Life in the Making:: 36 Weeks

{please excuse the long post}

I can hardly believe it.

Less than 4 weeks until my due date.

25 days to be exact, in fact.

The days are flying by. 

I can honestly say that I have loved being pregnant. 

Yes, it has its realistic bummer moments but the whole process is so fun.

I am determined to not wish the next few weeks away - even though I am dying to meet our little girl.

We had a bit of a scare during week 35. I started my weekly visits and went in so excited to hear how I was progressing. I was on cloud 9 and ready to find out how we were doing. My blood pressure, weight, sample, babies heart rate etc. all looked "perfect." Her head was even down. While we were talking about my plans for birth my doctor whipped out his tape measure as usual and then sat back a little perplexed. I was measuring a 31. Again. Two weeks ago he said I was measuring "a little behind but just fine." I was now measuring a month behind and hadn't grown in over three weeks. My doctor is extremely calm and so wonderful. He said he was worried about how small I was measuring and mostly that I hadn't grown in a few weeks. He wanted me to get an ultrasound immediately. My doctor is so calm and was trying to keep me calm but I felt a little panicked. James typically can't come to my appointments and boy was I wishing he was there. The doctor explained that there was a chance she wasn't growing enough and that my body could be competing with her for energy and nutrients. If the ultrasound revealed that she was small - I'd need to go on bed rest. But he repeated that there was nothing to be worried about until I had an ultrasound. Of course the hormones were setting in and all I heard was the worst.  Naturally, the Mom guilt hit me. I couldn't help it.  I wondered if I had worked too long or if I should have taken it more easy. Surely I was over dramatic for a moment or two. I prayed repeatedly for her health and fearing the worst. We scheduled an ultrasound for two hours later and I called James. Even though I told him I would be ok if he couldn't come - I was dying for him to be there. He said he wouldn't miss it and that he'd pick me up on his way. Man I love him. I would be lying if I didn't say I shed a tear or two.  My mom talked me through the next hour until James picked me up and I even found myself frantically cleaning - worried I'd be put on bed rest immediately. I will spare you every little detail but we had an ultrasound tech that was dry and gave us very few indications of what was going on. Naturally I thought her lack of - "oh your baby is cute" comments meant everything was wrong. I was teary the whole time {again with the drama} and was even certain that our baby had a clef lip at one point. Two hours later she declared that our baby weighed 5 pounds 9 ounces and was measuring just one.day.behind. ONE DAY! Needless to say, everything is just fine and we have nothing to worry about. Even if I did over react {I am hormonal after all} - it was still an answer to prayers and I am so grateful she is growing healthy and strong.

I had my 36 week appointment last Thursday and my mom was in town so she came along. She also loved our doctor. He reassured me that our baby had just snuggled in and that he wasn't worried one bit about her growth. I had even grown a bit. Since he didn't "check me" at 35 weeks, I was so excited to see how I was progressing. He tested me for strep but didn't check me. He doesn't check until about 39 weeks. What? He said that it just gives people false hope and you may not be dilated at all and go into labor 12 hours later. I guess he's right, I'd probably look way too into things. The only thing we do know is her growth is on track and her head is down. For now, thats good enough. 

My due date is April 27. James is certain this baby is coming on May 1. Like dead set on it. For some reason I have a feeling she is going to come a couple days early. 

I still feel pretty good and really can't complain. I have definitely noticed a few changes in how I feel in the last week or two. My calves, feet, face and hands are swollen. Not bad but just enough for me to feel puffy. And I feel tingling in my feet. I think my circulation is just a little off. It is the worst at night. I feel great in the mornings but by the evenings my body aches. I have round ligament pain in my right leg as well as lower back pain. Both of these symptoms have just set in the last few days. I have been waking up at least once a night to go to the bathroom - sometimes two or three. This is VERY abnormal for me. I am a heavy sleeper and never.ever. wake up in the middle of the night. I think she is sitting lower. I simply think my body is getting ready.

I don't have many cravings but I feel like I eat all.day.long. I don't like to eat big meals - just a little bit almost every other hour. {Sad, but true} I do want sweets - a lot. But again, that is normal for me. And I am letting myself indulge this last month.

I am still trying to spin once a week. I think it helps a little with swelling. This is really the only exercise I am doing. And I feel just fine about it. I try to walk but somehow don't get myself out the door very often. Oh well, right?

My ribs are still really tender and are even burning like someone has been poking my skin all day. It is the biggest complaint I have had about pregnancy. Most of the rib pain is on the right side. Our ultrasound tech couldn't believe how far her feet were into my ribs. I was not surprised one bit. While I feel like she is lower - I have not had any lightening. She is still up in my ribs. We will see how I feel this week.

We went to a birthing class at Hoag Hospital, where we will deliver. It is a three week long program. James was able to come the first week but not the other two. While I haven't learned a ton, I am really glad we did it. It just helps to hear it all explained by a nurse and to see where you will deliver. I LOVE my hospital and doctor. They are really adamant about breastfeeding, skin-to-skin, etc. I am also planning to attend a breastfeeding class in the next week.

We have really kicked into gear around here with the baby stuff. My mom was in town for 5 days and helped me get ready. I still have quite a bit to do but it was so nice to have someone to run errands with and get partially set up. I am actually glad I saved a lot of the fun stuff for the end to help the time go by. I need to start packing my bag and get diapers etc. all lined out. 

We are still trying to decide on a middle name.

We also found out that my brother and his wife are expecting a little girl. I am thrilled for them! And of course - to have another cousin just 4 months apart.

James is gushing more and more over babies. I cannot believe how excited he is. Last week he even took a friend upstairs to show them one of her outfits. Very unlike him. The baby definitely kicks for him - and not for anyone else. My mom was here and I could not get her to kick on command. {Sorry Nana} But anytime I put my belly up against James she kicks at him. It is adorable! I feel like I am getting a glimpse into her personality. 

 I love that in the middle of the night James will roll over and put his hand on my stomach - in his sleep. It is this little moment in time that I hope to never forget. Just as this baby is prepping for life - we are prepping for parenthood.

Oh little one, we are already so in love with you. I am anxiously waiting to see your sweet face, little fingers and tiny toes.


P.S. I am rather obsessed with reading birth stories at the moment.
If you have a good one to share - please do!
I love hearing all the different experiences.