38 weeks

Still here and chugging along. :)  I'm definitely not as stressed these days as compared to the last couple of weeks.  I guess I just feel ready.... or rather as ready as I'll ever be.

This little girl is out of space and my body knows it.  My ribs are sore at the end of the work day and I think I may be a tad bruised on the right side of my rib cage (it's tender to the touch).  It's the spot she seems to love to kick/jab me in all.the.time. so I'm not too surprised.  I also noticed on Sunday (2 days ago) that I have more pressure in my pelvic region.  I know some say that this could be a sign that she has dropped, but I still think I look like I'm carrying awfully high, so who knows.

So far I only seem to have one stretch mark.  As I'm writing this though, I'm sure I've jinxed myself and will have more pop up before her birth.  The one that I have is pretty small.  It showed up between my belly button and the hole where I had my belly button pierced.  Punishment for getting it pierced, possibly???

How far along? 38 weeks 3 days

How are you feeling?
It changes daily.  Yesterday I felt pretty crappy and today I'm feeling pretty good.  Just a roller coaster lately both physically and emotionally.  Everyday is different than the last.  Not much has changed in the way of symptoms although my feet have been pretty itchy.  I'm thinking this is because the swelling is getting worse.  Some days the fatigue, aches and pains get to me a little and definitely affect my mood.  Poor Brad. :(

Cravings?
still honey nut cherrios, but I tossed some frosted mini wheats into the line-up as well

What are you missing?
Getting up and down (from a chair or bed) normally and without a huge amount of effort.  Wine and sushi are also on the top of the list. 

What are you looking forward to?
Olivia's birth, of course!  I will say that for the time being, I'm also trying to hang on to every second I have alone with Brad and cherishing this last little bit of time we have as just a couple.

Baby Purchases?

The only baby things I've bought in the last couple of weeks have been for other people.  I have 5 (yes, 5) baby showers for other people this month.  Thankfully, the last one is this Friday and it's just a small work shower, but I'm helping to throw it. 

Weight Gain/Loss?
+27ish....my weight seems to fluctuating a couple of pounds every few days.  Maybe its the water I'm retaining???

And some pictures for your viewing pleasure.  :)

37 weeks

Well here I am; full term!  It's just so hard to believe that I get to say those words.  Life has been so good to me the last 8 1/2 months.  It has been almost exactly a year since our second failed attempt at IVF (this Sunday, the 20th is the day it got cancelled).  Wow, life has a funny way of working things out sometimes. :)

In the meantime, I need to take some time for myself to relax before this little girl gets here.  I'm not exactly the best at doing that though (taking time for myself) so I feel like I'm failing miserably.  Life seems to be moving too fast with wayyy too many things to get done and stress about in the meantime.  There are so many things that are just so hard to do at this point in pregnancy, that's for sure.  Hopefully, I can try to have some time to myself this weekend...we'll see.

How far along? 37 weeks 2 days

How are you feeling?
Well, to be honest, the last week or so has been a little rough.  I'm starting to get pretty uncomfortable with almost everything I try to do.  Emotionally I feel like I'm all over the place.  That could be all the stress lately though, I'm not sure.  The list of symptoms looks like this: back pain, sore/swollen hands, swollen feet (sometimes pretty sore), intensifying braxton hicks, fatigue is back, acid reflux, general discomfort all day, and some pelvic pain.  Overall, I would say that I'm still hanging in there and doing well though.  I expected the last part of pregnancy to be uncomfortable, so at least there's that. :)

Cravings?
honey nut cherrios for the past 2-3 weeks

What are you missing?
Wow, this list has grown alot!  There are so many things that I wish I could do that weren't so flipping difficult.  The simple things like getting up and down from a seated position, putting on shoes and socks, bending over, moving quickly without getting shooting pains down my back, and other random things. 

What are you looking forward to?
Hopefully a weekend of relaxation will make me feel better.  After that, I would love to meet this little angel.

Baby Purchases?

We are pretty much done buying things at this point although I'm sure I'll probably think of at least a couple more items we need before she makes her debut.  We are still on the lookout for a book shelf but I'm not sure if that will happen before or after her birthday.

Weight Gain/Loss?
+26-27

Here are a couple from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:

 And here's one from 36 weeks: