A Real-Life Pregnancy: Week 28

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Photo Credit: Dean Lipoff

It's time for the big baby shower! If you haven't had one yet, don't worry—someone will plan one for you. If you really want to have one and no one seems to be taking care of it, lay down some hints real hard and someone will figure it out.

In the Spotlight

As I told you a couple of weeks ago, I'm not great with being the center of attention. I sometimes have a tendency to say the wrong thing, drink too much alcohol, put myself in a corner having a heated discussion with only one person, or all of the above. I knew that I couldn't let any of those things happen at my baby shower, so I needed to come up with a game plan.

First off I wanted to make sure that I had the right thing to wear. I took care of that a couple of weeks ago, but guess what, your body is changing every week—mine sure is—so I made sure to try it on again with shoes and accessories. Since it was all a go, I sprayed my chosen clothes with my favorite perfume and packed them away (I have to take a plane to get to my shower!). Then I had to make sure all my makeup and toiletries fit into three-ounce containers so I could go carry-on. This can be a challenge so it took a couple of days. I also put together a bag with my prenatal and other vitamins to take along. Next was proper entertainment for the plane ride. I knew that I was up for a three-hour flight and would be stuck in a seat, so I opted for a couple of good books to keep my mind busy—and with my pregnancy brain troubles lately, a good read might help keep my brain sharp! I just had a couple of days to wait.

Waiting can be the hardest thing. I started thinking too much and I was having dreams about losing things in a river and being late for classes in high school. I think I was getting a little nervous. Instead of letting it get the best of me, I started taking a moment to visualize what I wanted to happen. I scrunched my eyes up real tight and thought good thoughts about saying the right things, looking really good, and taking the time to talk to everyone at the baby shower. Every time I started feeling a little anxious, I just took a deep breath and practiced saying "Thank you"!

I know it's not just me—there are others of you out there, I know there must be. Having people shower affection on you can be uncomfortable and challenging, not because you don't appreciate it, or don't deserve it, but because you're worried you will do the wrong thing and then those showing their appreciation won't feel appreciated. So, what do you do? I guess the best thing is to be yourself, put your best foot forward, and try to smile a lot.

So Much to Be Thankful For!

I made it to my baby shower. I so enjoyed seeing some wonderful people I only see on special occasions such as this, and I accepted all their praise and gifts with as much whole-hearted appreciation as I could. I took the time to talk with each guest, didn't allow myself to get stuck in a corner talking to only one person, and obviously didn't drink too much! I was so touched by the wonderful gifts that I received, and the whole celebration just made me realize how real this experience is! I'm going to have a baby! It's going to happen really soon!

Sarah's Stats

Waist measurement: 41.5 inches
Weekly weigh-in: 164 pounds
Pregnancy symptoms: All of the above! I am hungry, thirsty, and tired. At least I'm feeling all these things with a smile on my face!
My favorite pregnancy anecdote for the week: I don't have an anecdote for this week—I am just so blessed to have such amazing friends and family to celebrate my pregnancy with and I am very thankful for that!
Pregnancy "first" of the week: Baby shower! Every pregnant woman deserves one.
Doctor's visit: Not this week.

About the Photo: The above picture of the author was taken during her 28th week of pregnancy by Dean Lipoff.

Read the next installment: week 29