Hi everyone! I've been trying to check in on your periodically but as you can well imagine, my life is very much not my own right now (and it's no doubt going to stay that way, heh).
I'm finishing my 32nd week of pregnancy and really starting to feel it. I am exercising a little (some water aerobics and pilates 1-2x/wk) but mostly just staying as active as I can with reorganizing the house (some call it nesting, I call it a desperate attempt to clean up and do things I've put off that can't be put off any longer!). I'm also still working on biz stuff (we finished shooting weddings for the season and now it's client relations, design work, getting things done by the holidays). On top of that I'm still caring for my Mom and dealing with her dementia, but thankfully she's finding great joy in crocheting blankets to give to the needy via the local senior center (they go to nursing homes and rehab centers) and helping around the house (the basics, taking out trash, emptying dishwasher, sweeping) and getting ready for her grandson's arrival. He's her first grandchild and I swear the woman is giddy! I make sure she's taking her meds and I keep her room clean and care for her needs, which I can tell she appreciates. There are days it seems thankless, but the happier she appears the more encouraging it is for me. And then there is my pregnancy. After 7 months of getting away with few and easy symptoms I'm finally feeling it in my 8th month and I still can't complain, though I'm hurting a good bit sometimes. My lower back has finally gotten cranky (and considering my past with herniations it was a matter of time) and my nerves are getting pinched from sleeping on my sides and I think my carpal tunnel tendencies in my right hand have finally flared up (as a result of fluid and pressure) so I'm dealing with some weakness and numbness in that hand. I'm looking in the bright side and figuring this will be temporary, as I've read that all the extra fluid in the body can exacerbate such things. And at least it's just regular extra fluid and not major water retention, which I've managed to keep at bay with my healthy water intake. (Each time I go to the OB she pulls my pant leg up and exclaims "Just look at those ankles!" LOL) I'm also thankful for hearing a strong heartbeat each time and feeling LOTS of movement, even if it involves lots of pressure and more time in the bathroom then I spent even in my biggest water flushing days. hee hee (Is it any wonder I decided to redecorate the bathroom recently? I've spent enough time in there!!)
Holly, it's exciting news to think your grandchild could be on the way any day now. Do keep us posted as I will on my arrival. Of course I don't want him showing up just yet. I have 7-8 weeks left and so much stuff to do yet...I'm just not ready! But believe me, we'll welcome him whenever he wants to show up. I just pray that he's healthy as I do for yours.
For the longest time...for 7 months of this pregnancy...I still was the one taking care of everyone. And in many ways I still am...still cooking (but not as much) and cleaning...doing laundry. I'm just getting to the point of having to adjust a bit...having to nap a bit more in-between...having to ask for help lifting stuff. And in the same fashion, you had to figure I'm hosting Thanksgiving. But I decided to get creative this year and sent hubby out for a deep-frying kit...so we're going to deep fry our bird! We'll make all the usual fixins, both high and low carb. I'll be honest with you, I'm just concentrating more on healthy and wholesome foods than the carb count. So I've accepted I'm in a slightly different phase this season than last. And I've indulged (and will do so again through the holidays) on some things. But I am also looking forward to getting back on track next year, which I think will be very doable considering my prior experience and success.
Ok, I guess that's it for my update. I'm sure I wrote plenty enough, but it'd been awhile so I wanted to be sure to cover everything. Happy Thanksgiving a bit early to everyone!