29 weeks

Let's get right to it. According to Babyzone.com, here's how Jack is doing at 29 weeks:

"Your baby is filling out this week. He's adding fat to insulate his body for the day he leaves his cozy home. You can probably distinguish between feet and hands, head and bottom when your baby-to-be moves inside you. He takes practice breaths but won't breathe air until delivery.
Your baby's growth has begun to slow down now, but he will still gain approximately four pounds between now and birth. If he were born now, he would be able to breathe, but might tire easily and need assistance. His little eyes are sensitive to light.
How big is baby? At two pounds, 12 ounces and almost 10 and one-half inches (crown to rump), your little one is growing fast!"

What's happening with your body:
"As your baby-to-be grows bigger, you may find your pregnancy pains increasing. By the end of the day your back aches and your feet become swollen. Frequent potty breaks are probably becoming a nuisance as your wiggly baby presses down on your bladder."

I've heard that the second trimester is the best and you have the most energy and feel the best. I think that is true. I felt great all summer with little or no pains and a surprisingly good amount of energy. Now I'm exhausted and feeling a lot more discomforts. It's getting harder to be on my feet, getting up, and even sleeping isn't such a breeze. I was feeling very lucky that I was sleeping so good and was actually very comfortable. Well the leg cramps have started and my growing belly is making sleeping comfortably more difficult. I've also managed to be able to sleep through the night without getting up to use the bathroom. I go 2-3 times before bed and don't drink too much at night. I don't think it's going to continue for long though!! I still feel pretty good; mostly I'm just really tired and a little achy. Nothing to really complain too much about. I just need to take it easy and try going to bed earlier.

We went on the hospital tour last night. I thought it might be a waste of time, but it was actually very helpful. Now I know where to go when I'm in labor and I know what to expect. I feel like the hospital will support me in my attempts to have a natural, med-free delivery and they even have some tools available such as a jacuzzi tub and a birthing ball. One thing I definitely want is to have the baby in my room at all times and that is customary. They have private suites for all the moms and the babies only go to the nursery if you request it or there is a medical reason. Once you have delivered and are in the private room, you can have as many visitors as you like. I'll definitely want some privacy and time alone to bond with the baby and try breastfeeding for the first time, but I know a lot of people are excited and we'll be getting some visitors. I think I'll be nervous about anyone else holding the baby in the beginning, but I'm not going to be crazy and hold him hostage! But it's a good thing that I'm the mom and can demand to have him back! :)

Next week there will be lots of updates and pictures. I have a doc appoitment on Tuesday and Saturday is my shower. Yay!