Wading Through...

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Pregnancy Update at 36 Weeks

Hmmm... I think I'm done with this pregnancy.  I've reached the point in the pregnancy where I'm constantly uncomfortable.  Only four more weeks, or less!

Due Date: October 15th, 2013 (at the very latest, he will be coming somewhere around October 22nd via C-section; the doctor has put in request for a c-section appointment and I should here something this week)

Weight Gain: I've officially gained 29 pounds so far.  That's over the Kaiser recommended 20 pounds, but I'm okay with my weight gain.  At this point, I'm like whatever... I know I'll have to weight to lose after the birth.  I hope to get out on daily walks when I'm cleared by the doctor.  Thankfully the weather around here should be cooperative.

Symptoms: Lots of uncomfortable symptoms.

  • Insomnia — I was sleeping decently and then the last two nights, good sleep went out the window.
  • Constant restroom breaks — So far, I haven't peed myself.  I am proud of my body.  But I do constantly have to pee.
  • Pressure — Pressure is remaining basically constant. According to the doctor today, the baby is head down and in perfect position.  The pressure won't be letting up anytime soon.
  • Carpal tunnel — After a few weeks of no symptoms, the numbness is back with a vengeance.  The other night I woke up three times with numbness up to my elbow on the left side. Not a great feeling at all.
  • Plantar fasciitis — Constant feet pain. Thankfully my orange sandals are fairly comfortable.  They're about the only pair of shoes I wear at this point.
  • Nausea — It's back!  I feel like I have to throw up most of the day, but I don't.  It's exactly like the first trimester. Ewww....
  • Indigestion — Off and on.  I think it really gets me if I try to eat a large meal.  I need to be better about small meals multiple times throughout the day.

What's different this time: Even with my 29 pound weight gain, that's much less than with the twins.  Thank goodness!  I feel like this is much more manageable.  I feel much less swollen and gross. I was looking at pictures from ten years ago and my goodness I was a cow!  I am looking so much better this time around.  I think just that little change has had a positive impact on my entire attitude towards this pregnancy.  Only four weeks ago and I'm trying to hold on to that positive outlook.

Cravings/Aversions: Pumpkin Spice Lattes.  Of course that may be more because it's fall than due to the pregnancy.  But my goodness, I want one every day.  Thankfully I have limited myself to one a week.

Sleep: Hit and miss.  

I am loving: All the cute!  I really started decorating Arthur's section of the room this week and I'm finding way too many cute things.  And I love how his little clothes look laid out on the bed.  Adorable!

I miss: Being able to breather normally.  Since the beginning of this pregnancy, I've had a stuffed up nose.  It's absolutely constant.  And now with lots of pressure and lots of baby, I'm finding it even harder to breathe normally and deeply.  It just doesn't happen at all.  

I am looking forward to: My "secret" baby shower.  Yeah, I know...  but I'll still act all surprised when I arrive.  I can't wait to see everybody.

I'm spazzing about: Not much.  I'm just waiting.  The pregnancy boards have been full of mommas-to-be concerned about this or that.  I'm just sitting here wanting him to hurry up and arrive.  Much calmer than last time.

Best thing about this week: Getting a few deliveries (crib and travel system).  I love getting packages, especially when they are essentials.

Milestones: One more week until the baby's considered full term.  We are pushing for 39 weeks, but anytime is fine.

Movement: Overall movement has slowed down a bit, but now it's more noticeable and hurts more.  He still loves to roll around and punch and kick after I eat, but now there's less room to do so.  It's more of lots of pressure in weird places as he tries to moves.

Exercise/Diet: Still trying to swim, but usually I end up just floating in the pool.  It relieves all the pressure and pain.  

Labor Symptoms: Per the doctor, baby is head down right above my cervix.  However, I am not dilated at all yet.  Didn't really expect to be, but since he was down there I asked him to check.  We discussed the other labor symptoms a bit.  I've had some Braxton Hick's contradictions throughout the weekend, but those seem to have stopped.  My grandmother is convinced that I will go early, but after this appointment I just don't see it happening.

Preparation: I finished 16 different Arrival cards and started organizing things to start his Project Life scrapbook.  I have the inserts and the album.  I want to make the first few pages (ultrasounds, cards, etc) before he arrives so I can dive right into the weekly spreads.  The same goes for the family album, but first I need to get that one up to date from our summer activities.

Without having to be reminded, J put together the crib this weekend.  It's in place and ready for a baby.  Plus, we put together the travel system.  I just need to install the car seat base into the car.  I'm loving the idea of having only one!  J needs to visit Lowe's for some chain to hang the mobile above the crib.  Probably happen next weekend.  I started tidying up the rest of the room, but we still have some random items in there (laser disc player, microphone, pile of receipts) that someone needs to clean up.

Arthur's Stuff: I found and ordered some awesome vinyl decals for above his crib.  We're going with a retro space theme.  I also snapped up a great A-Z Space poster for a blank spot on the wall.  I want to get those on the wall as soon as they arrive. The only blank spot left is the one reserved for his birth announcement print.  I have it all picked out on Etsy, just need to get the details when he arrives.  Once I finish most of the nursery, I'll be posting pics (probably 38 week update post).

I currently have two baby registries: one for Target and one for Amazon.  I thought it would be easier for relatives and friends to have the choice of shopping in store or online.  Amazon is constantly sending me a email telling me that something was bought off of my registry.  It's taking all my willpower not to look at the Thank Yous page to see what was bought.  I want to be surprised, but Amazon, you are not making this easy.