HaysDays

Walking will help with the fatigue and it will make your delivery easier. About the ice cream, one word, moderation. Taco salads covered in sour cream were my weakness with my first and with my youngest I once ate an entire carton of sour cream with a spoon. I still have some of that baby fat and my youngest is about to turn 21.

You are going to get all kinds of advise, take it all in, then follow your instincts. Nobody will know your baby better than you.

That tiredness you are feeling, you may as well get used to it. Nap all you can now. You are about to experience an 18 year stretch of being tired. But, don't let that scare you. The rewards for all the working, worrying and struggling you are about to experience are immesurable. The path will be sprinkled with little joys so immense they will never leave your heart or you memory. And someday, before you will stand an amazing young adult about to embark on their own life. The feeling of awe that you had a hand in the making of this wonderful person will wash away all of the tired. There is no job more rewarding. Welcome to motherhood, Heather.

When I was pregnant, I craved starches. At about 32 weeks, I couldn't sleep anymore at night at all. So, I would stay up all night watching late night tv and fixing myself pancakes, mashed potatoes, mac-n-cheese etc. I would always have a side of chips and really, really hot salsa! Some nights I wanted fruit on my pancakes so my husband would take us to IHOP in the middle of the night. One night I was craving hot wings really badly. I wanted to go to Hooters! Can you imagine by big, pregnant butt walking into Hooters in sweats and my hubby's tee-shirt? I must have been out of my mind. Nevertheless, after much coaxing, he took me up there but as soon as we walked into the door the smell was so overwhelming it made me sick to my stomach. I told him I couldn't stay! I can laugh now looking back but at the time it wasn't too funny.

I wouldn't trade being a mommy for anything in the world. Advice: Don't sweat the small things and never ever take one moment for granted. Cleaning up all the messes, handling all the meltdowns, having to leave early from the movies (that you just spent $40 on) to let your child nap in HER own bed because "she can't sleep with all that noise!" Just when you think you can't take one more "Mommy I need", your child will look at you and say "Mommy?" you answer with a sigh and a "What?" "Mommy, I love you" will follow and your heart will melt like butter!

Congrats! You're in for the best present God can give a person!

Heather - When I carried Amanda there was no better feeling in the world - she was just such a basically easy pregnancy - except for the gestational diabetes and her delivery - but that's because of my medical problems. She was measuring quite big and the day she was born she came out 6 lbs 6 oz and 21 inc long. As you know - she's perfect - well maybe not perfect - but the doctor actually said she was one of the most beautiful babies she had ever delivered.

Love - Shellie

Hi!! Jeff and I are having a girl! And we only 5 more weeks until we meet her!

Thirty-four years ago, I had four and a half months of morning and evening sickness plus the tiredness. Then two good months. Then....I became big as a barrel with much more tiredness. I slept on my side with pillows between my arms and knees or in a recliner with pillows where-ever I needed them. Then.....I gave birth to a gorgeous 5 l/2 pound, 18 1/2 inches baby boy. Five minutes later I gave birth to an equally gorgeous 5 pound 10 ounce, 19 inch baby boy. It's the most joyous thing I've ever done in my life. It still gives me goosebumps! You'll feel it soon, too, bless your heart! I now have a policeman and a preacher with two precious daughters-in-law. No grandkids yet, darn it!

But when they place your daughter in your arms, it will be like heaven on earth! And it just gets better from then on!.

Bless you and yours and the best to all!