Twenty-One Weeks

Fetus at twenty-one weeks

Michaela is now about 7 inches in length and about 11 ounces. I feel her moving around throughout the day, especially when I'm sitting still or lying down. According to one of my pregnancy books, this is the start of my sixth month, but other books still consider it to be my fifth month. I think I look six months pregnant at this point!

I had a painful feeling in my lower abdomen that started last Sunday evening and continued through Monday. I called the doctor on call early Monday morning, but he gave me the brush off and told me to get a maternity girdle. Later in the morning, my mom took me to the ER and I was checked in to labor and delivery for monitoring. At first they thought I might have an irritable uterus, but after monitoring me for a while that seemed to be ruled out. The nurse was concerned that I was dehydrated and she had me drink a lot of water. Everything with the baby checked out fine, and I have been making more of an effort to drink water. Later in the morning, I saw my OB and he checked to be sure my cervix was okay, and it was.

Thankfully the nausea has all but gone away. If I let my hunger go too long, I can feel nauseated again. But, for the most part, it seems to be gone. As for my appetite, I am hungry all the time. I eat every hour and a half to two hours to avoid problems. Sometimes I feel like I can't eat enough to make the hunger pains go away. It's exhausting. I still have two headaches a day (without fail), but they are usually manageable with Tylenol.

I came home a couple of nights ago, and it is really good to be sleeping in my own bed again. At first I was nervous about coming home, but I'm managing well so far.

As I write this, it is New Year's Eve. I didn't have too many New Year's Eves with Michael because he usually had a gig. Last year was one of the rare occasions that he did not, and that was because I made him give it to another musician. He was too weak to work. I really can't remember how we spent the evening, but I'm pretty sure it was here at home. Tonight will be spent at home, too. This year has been a toughy. I don't want to dwell on all the was lost. I'm just thankful that the Lord has carried me through, and I know he will do the same in the year to come. He never changes.

Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
²³ They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
²⁴ “ The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,

“ Therefore I hope in Him!”

Lamentations 3:22-24

Happy New Year!