37 Weeks

How far along? 37 weeks and 1 day
This Week the baby is a size of a: Winter melon.  At this point, most babies are around 7 pounds and 20 inches long.  It's weird to think something that big is inside of me.
Total weight gain/loss: The farther along I am, the less I like this question... 30 pounds

Maternity clothes? Yes, but I still prefer sweats
Belly button in or out? Actually, I would say that it's flat... if that makes any sense.

Sleep: When I get more than 3 hours of sleep at a time it is a magical moment.  

Best moment this week: I have officially packed my hospital bag.  I have absolutely no clue what to bring because I know the hospital supplies a lot for me and the baby.  Why waste my own money on diapers when they'll give me free ones.  I also had no idea what pants to pack because rumor has it you bleed a lot, and I don't want to ruin any of my high class, trendy sweats or gym shorts.

Movement: Yes, sometimes making me lose my breath.
Symptoms: Joint pain, lack of sleep, fatigue, moody, a few stretch marks on my hips, sometimes waddling depending on how the baby is positioned, shortness of breath, heart burn... all of those little things that when you add them up become super annoying.
Symptoms I DON'T have: I've shown no symptoms of starting labor
Food cravings: EVERYTHING.  Last night I was watching The Big Bang Theory, and they always are eating.  Every time there was a meal scene I looked at my dad and said "I want that."  At one point there was stuffing and I couldn't stop thinking about Thanksgiving...... . Damn, I'm thinking about it again.
Gender: boy
What I miss: my 6 pack abs.  Haha, just kidding, I've never had those.
What I am looking forward to: Holding him for the first time :) That's going to happen really soon!

Weekly Wisdom: sleep whenever you can.  No shame in sleeping until noon and taking a nap at 1.
Milestones: He's ready! He's ready to survive in the outside world, everything is developed and functioning... the best part is, he's working on making his first real world poop!

To Do List: I FINALLY have health insurance figured out (I think) and I've started thinking of having a friend Nanny for me instead of paying for daycare because I won't be working full time.  I should probably start "nesting" soon, but hear that's an instinct.  One which I probably don't have

For you, Caroline

IN 24 DAYS I'M HAVING A BABY! That's less than a month! Give or take a few.  And I am scared sh*tless... I've spent months waiting for this nug to pop out and now, realistically, at any given moment he could be here.  The doctor says because I've been so "normal" throughout the entire pregnancy that I have a good chance of carrying up to my due date.  I have mixed feelings about that.  Part of me wants it to happen sooner because I am so anxious and excited.  Part of me want him to stay in as long as possible because I am absolutely terrified of labor.  Have you ever watched "A Baby Story" ???? Not a single woman is peaceful or not screaming...

I just have so many questions.  Am I going to cry? Am I going to pass out? Who is going to visit me?  Will I get an epidural? Will I have a c-section?  Will I ever have a 6 pack? Is my belly button ring going to look weird after?  Am I going to poop? (66% of people do in labor, ugh!) How many pairs of underwear should I pack?  How on earth am I going to let anyone know that I'm going into labor? When will my water break? Will I be home alone? WILL I SURVIVE?!?!?!

Right now I am exactly 36 weeks and 4 days along.  The light is at the end of the tunnel and my little baby is pretty much ready to come out.  I'm measuring right on track, so he can be up to 19 inches and 6 pounds.  So basically he's the size of a honeydew.  Finally, they give me a fruit I know!  I NEVER sleep anymore.  I toss and turn all night, catching sleep here and there.  I have so much discomfort, especially in my hips.  No swelling though!  The baby's kidneys, liver, circulatory and immune systems are ready to go.  He still just needs to get a little fatter!

And finally... I went out with my friends and was "that awkward pregnant person" at the bar.  It was awesome.  It felt so good to go out again and be involved in all of the drunken drama.  I slurped down my shirley temples as they chugged their beers.  I've missed it all too much.  The only problem is that I LOVE TO DANCE.   I don't know what others think, but I think I'm good.  But I just felt so weird having an enormous belly and getting out on the dance floor.  It was so out of character for me to just stand around. But needles to say, the people watching was enough entertainment.  I should have taken some "Creeper Cam" pictures.

Without any further adieu, here is my Saturday night baby belly! 36 weeks, and my son is already going out to bars... smh

Anxiety Sets In

In approximately 35 days (give or take) I will be delivering a baby.  Of course I've known that this day must come, and I've been looking forward to it since February.  However, knowing you have to do it and actually doing it are two very different things.  Now that the time is rapidly nearing I don't want to do it.  Yep, I'll admit it, I'm scared.  It's going to hurt like a biotch.  There's not a single woman on the planet who will say "oh it was painless and they just flew out, easiest thing I've ever done."  If you find one, let me know, I will worship her.  I'm going to complain, cry, scream, grunt, sweat, hurt, cramp, tear, bleed... I mean lets face it, the miracle of life is disgusting. I'm also paranoid about being stupid and not really knowing if I'm going into labor or not.  Or when and where my water is going to break.  Or what if I'm one of those girls on TV who all of a sudden a baby is hanging out of them and they're like oh my god, I'm having a baby! Beyond that, now I realize that I'm responsible for a life and responsible for who this child is going to become.  No big deal... (BIG DEAL)

Other than total anxiety setting in, I've come to realize that I really can't complain about this pregnancy.  I've had no sickness, no medical issues, no setbacks or concerns.  The baby has been healthy and squirming around all hours of the night.  Of course I've lost sleep, gained weight and discovered my first stretch mark (it's about a centimeter long, but it still counts!) but that's all expected. I'm also happy that I haven't had strangers rub my stomach yet.  I've heard that happens to people.  I get a lot of people staring at my stomach, probably thinking is she pregnant or fat?  I've had wonderful friends and family along the way to help me through, especially with the emotions and raging hormones. They've allowed me to vent about fears, anxiety and emotions. They've helped me validate and accept my craziness.  I've also been really lucky to have reconnected with old friends and it's always nice to feel the love and support while going through trying times.  It's really humbling to realize just how many people really care for me.  I am truly grateful to you all :]

So as an update, as of today I am officially 35 weeks along! It's possible that he's up to 18 inches and 6 pounds. I have to pee ALL THE TIME! His head is pressing on my bladder making things more urgent if ya catch my drift.   His hearing is fully developed, his liver and kidneys are developed and starting to produce his first poop.  How exciting ?!?!