Have you ever thought about your favorite sound? For me it has always been the wind in the trees. I just love the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind. I think it’s because it reminds me of backpacking when I was a kid. Whenever I would hear that sound, I would think, “It’s the river,” meaning we were close to our destination and the end of the hike.

Since becoming pregnant though, I have found a new favorite sound. While I still love the sound of the wind in the trees, my new favorite sound is that of my baby’s heartbeat. I long to hear it at each doctor visit and could easily sit there just listening to it for hours. I have been tempted to purchase a home fetal Doppler stethoscope so I can listen to it daily, but with all the upcoming baby expenses, I am really trying not to waste money on unnecessary items. I just have to say, though, that when I hear that heartbeat something deep inside of me comes alive, and it’s just so exhilarating!

I have officially entered my third trimester and am certainly getting rounder. So far I’ve put on more than 18 pounds, but my doctor seems satisfied with my weight gain. It’s been quite amazing that as the baby grows, so do the movements of my belly. The little one seems to be doing flips and rolls all day long.

While I don’t feel most of the movements from inside because of my injury level, I can feel them when I put my hands on my belly. Heck, I can even watch them: my belly jumps and moves all over the place when the baby kicks. It’s so funny; I just sit there and laugh, watching my baby make my belly dance. I have to say, it’s one of my favorite things to do lately. It has been a great way to bond with the baby, who seems to be most active when I lie down and rest. I’ll laugh and talk to the baby when it starts its jumping routine.

My mom and some friends threw me a baby shower a couple of weeks ago. It was such a wonderful party and so great to see many friends and celebrate this new adventure with them. I felt so incredibly loved and special. It made this baby experience very real to me, seeing and touching all the adorable outfits and gifts. I can’t wait to dress the baby in them all.

One friend made us a hand-knit sweater and another friend made a quilt for the baby—both are so very special. I am truly spoiled, but so, so thankful for all the love and wonderful gifts. At the shower, one of the activities was everyone decorated a different onesie for the baby. Afterwards, as I went through all the wonderful and creative designs, I got so emotional. It will be wonderful and so special to dress our baby in these hand decorated outfits made just for him or her.

On that topic, many of my friends at the shower were upset with me for not finding out the gender. They complained that finding gender-neutral outfits and gift ideas was challenging. I have to admit that finding out the gender would make the planning much easier, but I also feel very strongly that finding out is kind of like knowing what’s in your Christmas presents before you open them. It takes the fun out of the surprise for me.

I don’t blame or disrespect anyone who finds out the gender of their baby before the birth; but for us, we’ve decided that we want the excitement and joy of the “big surprise.” Heck, I’ve had enough bad surprises; I figure I’m due for a good one. Either way, boy or girl, it will be a wonderful surprise. I’ve really had a lot of fun guessing and going back and forth between what I think this little one will be. My husband and most of my family think it’s a boy;  my nurse and I think it’s a girl. One thing I do know: one of us will be right!

I lied in my last column; I said I was finishing my last work trip before the baby comes. Well, I was asked to speak at another event next week, and since I won’t be working for several months it was hard to pass up the potential income.

I fly to New Mexico next week and will be there for a few days to speak. My husband isn’t too happy, thinking of me flying and renting a car by myself. But I’m confident that all will go well; hopefully the airlines won’t give me any trouble. According to what I’ve read, most airlines don’t want you traveling after 36 weeks, for fear that you might go into labor on the flight. My trip falls way before that deadline, so it shouldn’t be a problem. You really never know, of course; I’ll let you know how it all goes!

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Check out Muffy's previous pregnancy blog: Disability and Pregnancy, Part 8 — Week 24.

See her follow-up blog, Disability and Pregnancy, Part 10 - Week 30.

For more information on Muffy, visit Muffy's Disaboom member profile.