That is one very heavy belly, my friends. I jokingly said to Mike two nights ago, “Will you hold this belly for a sec?” He put his hands underneath my stomach, lifted up, and said, “Whoa, you weren’t kidding about this being heavy!” And then I murdered him. Just kidding – I could never get through these pregnancies without my Mike. He listens to me cry, puts up with me, and rubs my back every night. And I know that if he could, he would absolutely hold my belly.
I only have a few more appointments with Dr. Risky, which is starting to freak me out a bit. I saw her yesterday and she said, “Almost done! Just keep that baby in a little longer!” Which was encouraging but also OMGIHAVESOMUCHTODO. I told her that my contractions have been picking up in intensity, but since they aren’t more frequent she wasn’t terribly concerned, especially since my fetal fibronectin test last week came back negative. Of course, if I start having more contractions, I’m supposed to head into L&D. I am really, really hoping that doesn’t happen, because with my luck, I’ll start having contractions at the beginning of rush hour and Annabel will end up delivering my baby on the side of the 405 freeway.
The Acrobat is still measuring big, which means I get one more ultrasound next week. I wasn’t expecting to see the little guy until he was born, so I’m looking forward to getting one more peek at him in his current habitat. Hopefully I’ll have a better view of the ultrasound screen next time.
My mom was kind enough to take me to my appointment, so she sat in the room with me for my exam. She got to hear The Acrobat’s heartbeat, and then she and Dr. Risky got into a lively discussion about vasectomies (file that under Things I Never Wanted To Know About My Dad and Things I Never Needed To Know About Penises/Scrotums In General). When we were leaving, Dr. Risky said to my mom, “Come back next week!” So they are pretty much Best Friends Forever, apparently.
Just a normal day in the Spohr house.
Carrie B says:
My daughter shares a birthday with Maddie, so naturally I’m hoping that The Acrobat will arrive on my son’s birthday – May 23rd. Try and hang in there for another 22 days, okay Heather?
Rebecca says:
So happy for you and your family.
Lex says:
LOL. I used to tell Marco to please hold the twins for a bit when I was pregnant with them. Wouldn’t it be nice if the dads could do that? Just for a little break while you took a walk or something.
Jessica says:
I can tell from the last photo that the baby has definitely dropped! You’re in the final stretch!
AmyG says:
Can’t believe the end is almost here. It’s gone by fast… well for me, since I’m not the one pregnant. I love that last picture. Annie makes me giggle.
Nellie says:
You carry your babies so beautifully! So excited for you and your family and pray each night with my daughter for you, your little acrobat and for all pregnant women.
That last picture is priceless – the beautiful witch is making sure her magic spell of all things happy and healthy are still being met!
Mary says:
I just want to wish you all the best with your baby boy and say how much I love the way you appreciate your husband.
In the four plus years I’ve been a reader, I’ve never seen you bash him on here. Rather, you might disagree, or question, but you always do so with great affection and kindness. It’s refreshing.
Momma Lioness Michele says:
You May-de it to your due date month! (Sorry, I just couldn’t resist). Thinking of you and your Acrobat in NY and sending you good vibes…although your little Witch there looks like she has everything under control :).
Momma Lioness Michele says:
Oh, and the conversation between your Mom and Dr. sounds absolutely priceless – and horrifying – haha!
Kellie says:
I just can’t believe your pregnancy is almost over already – I swear it feels like you just found out you were expecting like a week or so ago. So very excited for your family and looking forward to reading about your little man. These are such exciting times and they go WAY too quickly – my youngest turned 21 a few weeks ago and frankly I find that impossible since it’s been like a whole year or so since she started school.
Thanks for sharing your family with us, Heather – can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Amy says:
That is one beautiful belly! And beautiful witch! Good luck to you!
D says:
I love every.single.thing. about this post!
Auntie_M says:
Next time, maybe you should just send your mom in to talk to Dr Risky on her own to talk about Dad’s vasectomy and such prior to you going in! LOL
Love the picture of you and Annie at the end of the post!!! She almost looks as though she could handle delivering her baby brother on the side of the 405! (God Forbid!!!!!) But if she’s wearing that outfit, perhaps it comes with magical powers!
Yay for seeing the Acrobat one more time before he arrives! We video taped the last time before my niece arrived–which was awesome because my niece kept turning away from the light/ultra sound til my mom said, “Teagan, turn around and look at Gramma!” and she DID! Awesome moment! (Kind of like Annie finding out she was having a brother!)
One of the best things about Mike is that we all know he’d help carry your belly if he could.
What a family! So happy you are multiplying!
Kelly says:
I am so glad that you were able to go back to Dr. Risky. Having a great doctor is so important!
Lisa says:
What a beautiful belly! Hang in there, you’re doing great!
Jess says:
My friend and his wife are due with their second on June 10th. He said something that made me think and I didn’t have the right answer. (I have a fur baby, no kids of my own.) His 1st is 5 1/2. He said he is so close to her and adores her, that his second daughter he knows he will love the same but he feels like he would be cheating on his love with his first. Sort of like he won’t have enough to give. But then I look at your pictures and read your posts and realize, there always will be enough love to give.
One day I truly hope to have the love you have with Annie, Maddie, the acrobat, and Mike. Without the scrotum talk.
Marie says:
It might be a good idea to get a belly band or whatever they call it now. Just to give your body a rest. It holds up the belly and you wouldn’t have the full weight of it on your back and muscles.
My mom wore a pregnancy girdle and encouraged me to do so but they had changed a bit and are now not so cumbersome. and hot. By the way, I love that your baby is now so big. A huge hug and congratulations.
Hugs from Minnesota,
Marie
nami says:
wow, can’t believe you’re in the final stretch!! i still remember where i was when i read about annie’s birth, and how i screamed with joy. i was in the car with my hubby who was completely confused about who i was so happy for (since i only know u through this blog… and u have no idea who i am! why did that sound creepy when i typed it??) anyway, i’m sooo happy for u guys. i cannot wait to see all the pics with acrobat and annie. LOVE LOVE LOVE that last pic.
Kayla says:
And the award for Oddest/Most Random post title goes to…!
TracyKM says:
I second the belly band idea. I never had one, but hear great things about them, especially for after a c-section too. Or, if you have a stretch baby wrap, like a Moby, you can use that for now. Or, you can even just use a woven ring sling, tightened around your belly like a big obi belt. Or, since you don’t seem to have a babywearing aresenal handy, just take a single bed sheet and tie it around your belly You might not want to leave the house though LOL.
Anna says:
My best friend is due with her third any day, and she’s so big that people keep asking if she’s having twins! That does look uncomfortable. But your hair is shiny and fabulous!
Julie says:
Is your morning sickness (sorry cant think of the real name for what you have) easing up or is it still a daily challenge? I was hoping now that you are so close it might be getting better.