34 Weeks

Other than the normal aches and pains that come with a stretching midsection and weird weight distribution, I feel pretty great.  I'm so thankful I'm still able to be active, although I have been instructed to start slowing down a little more.  For those that don't know, I teach group fitness, and my class is always telling me to take it easy.  Last week a few of them said, "Valerie, you could modify more.  We know what to do.  What if you go into labor while you're up on the stage?!  What in the world are we going to do?"  Well....I AM listening to my body, and when my body is telling me to do a little less impact and jumping, I do.  But, if I'm feeling good, I typically go for it....without overdoing it.  Taking care of my baby and my body are pretty important to me. 

I have finally hit an eating stage.  I'm hungry almost ALL the time.  So far, I think I've gained 22 lbs., but I wouldn't be suprised if that shoots up soon....especially with all the Christmas candy we still have lying around.  Ugh! 

We have pretty much decided on a name for our baby girl - Kennedy Belle.  We wanted to name this child after my dad, Ken, who passed away in 2007.  That's where "Kennedy" comes from.  "Bell" is my Grandmother Hart's maiden name, and "Belle" also happens to be my favorite Disney princess.  ;)

Sleeping has been rough for a while, as I will lie awake for 3 hours at a time during most nights (about 2-5am).  I wake up because I have to go the restroom, and by the time I get back to bed I'm fully awake - and so is Kennedy.  At first I was aggravated because I was tired, and I LOVE getting my sleep.  Now, however, I've decided to enjoy it.  Looking at the bright side...at least I can lie there peacefully in the quiet and getting to know my baby by feeling her movements.  In just a few short weeks, I will be up listening to her cries, feeding her, walking her, rocking her, working for her....instead of laying peacefully in the dark.  So, although I'm so excited to meet her I can hardly stand it, I'm enjoying the quiet while I still can.