I made my second ever I’m-kind-of-freaked-out-so-please-talk-me-down-from-the-ledge-and-tell-me-everything’s-ok call to my midwives this week.  The first call like that I made was when I was seven weeks along and started getting some cramping and feeling certain the pregnancy was ectopic and my fallopian tube was going to explode.

This call was because Squishy’s movements have changed.  At the very beginning they were distinct tickles, then they graduated to pokes and thumps, and shortly thereafter it was like I’d somehow trapped a feral cat in my uterus and bound his paws with athletic socks.

In the past week, however, the movements have changed.  They’ve become less violent, and are now rolls, wiggles, and pushes.  It’s a much gentler time for my little one, and it scared the pants off me.

I couldn’t figure out for the life of me why he would be getting less strong.  Scary terms like “fetal distress” and “restricted intrauterine growth environment” started parading through my brain until I finally conceded confusion and called my midwives.

I got a call back the same night and my midwife was wonderful.  She explained that Squishy’s nervous system is developed now, so he’s actually in control of his movements.  Hence, the more exploratory pushes and pokes as opposed to the spastic roundhouse kicks.  She also said it’s pretty remarkable that I’ve been feeling him as strongly as I have for the past few weeks.

Needless to say, I was immeasurably relieved.  Not only is Squishy healthy and strong, he’s all neurologically developed!  I’m so proud!

We have long suspected that Squishy is unusually vivacious in there.  The pregnancy books all mentioned this week that Wes might be able to start feeling the baby’s movements, and we both giggled.  Wes has been able to feel the baby moving around for at least a month now, possibly starting as early as week 18 but definitely by week 21!

As for me this week?  I’m ecstatic.  Not only did I get to start setting up my registry this week, a friend gave me bags upon bags of baby toys and clothes!  I’m the proud new owner of a snazzy diaper bag, a breast-feeding pillow, dozens of cute little outfits, and a play mat.  We are so fortunate!

In addition to being ecstatic and grateful, I’m also huge.  Every time I look down at my tummy it surprises me a little, especially when Squishy’s getting comfy and making my belly rock from side to side.  I swear he thinks I’m a bouncy castle sometimes.

Next week is my diabetes challenge where I have to drink a whole bunch of sugary water death juice and then have my blood drawn.  I’m cutting out sweets to prepare and I’m hoping that will save me from the consequences of my doughnut and cookie-indulgent actions.  Will it work?  Only time will tell.