36 weeks

 

 

So here we are less than 4 short weeks away from the due date!  I have never felt more exhausted and excited in my life!  One fun thing I did since the last update was I went with my pregnant friend for a day of mani/pedi's.  Why we have not been getting these done all along is beyond me! The nail techs were so nice to us; we got extra long hand and foot massages while sitting in the massage chairs.  So relaxing! I got gray for my fingernails and pink for my toes in honor of Sweet P =)

 

I also had two more baby showers: one at church and one at the school where Hubby and I work.  I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such a supportive church and work family as we prepare for Parker's arrival.  I even got all my "Thank you" cards finished within the week!

 

On Saturday, I surprised my husband with a "baby shower" of his own.  I invited his friends from where we used to live in addition to the ones we made down here to Buffalo Wild Wings for a surprise for him.  They each brought a pack of diapers and celebrated with wings and beverages and college basketball.  Best part was that he had no idea! And I'd been planning this since early January! I made the invitations myself =)

 

 

The "nesting" instinct has really started to kick in!  I gave our bathroom a mini-makeover (pictures here!),  we *finally* got the dresser finished (pictures to come), and I went on a gift-card shopping spree to pick up the final touches for the nursery.  It's not quite finished yet seeing as the weekend was no where near long enough, but it's well on it's way.  Andrew's family came over yesterday to visit and his brother and dad helped rearrange the furniture in our bedroom.  I like it a lot more now.  There are still so many things I want to get done before Sweet P gets here and so little time to do it in!

 

We also toured the labor and delivery unit of our hospital.  It's nicer than a hotel! The delivery rooms are huge and fully equipped with everything the baby will need after delivery, so, barring any complications that arise, baby girl will get to stay in the room with me the whole time.  Eventually, we will move up to a room in the mommy-baby unit.  They are all private rooms with all the comforts of home, inclulding a pull-out sofa for hubby to sleep on. The hospital has the lowest c-section rate of all the hospitals in our area, so hopefully I won't have to have one. Seeing the rooms really made it more real.  Now that I know a little more, it took some of the worry away.

from top, left to right: 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, and 36 weeks

 

 

How far along? 36 weeks, 4 days

Size of baby: I've heard that "average" could be anywhere from 5 to 7 pounds, so there's really no telling.  I go for a growth ultrasound next Tuesday, so we'll find out then.
Total weight gain: 29 lbs... and I'm feeling it.
Stretch marks? Not on my belly
Sleep: I find myself waking up at 2 am and 5 am consistantly.  I guess my body is just preparing for all the middle-of-the-night feedings

Best moment this week: Surprising my husband with all of his friends. The look on his face was priceless!

Worst moment this week: Just feeling constantly tired.

Movement: All the time. I feel it most in my top right side.  I'm anxious for the ultrasound to find out what position she's in!

Food cravings: Ice, ice, and more ice. 

What I miss: Being "allowed" to sleep on my left side.  Sweet P won't have it.  She kicks and pushes until I turn back onto my right. 

What I am looking forward to: On Wednesday, I get to take pictures at my friend's "gender reveal."  I'm just as excited to find out what she's having as I was to find out what I was having!
Weekly Wisdom: Get "Thank you" cards done as early as possible! It keeps you from having to do them later!