Today

Today, I'm going to do my best to enjoy every minute.  I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, irritated and on the verge of tears for really no reason at all.

The aches and pains of this pregnancy are starting to get to me, but I have to look on the flip side and see that I am so fortunate to have this tiny person in my belly.  Even though my sciatic nerve is sending shooting pains down my legs, my esophagus is burning, my fingers and toes and nearly everything else is swollen, the skin on my stomach feels as though it will split, my nose is wider than it has ever been, my pelvis is pleading with me to stop moving and I feel as big as a house.  All of those things are temporary.  And they are worth it.

I remember after Yorlee was born, I looked back at my pregnancy and wished that I had been more calm, more patient, more understanding of my limitations.  Instead I was riled up, irritated, and pushing myself to do more, clean one more room of the house, do one more load of laundry, cook one more meal.  Why did I do that to myself?  And why do I continue to do it when I know better?   No more of that.  I'm going to try to soak up the last few moments of this pregnancy.  Today, I'm going to rub my belly more than I ever have.  I'm going to note and appreciate every single movement.  From hiccups, to karate kicks.

Last night, when my toddler was running around the house, Hulk Smashing the piles of laundry that I had neatly folded, throwing the tables and chairs from her dollhouse, and spilling juice all over the carpet.  I thought I was going to lose my mind.  I was sick of hearing my own voice over and over again, telling her to sit down, stop it, don't jump on that, don't eat that, don't touch that, don't do that.  Finally, I realized that she just wanted some attention.  I reached out to her while she was flinging herself from one side of the living room to the other and she jumped back because she thought she was going to get in trouble.  Instead, I gave her a hug, and she tightly hugged me back.  I told her that I was done with the laundry, and we were going to cuddle.  She was so excited!  I gave her a sippy of warm milk, and we both got into her tiny toddler bed.  She was so happy I was there.  That made my day.  That made me realize that no matter how much the laundry needs folding, or the dishes need washing, our little ones need us too.  My daughter's days of being an only child are coming to an end.

So today, when I get home from work, instead of rushing off to clean things up, I'm going to scoop up my little one for some cuddles, rub my belly, and put my feet up.

36 week bumpdate!

How far along:  36 weeks, 3 days

Total weight gain/loss:  You already know how I feel about this...

Sleep:  Not so good lately.  Little man has decided to poke out every limb possible the minute I get comfortable in bed.  Which means, Mama can't sleep.  It literally feels like he is trying to push his way out of my belly.

Food cravings:  Cake, cookies, cheese, sweets.  I've been a baking fool!  And for a person who doesn't usually bake, that speaks volumes.  I made oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies from scratch.  I want to bake a cake, so I'm trying to find a recipe that speaks to me.

Best moment this week:  Watching my baby girl learn and grow.  I need to start talking about her more often on here and post some pictures.  I'll try to get to that later on this week.  She is talking up a storm, and so opinionated.  I absolutely love this stage and can't wait to see her become a big sister.

Movement:  Nonstop, startling at times.  I've also started to feel him start practice breathing.  Which scared the heck out of me at first.  It felt like a pulse, that wasn't mine, and I could see my belly rising and falling quickly.  After visiting Dr. Google, I realized that he was practice breathing.  I really don't remember feeling that with Yorlee, but I probably didn't know what it was.

Gender:  Boy oh boy!

Labor signs:  The Braxton Hicks have been picking up lately.  I had them five minutes apart for a little bit yesterday.  In trying to prepare myself for labor, I don't focus on them, but instead focus on breathing.  Braxton Hicks have always been painful for me, which explains why my contractions were absolutely excruciating.  Seeing as though I plan to birth without an epidural this time, I need to really focus on some relaxation techniques.

Belly Button in or out:  Out.

What I miss:  Alcohol!  I know that sounds super vain, but my mouth has been watering for a sip of wine, or beer, or margarita.  The sad part about it, is that I recall from when I had Yorlee that alcohol didn't taste as good as I thought it would once I was able to drink it.

What I am looking forward to:  Hitting 37 weeks, and then meeting my baby boy.  So many people have been having their babies early lately.  I'm trying to prepare myself for the fact that I may go through 40 weeks of pregnancy again.  Whatever is best for him, that's my motto.

Milestones:  Being 9 months pregnant!  And boy, and I feeling it.  My husband kept noting the fact that I'm REALLY waddling now.  But I can't help it, his head is so low and my feet are so sore that I can no longer walk without looking like a duck.

Weekly Wisdom:  Relax, and keep calm.  Our basement got water damage over the weekend (it's finished), and I about flipped out thinking about having to rip out all the drywall, carpet, etc.  And the water came from the bathroom so I was stressed about having to pull out and replace the tub.  Come to find out, our jetted tub is cracked, but repairable.  And hubby only had to take out about a foot of drywall starting at floor level.  The carpet dried in time and was treated with mold prevention. What we thought would cost us thousands, only ended up costing about $200.  So, I tell myself going forward, relax, and keep calm!

Symptoms:  Pain everywhere, exhaustion, irritability, Braxton Hicks, swelling, Buddha belly, etc.

Emotions:  I'm an angry bird.  For really no reason at all, other than the fact that I'm hugely pregnant.  So, sorry in advance!

Happy (possible) birth month Baby V 2.0!!!

I can't believe that, more than likely, I will be meeting my little prince this month!

Full term is just around the corner, and I know that these next few weeks are going to fly by.

Did anyone else get really mean during the end of their pregnancy?  I know that women are emotional creatures by nature, but geez, add some pregnancy hormones to me and I turn into a monster.  I recall feeling this way with Yorlee also, but even  knoweledge doesn't help me rationalize my feelings.

Oh well, all these hormones are for a good cause! :-)

35 week belly pics

I've really been slacking in the belly pic department.  As usual, I took some pics in the bathroom of my job.  :-)  Well, something is better than nothing, right!?!

(Edited to add:  Okay, so, I visited a few other blogs where the ladies are due around the same time as me and WHAT GIVES?!  My belly is huge compared to theirs!  Seriously, I look like a torpedo Buddha belly.  I'm only a few days to a little over a week further along than them.  Sigh...)

Week 35 bumpdate!!

How far along:  35 weeks, 4 days.  (I totally missed the whole 35/35 excitement.)

Total weight gain/loss:  Still unsure, it's gotta be over 20lbs by now.  I have an appointment next Friday.

Sleep:  For the past few days it has been pretty bad.  I have a cold which made my throat hurt, nose stuffed, head ache, etc.  So when you mix not being able to breath and pain swallowing with nightly bathroom trips, you get one sleepy/irritated Momma.

Food cravings:  Oatmeal with butter and brown sugar.  My husband (bless his heart) tried to make me some last night, but he put things in it that I didn't want.  I didn't say anything and ate as much of it as I could, but it really didn't hit the spot at all.  I want it exactly how I want it, no variations.

Best moment this week:  Buying the newborn necessities that we didn't have.  Such as, newborn sized diapers, a new coming home outfit, and socks.  I still need to get a car seat cover though.

Movement:  The movement has been super crazy!  I know he doesn't have much space in there, but at times it feels like he is trying to escape.  Knees and elbows are constantly poking out.  Rubbing them back in helps a bit.

Gender:  Better still be a boy!

Labor signs:  Braxton Hicks have been increasing.  Feeling more pressure, and seems like I've dropped a bit as I haven't had as hard of a time breathing and the acid reflux/indigestion has calmed down a bit.

Belly Button in or out:  Still out, and VERY tender.  Can belly buttons break?  I'm pretty sure mine will any day now... :-)

What I miss:  Sadly, my husband's grandmother.  She passed away very early on Saturday morning.  I'm so grateful that we were able to visit her right before she passed, and that she is no longer suffering.  I really enjoyed her company while she was here, and she will truly be missed.

What I am looking forward to:  Meeting this little person in my belly.  Also, hitting 37 weeks, only a few more days until we are there!!!

Milestones: Having only one more milestone to meet before delivery.  Week 37, here we come!

Weekly Wisdom:  Wear slippers to work.  Not only are they great for swollen feet that can't fit into regular shoes, they also make people think twice about asking you to do something.  During my last pregnancy, I was off work at this time due to bed rest.  It's hard being here now...

Symptoms:  Most of them.

Emotions:  Pretty stable for the most part.

Belly pic to come, I was too lazy to take some...

A pregnant rant

You'd think that since I've "been there, done that" I wouldn't be so bothered by some of the pregnancy symptoms that arrive during the late stages of pregnancy.  However, that is not the case.

What symptoms?  See below...

 - Lightening crotch.  Yeah, I know baby boy is head down and starting to engage, but why must it HURT so badly!  Sometimes I can barely move.  The other day the pain was so intense I couldn't sit, stand, lay, etc.  I literally had to lean against the wall, panting, grimacing, feeling like I wanted to get out of my own body until he got situated in whatever position he wanted to be in.  Yes, I remember this with Yorlee, but I've learned that remembering the pain and feeling the pain are two different things.

- Swollen ankles/feet.  I've got it bad this time.  I rocked slippers to work on Friday after finally admitting defeat when five different shoes wouldn't fit.  A trip to Target over the weekend to buy a more work appropriate pair of slippers was a success.  And now I kind of look like I'm wearing actual shoes...

- Emotional roller coaster.  One minute I feel so happy and free, the next I'm filled with anxiety and can't stop crying or wanting to cry.

- Judo chop baby movements.  When I was pregnant with Yorlee, I really thought something was wrong with me because all the books/websites said movement was supposed to decrease, yet she was more active than she had ever been.  Same with this child.  People can see my stomach move from across the room.  It can be quite startling and painful.

 - The waddle.  I tried to avoid this for as long as I could.  But, now it's here and here to stay.

 - Urinary urgency.  There is nothing like sitting there minding your own business when BAM!  The urge hits you to use the restroom, and NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   On the return trip from visiting my husband's family, I was hit with the urge.  I'm a bathroom snob and refused to pee anywhere but at home.  So I'm holding my breath and squeezing my legs shut to try to avoid ruining our leather upholstery in our SUV.  Finally, we're home, I race in, drop my purse, kick my shoes off and bolt to the bathroom.  I go to sit down and HOLY HECK LIGHTENING CROTCH.  Seriously, I couldn't sit to pee on my own toilet.  I literally had to brace myself by using one arm on the wall behind the toiled, and holding the towel rack that was in front of me and pee standing up.  Weirdest pregnancy experience to date.

I have a few more, but thanks to "pregnancy brain" I can't remember them.  Oh, I'm 35(ish) weeks now!  Only a few more weeks until full term, and only a short five weeks until I meet this little guy, I'm so excited!

34(ish) weeks w/ baby V 2.0!

 How far along:  34(ish) weeks!!

Total weight gain/loss:  Probably around 22-24lbs by this point.

Sleep:  Not bad, I've been having to get up to use the restroom more frequently.

Food cravings:  Junk food, salty food, and not-so-good-for-you-food.

Best moment this week: Making it to my goal of 34 weeks!  Only three more weeks until full term.  I'm so excited!  Also, still being able to dance at my cousin's wedding.

Movement:  Still going strong, and really, really painful.  Like, makes me want to crawl out my skin painful.

Gender:  Boy.

Labor signs:  Braxton Hicks, pain, pressure

Belly Button in or out:  Still the same.  It has really taken a beating though.  Little Man loves to try to escape through there, it seems bruised and hurts to the touch.

What I miss:  Not being in pain when I walk and having normal feet/ankles.  I've been so swollen this time.  It's weird because I only had slight swelling with Yorlee (that I can remember).  This time around, my feet are swollen from morning until night.  My relationship with my midwife has been touch and go lately too, I feel like she isn't taking my concens very seriously.

What I am looking forward to:  Snuggling more with my baby girl.  I've been super attached to her lately and love all the cuddles and hugs she gives me.  I know our time is limited, so I try to make the most out of every day.

Milestones: Hitting 34 weeks!  Baby boy still needs to stay put for another three weeks at least.  But I'm just glad to have made it this far.

Weekly Wisdom:  Speak up for yourself and make sure that you are heard.  Medical professionals hear things all the time, but that doens't mean that they shouldn't listen to you.

Symptoms:  Snoring, heartburn/indigestion, swelling, frequent urination, etc.

Emotions:  Pretty good this week.  I've decided not to stress about anything and just enjoy life.

A night out with hubby

My husband and I decided at the last minute to go to a wedding.  My cousin was getting married and we had RSVP'd, but as the date came near I wasn't so sure if I wanted to go.  In fact, the morning of we didn't have a sitter, and honestly didn't have any intentions on going.  My family made childcare arrangements for us, and encouraged us to attend.  I'm so glad we did!  What a lovely night and a beautiful wedding!  Out of respect for their privacy I won't post any wedding pictures, but I will share one picture of me and hubby.

There is NO denying that I'm pregnant now.  Although I've been told that I don't look pregnant from behind.  I'm definitely sporting the "chipmunk" look.  Chubby cheeks so high I can barely see when I smile.  LOL!  Only a few more weeks left with baby boy on the inside.  I can't wait to meet him, but I'm not eager to force him out either.  Whenever he's ready.  (I'm sure I'll be singing a different tune in a few weeks.)  People always seem so surprised to hear that I'm not "over" being pregnant, but I remember how tough those first few weeks are with a newborn, so I'm just enjoying my time and my sleep until he's ready to arrive.

The countdown is ON!

First, thank you EVERYONE for all of your comments.  They make me feel so much better.  It's so funny how I used to look back on my pregnancy with Yorlee and think that I was such a crazy emotional person, yet I feel the exact same way about the same things this time around.  Hormones...

I just realized that no matter what due date I go by, I officially have less than 50 days left of this pregnancy!

Where in the world has the time gone?  My hubby asked me to pack my hospital bag yesterday.  He was washing clothes and organizing things.  I think it's starting to hit both of us that soon we will have a new bundle of joy in our home.

Here's a peek at hubby's project for baby boy's room:

33ish weeks!! 4 weeks till full term, 7 weeks til "due"

How far along:  33ish weeks!!  Why do I say "33ish" weeks?  Because according to my "new" due date, I'm 33w 3d, but according to my "old" due date, I'm 32w6d.  I'm still debating about changing to my new due date...

Total weight gain/loss:  According to the scale at my midwife's office, I'm up 20 lbs.  I seriously almost went into shock when I saw the numbers on the scale.  I don't see where all that weight is?  I must have heavy bones or something...

Sleep:  Good for me, bad for hubby.  Poor guy has been sleeping on the couch because he says that I snore.  Oh well, it's just one of the very lovely pregnancy side effects.

Food cravings:  It's up and down with food.  If I eat too much, my back starts to hurt.  But if I don't eat enough, I get grumpy.  Oddly, I've started to crave soap.  The smell of it is so appealing to me.  I have to Google to see if that means I'm deficient in some nutrients or something.  But I seriously almost start drooling over it when I'm in the shower.  Weird!!!!!!

Best moment this week:  Having my 20 month old BFF help me oil up the belly.  She took that task so seriously, it was so cute to watch.  When she was done she said, "All done Mommy!  Good job Mommy!"  I just adore her!  Oh, and also finding out that my cervix is closed.  I've been having a TON of Braxton Hicks, although the cervix check was terrible.

Movement:  All the time, he's getting cramped in there, poor guy.

Gender:  Still a boy.

Labor signs:  Braxton Hicks galore!  I had them every five minutes for about an hour the other day and FREAKED out!  Thankfully, it seems as though my body is just gearing up for the big day, but hopefully it won't be soon.  I still need at least four more weeks with him in there before I can relax.

Belly Button in or out:  Out, people constantly point out the fact that they can see it.  It's not poking out like a finger.  It looks more like I put a nickle on my belly when I'm wearing a shirt.  So just kind of out there.

What I miss:  Being able to sit comfortably.  Being able to get out the bed without huffing and puffing.  Being able to pick things up off the floor.

What I am looking forward to:  My next appointment which is tomorrow.  Hopefully my BP is still normal, and I'm supposed to be getting a test (can't remember the name) that can help determine if labor is imminent within two weeks.  My cervix was really soft at my last appointment, but my midwife thought it was "long enough".  I hope to get a more definite answer tomorrow.

Milestones: One month away from full term!  So excited!

Weekly Wisdom:  Can't think of anything.  Sorry, maybe next week.

Symptoms:  Most of the third trimester ones.

Emotions:  Mostly good, I still have my moments.