Weeks 36 &37

Weeks 36&37 update-7/20/13

How big is baby? The size of a winter melon.

Appointment Updates: My last appointment was on Thursday (38 weeks). We were going to do a membrane sweep, but I kind of chickened out and Anna (my Dr.) said she didn’t think it would probably make a huge difference either way. We decided to do it on Monday (tomorrow—yikes). We mostly talked about that, a little about different positions and exercises that might be helpful in these last days. Also we talked a little about what might happen if I go overdue again, but she encouraged me to just be optimistic and focus on taking care of myself now. She did check me and said I was 4-4 ½ cm. dilated, 50% effaced, and -1 station.

Best Moment of the week: We have done tons of fun things—including lots of swimming. But one of my very favorite times is actually pretty simple. Almost every night I have been walking up a down the driveway of our new house and in the last two weeks or so Joseph has decided to walk with me. It is such a nice time for us. It’s usually beaitful in the evening and we get to talk and enjoy time together. We have also found tons of blackberries which has been really fun.

Sleep: A couple bad, bad nights—not uncomfortable, just wide awake excited about things—but lately back to normal. I am slightly obsessed with having the air conditioner on, even though it hasn’t been very hot. I love it when it is extremely cold. VERY wasteful, but helps so much.

Food aversions: Nope.

Food cravings: Fruit, lemon anything, and ice cream.

Symptoms: Big. Pressure. Lots of peeing.

Maternity clothes: Mostly my skirts and tank tops. Some maternity. Getting bored with my choices, but it’s too late to buy new stuff!

Weight: Up 32 pounds.

Mommy movement: Ok—walking most days a bit.

Baby movement: On and off, and definitely getting to the point when body party are really sticking out. Sometimes my whole tummy points outward in a kind of triangle! This baby does seem to have some of the family stubbornness though; if someone else wants to feel it move it always seems to stop!

Gender: A big mystery!

What I miss: Not living in constant wondering about when this sh*t is going to happen!

What I am looking forward to: Being done with labor and delivery and having my baby in my arms!!!!

Getting ready for baby: Doing much better. I have all the major things. I made two color coded spreadsheets which helped me get serious and have most things crossed off now. Oh, and I decided in a major indulgence: I hired a house cleaner! My insurance pays for house cleaning three times after the birth and that got me thinking how much I wanted someone to come before. I am so glad I did. I know it will seem totally crazy to some people, but the house is spotless and it makes me so happy! I think it is totally worth it.

Next appointment: Monday—going to strip my membranes.

(I am posting this pretty late—to quickly update I can’t seem to sleep at all anymore which is miserable and I did get my membranes stripped this afternoon, but nothing happening so far.)