand, but I hate not being able to control my own emotions!
The kids love to touch my belly and "talk" to the baby. Hilary and Benjamin swear that the baby answers them. It's quite adorable!
Week Fourteen
April 23, 1997:
Will I ever stop throwing up? Most people have stopped by now. I guess I can deal with it a bit longer, especially since I can feel the baby move. My belly is poking out a bit more, but I still feel like an impostor in maternity clothes! You know a fat woman trying to look pregnant.
Week Fifteen
April 28, 1997:
I went to a birth yesterday, as a doula. It was a long, hard labor, but in the end the mother got everything that she wanted and had the support that she needed. I remember thinking as well all crammed into a small bathroom (three of us) to help apply continuous back pressure that I hoped that people would be around to take care of me in labor. I guess that's what preparation is all about for me, surrounding myself with good support.
The kids are still having fun "talking" to the baby. Kevin is rather annoyed that I am still sickly, and all I can say is that I AM TOO!
May 2, 1997:
I've spent all day and night being awake to help someone else give birth. Being pregnant myself gives me a whole new perspective on labor support. The long hours and physical work are one thing, the emotional aspects are another. I can only hope that I will be as well supported and educated as these women.
Kevin was great when I got home, he waited up, even though it was late. I got a nice massage and something to eat, not to mention the promise of being able to sleep in the next day. He is excited about taking classes. I can't wait to start, I think it will make this pregnancy more real for me. Sometimes I feel like I'm not really pregnant!
Week Sixteen
May 5, 1997:
Yet another birth this weekend! However, it was really special. My sister had a VBAC after 3 cesareans. I am now the proud aunt to Pierce Allen! Now I can have the rest of her maternity clothes, and hopefully a few baby clothes too! That really is the best way to get clothes, know someone else who is pregnant!
Well, my pager keeps going off! I really need sleep, this pregnancy thing makes working hard!
