36 weeks- 4 to go!

Well, it's happened. I've started to get uncomfortable. My back hurts. I have trouble getting comfortable at night and wake up stiff from not moving. I grunt when I have to pick things up. I get tired much more easily and feel so out of shape. Don't get me wrong, I still love being pregnant and I'm not terribly uncomfortable, but it's starting. 

Over the last week an enormous amount of time elapsed. Last weekend, it seemed like the baby wouldn't be here forever. On Easter, after I complained how big I looked in one of the family pictures, my brother said, "Well you ARE 8 months pregnant." I snarkily replied that I was "Only 7 1/2 months."

My bad, Joey. You were right. I was in denial.

Now I feel like baby could be here at any moment. It's mostly because of my discomfort (which I don't think happened until the very end of my pregnancy with Chase) and my size. Stranger and coworker comments have reinforced that I look like it's almost time. Today a stranger said, "Any day now?" to me. HA. While I could have been offended by this, I simply smiled and said, "Nope, FOUR more weeks to go." But I really can't believe it is that long (and I really do not know what the heck I'm going to be wearing in 4 weeks).

How big is baby: According to babycenter.com, about 6lbs. Since he was 5lbs 4oz last week and babies gain 1 oz a day at this point, that's probably pretty close. 

Weight Gain: +21lbs

Sleep: Waking once to pee and more if Chase wakes up (which he does about half the time,  sigh)

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: Nothing specific.

Exercise: Walking as part of my commute, although that's getting tough because there is so much pressure on my pea-sized bladder.

Symptoms: BH contractions, having to pee CONSTANTLY, indigestion/heartburn when I lay down at night, and nesting.  

Movement: Frequent. I get some feet, knees, or a butt poking out on my right side when he's moving. Twice I've had the experience of baby dancing a jig for like 2 minutes. So cool.

What's different this time: Have I mentioned how much bigger my belly is this time?

Baby 2.0: 36 weeks

Chase: 36 weeks

(dang, I was a lot tanner and blonder too. I gotta work on those!)

Labor Signs: None except the BH contractions.

Best moment of the week: Getting our new (king-sized) bed on Sunday! I feel like such a grown-up. Now there's room for everyone....just kidding?

What I'm looking forward to: 36/37 week Dr's appointment on Monday afternoon. And only 3 more weeks of work in an office!

And now some more pictures:

Trying to see my feet

 Chase wanted in on the belly pictures:

Belly-to-belly

Lovin' on the baby bump

Easter 2012

We spent Easter weekend in NY with Helen's family. Although he got to hunt eggs at Nonnie and Pop's house, the camera didn't come out until we got to Grandma and Grandpa's house on Easter afternoon. The photos speak for themselves...

 Yay! Addy, Uncle Joe, and Aunt Meg are here!

 Before they got dirty/lost it, we took a bunch of pictures of Chase and Addy:

 (these keep getting cuter- I can't pick the best one!)

 Now back to egg-hunting...

Time for family pictures!

 

 (outtake)

And back inside to play!

We had such a fun day. Holidays are really becoming magical again as we get to experience them through Chase's eyes!

35 weeks, 35 days

(this post is a few days overdue...)

How big is baby: According to the ultrasound on Wednesday, 5lbs 4oz. That's how big I was when I was born!

Weight Gain: +20lbs

Sleep: Waking once to pee and more if Chase wakes up.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: Nothing specifically except Pirates' Booty- cheesy puffed snacks.

Exercise: Er...walking as part of my commute

Symptoms: Still having BH contractions. Sometimes they are very uncomfortable and sometimes they come frequently, but nothing that indicates real labor. I'm also really emotional. And I've been nesting like crazy, but that might be more due to Stephen's spring break than hormones.

Movement: Still frequent, particularly before bed (after ice cream ;-))

What's different this time: I don't remember Chase being so reactive. If Baby 2.0 is not active and I push around him, he pushes back or moves around. It's reassuring when he hasn't moved in a while.

What I'm looking forward to: Checking things off the to-do list this weekend: washing swaddling blankets, playmats, and toys; cleaning the carseat; putting things up on his bookcase; and starting to get the hospital bag ready. It's all becoming very real!

Best moment of the week: Seeing Baby 2.0 at the ultrasound on Wednesday. Chase even came with us, although he was a little skeptical of what they were doing to Mommy's belly. Baby 2.0 looked great, even if he had his hands in front of his face--something he's been doing this entire pregnancy. I'm going to attribute that to his being a good sleeper and not stubborness.

The belly: As big as I ever was with Chase. I'm outgrowing maternity clothes and getting comments on how close I am all the time.

Only 4 more weeks of work!