31 Weeks

Size of Baby: James is the size of a coconut.

Sleep: It's pretty good but I need more of it! It's my own fault though...I am such a nightowl. I get really tired as the day goes on, but then right when I should start winding down or sometimes even after I fall asleep for a bit, I get a second wind and stay up way too late! I'm really trying to talk myself into going to bed earlier. This could be the last couple months of good sleep I get for an entire year if this baby is like his sister!!

Movement: Yes, it seems like he is turning somersaults regularly. It feels crazy! 

Cravings/Aversions: I had a craving for pecan pie and my wonderful mama made it for me this weekend. It was delicious! 

What I Miss: I guess just having more energy and being comfortable, but it's all totally worth it!

Gender: Baby Boy James...so excited to see my little guy!

Mood: Okay, up and down. Today almost sent me over the edge though!

Awhile back I mentioned on the blog that I'd found out I was a carrier for a blood disorder called hemochromatosis. We got Cam tested to rule out that he was a carrier/affected by this gene mutation to help us know what the genetic possibilities are for our kids. The plan was to wait to test them until they're older, as long as Cam was unaffected by this. Well, we got his results last week and he is also a carrier for a different type of gene mutation for hemochromatosis. I mean...what are the odds??? Actually, it's not that unusual...turns out these gene mutations are pretty common, especially among people of British lineage. Being a carrier is not that big of a deal, especially in Cam's case because his gene mutation is associated with a much milder form of this disorder, which he won't even develop since he is only a carrier.

This does bring up new questions for our kids though. If our babies ended up inheriting each of our bad genes, they could develop hemochromatosis. Luckily, they'd know from a young age and medical peeps call this the "good news disease" because there are things you can do about it. But I hate that my babies might have to deal with any of this! Of course, they could also inherit each of our good genes and have no concerns whatsoever! 

Claire's pediatrician referred us to a genetic specialist to get her tested, so this morning I set out on the seemingly innocuous mission of making her an appointment. Little did I know I'd spend hours on the phone and end up crying my eyes out! I couldn't even get an appointment without getting Claire's medical records sent over, which is understandable. Then I got the runaround and was bounced back and forth on the phone between the specialists doctor's office and our insurance company. Even getting the most basic questions answered (Is this doctor in our insurance network?) was like asking someone to solve the Middle East peace crisis. And trying to find out if any of this genetic specialist stuff would be covered by our insurance? Forget about it...that was like asking someone to explain the meaning of life. Apparently, in the totally screwed up state of our healthcare system, we (the patient, the people paying the insurance company an obscene amount of money every month) are responsible for seeing that these doctors code everything in a very particular matter in order to get it covered at maximum benefit. Don't even get me started on this issue - I could write a dissertation on the absurdity of a code making the difference in coverage for a very medically necessary test for my child, but just know that I have MANY THOUGHTS ON THIS ISSUE. After realizing that we were stepping into a minefield, I talked Claire's pediatrician into ordering the test herself (I even knew the correct covered code to tell her, y'all!). That way we are pretty confident the test will be covered and will know where we stand before going to see a specialist. Chalk it up to hormones, chalk it up to the insane state of the American healthcare system, chalk it up to Claire throwing an absolute shitfit when I tried to talk on the phone with her pediatrician...but this mama was in tears before it was all said and done. And in the back of my mind, part of those tears were for families who have to navigate these tricky waters while finding out their kids have serious, pressing medical issues. I can't imagine what that is like and I pray for those people. 

Symptoms: I'm pretty exhausted and uncomfortable. Even sitting upright is becoming a challenge! I've been having some pretty bad leg cramps in the middle of the night. Strangely, they seem to be happening in the muscles in my right leg above the metal plate in my ankle. It feels so freaky! If there was a camera in this house in the very early morning hours, you would see a big old pregnant lady pacing around the loop in the kitchen and living room trying to work out a cramp. That'll scare any potential burglars away...haha! I haven't had anymore "seeing spots" episodes, so that's good news!

Best Moment this Week: Getting the bedding set up in the crib. It looks so sweet! Back when I was pregnant with Claire, before we knew she was a girl, I bought some bedding for a boy that was being discontinued. I obviously didn't use it with Claire and held onto it for Baby #2, so we've been able to use it this time! I feel like the nesting I mentioned last week is paying off! The nursery is slowly coming together and I got the final parts of Claire's big sister gift yesterday. 

Also, I was very excited to hear that my favorite couple, William and Kate, are expecting again! 

What I'm Looking Forward to: Fall weather arriving this weekend!!!!!!!!!!!