30 Weeks- the Final Lap!

Well, we made it to the last lap of this mile race. That's kinda how I think about things in life. I think of a mile and how it is made up of four laps, so high school was a lap a year, college the same way, etc. Now, a due date is determined to be 40 weeks after a missed period. So each "lap" is 10 weeks. Now that we are in the 30s, we are in the last lap. Typically, in track, the last lap is reserved for really breaking apart from the pack and turning on the jets, especially in the last 100-200 meters of the race. Though we are not exactly sure when this race will end, I know that we are at least in the last lap, the home stretch, if you will. And, have I mentioned that this race has the best prize ever? I can't wait to meet Hudson! :)

He is really starting to respond to our voices and moves around when Travis or I talk to him. It's pretty cool. He must have some good moves or good kicks, b/c he's definitely been practicing them on me! I still often feel his foot or leg or something in my ribs, which can be uncomfortable, but I definitely enjoy the movement. I was telling my mom that this has to be the best part of pregnancy, feeling the baby move. In my honest opinion, I cannot think of many more positives about pregnancy (at least in my experience). I am so ready to meet Hudson. I don't know that I'm exactly ready to pay for him, but I am ready to meet him :) I know that God will be faithful to us in providing as He always has. I just need to have FAITH.

I also think my hormones have decided to reminisce and go back to the first trimester, when I wasn't feeling all that great and did not have an evening appetite. Yep, in the last week, I've felt nauseous at night and have not wanted to eat much. It is not fun. It seems my whole life I've been praying for God to weaken my appetite so I could be more disciplined in my eating, and now that it is gone, it's no fun at all!

This week, we visit the doctor on Thursday for a routine exam, since we go every two weeks now. We will have another ultrasound at 32 or 34 weeks, then I will start going every week starting on the 36th week. It's getting closer, folks! :) My parents will be arriving late Friday night and we will be attending Maria's graduation from culinary school on Saturday morning. Then, we are going to see Texas vs. Baylor in men's basketball on Saturday afternoon and I believe will will be meeting up with Travis' mom and sister in town for dinner to celebrate my birthday that night. My birthday is a few weeks away, but this is the last time they will see me before my birthday. Sunday, we are all going to church, lunch and then my Austin baby shower at the church at 2:11! :) I am excited about this shower too! My friends have put so much thought and love into this occasion and I am so grateful to have such a great group of friends as support here in Austin!

February is almost here, and that means my 25th birthday and the start of the Olympics. It also means two other showers, one at work and one in Huntington/Lufkin. We are so blessed! :)

Here's what's going on with Hudson this week:

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, she'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)