Shared Wisdom: Session 1

We attending our first "Shared Wisdom" class for mom's and dad's due in April (I'm due in may but early so they added me to this group).  It is lead by two midwifes and a lactation consultant (she is some other things too but i can't remember).  We will attend this class/monthly check in instead of making individual appointments throughout our pregnancy.

Eric and I learned how to take our own blood pressure and record all my other information.  We then met with one midwife privately and heard the heartbeat!  This time the baby was front and center and moving all around.  As she was looking for the heartbeat, I got so anxious but the second the 160 beat per minute sound came about I was SO happy and amazed.  I can't wait to see him/her at the ultrasound soon.

Speaking of the ultrasound... I can't decide if I want to find out the sex of our baby yet.  Eric has always wanted to and I haven't but I'm being persuaded.  Its a hard decision.  The main reason I DONT want to find out is for the delivery.  I believe it will be so much more exciting and filled with positive anticipation if we don't know what is coming out!  I also think this is a type of surprise better than other other surprise i can imagine!!  I DO want to find out for the planning of the baby's belongings and picking a name.  AHHHHH what to do (in a good way).  Also, everyone has their own opinion of what to do so thats a little annoying but whatever.

Weight:  I have gained TWO pounds.  Not bad.  I'm feeling ok about this.  I have been doing weight training two days a week and walking about two miles 5 days a week.  I even made it to the gym today for more cardo!

Back to the Shared Wisdom class:  After all this we all sat around in a circle and shared things and asked questions.  That weeks share was, "What are you most surprised about that has happened during your pregnancy so far."  The men and women were asked to answer this.  I said constipation and exhaustion.  Eric agreed that he could believe how tired I had been through my first trimester.  Two of the other women shared that they have not been able to sleep and having nightmares.  I have noticed that my dreams are way more vivid and sometimes slightly more like a nightmare but nothing too bad.  I have also been sleeping really GOOD and enjoying that aspect of pregnancy.  However, that night i had THREE nightmares and was up most the night!  Gezzzzzzz.  Today, we bought a new KING size bed and I'm so excited for its arrival.  I'm obsessed with sheets and looking forward to buying them :)

Overall, we enjoyed the class and are looking forward to more meaningful monthly check ins than just the 15 minute heartbeat and vitals.  Eric did say that he hates when women talk all calm and slow and soothing... lol which is what two of the three women that lead the class were like.  I love seeing how different each of our bodies are.  I am most excited to meet and develop relationships with other expecting parents in our area.  We will have a class after all our babies are born too.

Now, I have to get on taking weekly pictures because my bump is popped and continuing to grow :)