31 Weeks: Navel Oranges

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy. (Babycenter.com)

I had a somewhat emotional week. I've been dealing with fluctuating hormones causing me a wide range of emotions, mainly focusing on frustration, sadness, and self-esteem issues. Not a stellar combination. I do have my happy moments too though-- like when I think about meeting Poppy for the first time, discovering whether we have a little boy, or a little girl, choosing a name for this precious life, and enjoying the tender first moments together in the hospital.

The wild pregnancy dreams have begun. Two nights ago, we were fighting for our lives against a monstrous tornado that would not leave us alone. Last night, I had to be hospitalized and have surgery (I'm not sure on what, they didn't tell me). I was terribly worried about having surgery so close to giving birth, but they went ahead with it anyway. When I woke up from the anesthesia, I had apparently given birth, naturally I might add, while I was out (yeah, I'm Wonder Women). Unfortunately, the baby was brought to me with the bottom half missing, but was still happy and alive. I turned to my mom and asked if it was a boy, since there were no genitalia to clue me in. She said, "Nope! You've got another little girl." (It looked very much like a boy. A 6-month-old boy.) Totally amazing what the mind comes up with while its in sleep mode.

I have been struggling with appetite again this week. Food just isn't appealing most of the time. One thing that I have been enjoying is a glass of homemade chocolate milk here and there. Vitamin D milk mixed with some chocolate syrup has been sitting quite nicely!