Week 37

Baby is the Size of Romaine Hearts

We are now a week into being full term and he seems to still be cozy in there.  I was hoping that he would just want to pop out early since he's good to go, but no such luck.  At my doctor's appointment this week I wasn't dilated yet, but his head is really low, so at least he's in position.  I'm eating as much pineapple as humanly possible, going on walks, and googling how to naturally start labor six times a day just in case any new suggestions pop up. 

37 weeks, 5 days

Baby H is practicing his skills for the real world-
inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping, and blinking

How far along? 37 weeks 

Maternity clothes?  My pants are too tight, my shirts are too short.  When I get dressed for work, I just cross my fingers that the elastic band on my pants isn't hanging out.   

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: I've adjusted to life with little sleep, so I go to sleep when I want and just pray that I can sleep for at least an hour at a time without having to get up and pee.  The worst part is changing positions at night because as soon as I roll this giant belly over, which takes longer than you'd think, and get comfortable I have to pee again.  I've seriously considered blowing up the air mattress and sleeping in the bathroom.  

Best moment(s) this week: 

-Seeing our maternity photos!  They turned out better than I imagined and I'm so glad we decided to capture this moment in our lives.  Our photographers are amazing and I can't wait for our newborn session because I know I'll love those even more!  With over 200 photos to choose from it's nearly impossible to pick favorites, but I posted some below for you to see.  I'm sure I'll post them all on Facebook by the end of the day.  

-Getting a pedicure with Mom!  She stopped by for a visit this weekend to see me one last time before the baby and treated me to a much needed pedicure.  I can't see, let alone reach, my toes so I've never been more in need of or desperate for a pedicure.  

Miss Anything? Being able to get off the couch or bed without looking like a blowfish flopping around on land.  

Movement: He's still moving in there and using his extra long legs to kick me in the same place repeatedly.  I have noticed that he's not as active as he used to be during the day, but he makes up for it in the evening. 

Food cravings: 

-Fruit- Pears and pineapple are my go to.

-Ice Cream-  I cried over a milkshake the other day.  It started with me reading some mommy post while I was in the car and when Mike looked over I was crying, like really crying.  When he asked if I was ok my response was, "You have to read this post… and this milkshake is just so good!"  Honestly, the milkshake wasn't even that good.     
Egg Salad- Lunch, dinner, snacks…bring it on. 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Eating too much.  I've been eating small meals and snacking more throughout the day because I get full so quickly and feel terrible if I eat too much at once.  

Gender: Boy  

Labor Signs: My Braxton Hicks contractions are becoming even more frequent and occasionally painful, but nothing is turning into a pattern.  Sometimes my back hurts, sometimes it doesn't.  I've never wanted to experience pain so badly until now.  Hurry up Harrison! 

Symptoms:

-Sore Breasts- They have become really sensitive and painful to touch this week.

-Headaches- My headaches occur nightly, but are gone by morning.

-Leg Cramps- My legs have really been cramping up this week, especially in my left calf.

-Pelvic Pain- On top of the pressure, it feels like someone is taking a dull knife and stabbing me in my cervix.  I read online that this means the cervix is thinning and starting to dilate… obviously since I read it on the Internet it's true.  I guess we'll find out at my next appointment. 

-Cramps- I've starting feeling some cramping sensations with some of my Braxton Hicks contractions so I'm hoping that's a good sign.

-Shivering- The last two days or so, I've been shivering even though I'm not cold.  It only lasts for a couple minutes, but it seems like something worth mentioning.

Belly Button in or out? Almost flat. 

Wedding rings on or off? I can't wait to put my real diamond back on. 

Happy or Moody most of the time: I mean, I cried over a milkshake…

Looking forward to: Having this baby! I have been very relaxed and patient through this whole process, but I have reached capacity and my patience is gone.  C'mon little man!