Summer in Germany Has Arrived

I'm sitting in my living room, a cold, wet wash cloth draped over my neck.  It's after 8:00pm and still around 87 degrees.  The girls have "stolen" our lone fan. As soon as I'm sure they are asleep, I'm taking it back.  For the past several days it's been in the high 80's and 90's. With humidity.  I'm 8.5 months pregnant and not taking kindly to this weather.  AC is nowhere to be found.  Not even in many of the local stores.

I feel like a wimp.  Some people probably think my Facebook updates about the weather are rather annoying.  But, seriously, I feel ill. I've taken two cold showers today.  I'm drinking coconut water  as it's supposed to be healthier for you than Gatorade, and replenish you with five essential electrolytes--potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and phosphorous (Real Food athletes are now turning to coconut water instead of Gatorade).

It has been so humid here, my husband has had to take off his wedding ring, something he's never had to do in the past, because his fingers are swelling. I'm a little puffy. You can see it in my face and fingers. I had one day of ankle swelling last week and my midwife checked them a couple days later and said they were fine.  I can still see my ankle bone. So, I guess that's a good sign.  However, I know I must be retaining some water because my sandals are fitting a bit more tightly.  I've been swimming, taking baths, and drinking mineral water - all recommended by my midwife to keep down the swelling.  

My previous two pregnancies were in cool, dry Alaska. So, this is new for me.  I had a little bit of swelling with Olivia towards the very end and I don't remember very much with Lila. In fact, I gave birth to Lila wearing my wedding band.  My rings were removed a couple months ago, sadly, this time around.

Fortunately, the girls are back in school and I don't have to find ways to entertain them in this heat.  Today, however, we are hitting up the town pool as soon as they have an afternoon snack!  Must go get the bag for the pool packed and ready to go!!  I only wish I could sit in the shade and read a book while they swim - still too young for that...