All Natural

Since I hit about 20 weeks, I have had THE WORST back pain I've ever had. I know it's probably because my center of gravity is all messed up and I make up for it by arching my back, but I can't figure out how to fix it. I can't find my abs! They've been with me for all of my life and now I don't know where they are. Earlier tonight, I tightening my abs and asked Andrew if he could tell that I was and he said no. It feels so weird to have a belly now. My body is trying to adjust to the difference. Lately, I have been craving the swimming pool! Yea, I know, I know, the swimming pool isn't food, but I want to be in the pool as much as I want food. And if you know me, I'm not a big fan of the pool. (Why do they have to make it so cold?!) I just want to get in and float around. I want to be light on my feet. I know that I'm still really tiny (especially for 22 weeks), but I can feel all 9 pounds that I've gained. (I'm probably up to 11 pounds with the two bowls of cereal that I eat every morning!)

I decided that the back pain was too much so I had Andrew give me a massage. It wasn't one of those sissy massages either. He was using his palm and pressing down hard. Best feeling ever! He asked me how long I wanted him to do it, and I told him that if it was up to me I'd have him massage my back all night. I think this will be one of the coping techniques that I use when I'm labor...

Ah...labor. Thank goodness I still have 18 weeks to prepare! Even though I know it's going to pass by like crazy. I think it's so hilarious to watch people's facial expressions when they hear how I'm going to go through labor...all natural. I don't want drugs. Shoot, my body was MADE to do this. If I can learn how to cope, I think I'll be okay. If labor is as bad as kidney stones, I might be in a bit of trouble, though! But, I did learn that focusing on breathing helps a ton. I decided that I'm going to have a doula. I think it'll be nice to have someone who has been through labor before and know some techniques that will help me. I think she'll help Andrew stay calm, too. I really want to labor in the shower. I absolutely LOVE hot water running over me. It's the perfect feeling. If I can have the water, Andrew's back massaging, the birth ball, and be able to walk around, everything will be all good. We'll see what Baby K has in store for us, though.

I may just end up looking like this lady.

At least her hair looks good.