36 Weeks!

As of today, 23 days until my "due date."

The Belly: It's very large and in charge. I didn't take a picture yet this week.

Physically: I'm tired. I am not feeling as good anymore. I'm partially attributing that to the insane freaking heat we have had, but I have not really been enjoying pregnancy as much this week. The baby is getting bigger, which is obviously good, but my organs are getting so squished. I can hardly eat anything in one sitting, I get winded walking down the street, and let's just say my digestive track isn't working the way it used to. My feet are starting to swell. I have more heartburn. Ah, the joys of pregnancy.

Overall, I still feel pretty good most of the day. It's around dinnertime that things start to go down hill, but at least I can try to get comfy at home. The BEST position ever is hanging out on my knees leaning over an exercise ball. It lets everything hang down and seems to make more room. I can breathe when I sit/lay like that. I have a feeling I will like that in labor, too.

I've started noticing some cramping the last few days, which is cool, because maybe my body is starting to get the memo that this baby has to come out of me before too long. No significant contractions yet, aside from the Braxton-Hicks contractions.

Weight: 152 at home, 154 at Carle. Finally some significant weight gain! I have clearly been eating a lot more popsicles and ice cream :)

Food Aversons: Most things.

Food Cravings: smoothies, slushies, popsicles, ice cream...anything cold.

Feeling: Very emotional. I got choked up the other day walking into Hobby Lobby because I saw Halloween decorations. Seriously. I have no idea why. I have cried at least 3 times in the last week over various things, and my temper is getting shorter. 

At least I can blame it on the hormones. 

Baby: Measuring at 34 weeks. Head down. "Locked and loaded" according to the midwife. Just a matter of waiting.

Baby has been moving around a little less lately, as there is less room in there. I'm still getting large bulges poking out on my right side, which are either knees or feet. They are starting to hurt a lot more as the baby gets stronger. I like to push back just to remind the kid who's body this is.

It's starting to get weird that there is a baby inside me. It's not so small anymore, and it's just a little creepy to think about. Am I the only one who thinks that sometimes? 

Other: Tomorrow is my last day of full time work! WOAH! Looking forward to having some down time before baby! 

Prayer Requests: If you're the praying type and would like to join us in prayer, here is what is on my heart this week...

• Peace of mind as labor and delivery get closer
• Healthy baby, healthy mom
• Patience with each other as our marriage gets stretched by this new experience of parenthood!

Thanks, friends!