31 weeks

(aly took this. and i love it.)

31 weeks. i cant believe it. it has flown by. and really, im finally getting to the point where im enjoying it. i feel little ava moving. a lot. and i love it. im reminded of the miracle that this is. and the journey and struggles it took us to get here. pregnancy is different this time around. im seven years older than i was when i was very first pregnant. its given me more perspective on things. i've learned to enjoy the journey instead of wishing it all away. and maybe perhaps that has to do with the fact that this will probably be the last time i'll be pregnant.

im also so grateful for the priesthood. and for a husband, who at almost midnight, is ready and willing to give me a priesthood blessing. the other night, i was having horrible gallstones. i was so close to going to the hospital. i asked for a blessing, and before it was over the pain stopped and i was able to fall asleep quickly. heavenly father really truly does look out for us. :)

some things about this pregnancy:
* i've been on zofran (strong anti-nausea med) since 7 weeks. thank goodness there is a generic now, but it still can get expensive when your insurance only covers 10 a month. i first took it for the severe morning sickness that i get. but now, i use it to help calm my stomach after a gallbladder attack

* my gallbladder is not keeping up with its normal duties. who knew that such a little organ could have such a large impact? some days are good. some days... not so much. and passing gallstones is worse than contractions. but i've learned my 'safe' foods. they consist of: bread, plain pasta noodles and white rice. i cant eat: veggies, meat (well, turkey burgers are ok on occasion), absolutely NO dairy (awful), nothing too sugary - like fruit snacks nearly kill me every time, and... well... i think that covers it. :) today was a good eating day. i even ate a glazed doughnut without too much pain. (and it was worth it) anything that is super fatty (mmm like bacon..... mmmmm!) is strictly off limits. at first it was really hard. because i love food. especially fatty food. ;) but- as i've begun to feel better- i really dont want to eat that stuff anymore. i also eat child sized portions. i cant process anything more.

* weight gained: 7 lbs. see above diet. nuff said.

* cravings: none. well... maybe diet dr pepper. love. :)

* struggling with iron deficiencies. not fun. but it explains the tiredness, dizziness and all that other fun stuff. so- enter: iron pills. (that is truly a double edged sword!) hehee