30 weeks down, ? weeks to go

There is something about finally being in the month of June and reaching the 30 week mark that makes the light at the end of the tunnel seem a bit closer.

If my 2nd trimester left me feeling like I *might* want to have a 4th child, the 3rd trimester smacked some sense into me with two little words that I was hoping to avoid this time around...BED REST.

The good news is that after last week's quick trip to the hospital I haven't had anymore lengthy periods of regular contractions. I went to my 30 week visit yesterday and they were able to tell me that the contractions that I am having are not causing any change (in other words, no increase in restrictions or immediate fear of early labor).

When I was pregnant with Ethan and put on bed rest, it was actually kinda nice. I worked from home in a quiet house. I didn't have loads of laundry to do or a messy house to keep up with because it was just the two of us. Other than it being a little boring at times, I couldn't really complain.

When I got pregnant right away with Aiden, the idea of bed rest seemed a little less desirable. I was still working (albeit part-time) and the house upkeep with a baby somehow multiplied astronomically. Not to mention the dependence of an infant - needing to be carried, fed, played with, etc. However when I went into preterm labor at 32 weeks and spent 3 nights at the hospital trying to stop labor, I was once again sent home on strict bed rest. I hated having to rely so heavily on others (although was very thankful to have the help!)

I'm the type of person who is always on the go. I like to keep busy. I try to keep my house tidy and the laundry done (I did say "try"). So when I'm told I need to sit in bed all day, it's not appealing. While some might think "why not, sounds relaxing to me!" it has the exact opposite effect on me. My head starts spinning with all of the things I should be doing. The dishes and dirty clothes piling up taunt me. I start to notice the dust on the ceiling fans and tops of picture frames. And I kick myself for not getting more done beforehand. Suddenly I'm more motivated than ever to do all the busy work I had previously been putting off.

Okay, so I'm a little type-a. What can I say, I'm a Virgo!

Last week, when the nurse told me the doctor was letting me go home...on bed rest...I burst into tears. Being on bed rest in Texas, away from family, with a 4 and 5 year old in the middle of summer is not ideal by any stretch of the imagination. However - there is a silver lining in a lot of ways - my boys go to school all day on Tuesdays and Thursdays, they are at an age where they are much more independent and can do things for themselves like get dressed or make their breakfast, AND my husband has a flexible job where he is at home some of the time.

So...while I'm feeling huge and uncomfortable and definitely not thrilled about bed rest, I am trying to remain positive. Besides, I would do anything to ensure that Hudson makes it as long as possible so he is strong, healthy and ready to come home with us after birth.

But I am also confident in our decision that baby #3 will complete our family :)