Then, the Third Trimester

I'm in my third trimester with Baby #2 already—can you believe it?! Here's a little update about what's going on with me:

Food Cravings: Cinnamon. I have been putting it in my coffee, adding it to my cereal, and doubling or tripling it in every baked goods recipe I make. I can not get enough cinnamon!

I've also been eating a lot of cottage cheese the past several weeks. Jaymz and Daniel are even getting in on that craving!

Food Aversions: I feel like I've gotten over most of my aversions at this point, though I'm still not a huge fan of handling raw animal protein. I am getting more sensitive to smells lately (if that's even possible) so things other than food have been bothering me, particularly the smells of cologne or other body products and laundry detergent or fabric softener on other people.

Body Changes: Baby and I are growing right on track! I'm having some intermittent soreness and pressure in my ribs, but I'm hopeful that I'll bypass the uncomfortable numb spot I had in my ribs last time. I'm also having quite a bit of round ligament pain, particularly on the right side. Stretching helps that some, but not always. It's normal and expected that I should have some growing pains, and I'm still feeling comfortable most of the time. I've been increasingly grateful for nurturing massage from Arwyn as the weeks progress—regular bodywork is really essential to my self-care, especially during pregnancy.

Sleep: Sleep is definitely getting a little tougher. Daniel has been sleeping better so I can't blame him for my restlessness anymore. I require more pillows and adjusting to be comfortable at night, but I feel like I've figured out an arrangement that works well for me for the time being, so that's been nice. Right now I'm using a body pillow between my knees and tucked under my belly, a large rice pack behind/under my low back, and an extra small pillow for hugging. Jaymz (somehow) still fits in the bed with me and my set-up, so I don't think it's gotten out of control yet...

Movement: This kid, man. S/he's a very active little person already! Check out this video Jaymz captured the other night before bed:



Aside from the belly gymnastics, I've also been feeling the baby having hiccups every other day or so for about three weeks now. Baby hiccups are one of the more surreal pregnancy sensations for me, and they also indicate a maturing little one inside. I'm noticing that we don't have very much time left before meeting this kiddo!

Other Symptoms: It's definitely getting harder to stand up from sitting in the car or on a squishy couch or low chair, but Jaymz is very helpful with that when he's here. I'm surprised that my rings still fit—at this point in my pregnancy with Daniel I had long since taken them off to wear on a chain around my neck. I'm already having plenty of Braxton-Hicks contractions, especially during the night. I'm glad to know my body is preparing for birth just as we are preparing our home and ourselves to welcome this new baby.

Is there anything else you're curious to know about how we're doing? Please feel free to ask in the comments!