35 weeks ... getting so close!

Hard to believe that we only have ~5 more weeks before our little one arrives.  (Although I try to keep reminding myself that it could be up to ~7 weeks).  Today is ~34 more days, with worst case scenario being 48 days.  Craziness!  Everyone keeps asking us if we're ready.  Are we ready?  I always respond by saying, "Well, we have all the 'stuff', but I'm not sure that makes us ready.  But is anyone is every truly ready?"  I am getting really anxious, at least that's the word I've settled on.  I think it encompasses my nervousness and excitement all at the same time.  I am glad we do not have any ultrasounds scheduled at this point either, because I'm not sure my will power would be enough to keep me from finding out the gender either.  At least once a day I find myself asking our little one if he or she is Greyson or Kherington?  I keep telling myself what a wonderful surprise and reward it will be to go through labor to learn the gender of our baby!!

Amazing that my belly just continues to grow!!

At my appointment this week, the midwife was reminding me that if my water breaks it may not be a gush, but a trickle.  She also reminded me of what to do when this happens - call triage.  Seems pretty obvious, but I'm sure I'll forget everything I'm suppose to know and remember at that point.  Lord knows how terrible my memory already is these days.  Just ask Jared!  I think he thinks I've lost my mind.  When the midwife was talking about going into labor is when it dawned on me that we are now to the point that it really could happen at any point.  Although, I hope for our baby's sake it is at least a couple more weeks.  We need a few more brain wrinkles and other body parts to grow and develop.  Next week begins our weekly doctor appointments.  Another reminder that we are getting close (or at least closer).

Yoga started back this week!  Our previous session ended two weeks ago.  It's a bigger group this time, with four out of the five of us from last session returning.  It's nice to have some of the same ladies in the group.  Liz, has been in all three of the sessions with me and is due two days after me.  Its nice to have someone to chat with and relate to.  A couple of the "new" women that are in this session are not due until August, so they are about 12-14 weeks along.  This just seems like an eternity away to me, and probably to them as well.  I can remember when I was at that point, which in some ways feels like a long time ago, but in other ways it feels as if that was just yesterday.  What an amazing process pregnancy is.  Another thing I realized at yoga this week, standing next to a woman not due until August 23, is how flexible I was at that point compared to now.  She could easily bend over and reach her toes.  Me, however, not so much.  I'm lucky to be able to bend over and reach a block instead.  I consider that quite an accomplishment at this point.       

Another realization that we are close is that during the last week, two of the four couples from our Centering class have had their babies as well.  Heather and Alan welcomed their little girl, Aubrey, last Friday.  Jessica and Austin had their little boy, Brysen yesterday.  He was 3 weeks early and came via an emergency C-section.  I'm glad they are all doing well.  But I'd be lying if I wasn't slightly envious they have their little ones already here to hold, spoil, and love on.  I guess that will be Jared and I soon enough!  Patience is a virtue - one that I am lacking!  Take note little one!!

Sleep has been a little better this week!  Thank goodness!!  I've learned some "tricks" that seem to be working to help manage the heartburn, at least through the night.  The last two nights I've slept with 2 pillows under me instead of 4 like last week.  What an improvement, especially for my neck and back!  Although, in place of getting up from the heartburn has been getting up to go to the bathroom.  I guess our little one likes to use my bladder as a pillow.  Glad my body can be so accommodating.  Only a few more weeks of comfort in there though little one.  There are some very anxious people out here in the world who want to meet you!!  Including your Grandma who has had her suitcase out for a few weeks I believe!  

Last night I woke up from a dream I don't remember, in a slight panic, when it hit me, that in a few short weeks we will have our little one at home with us.  A little human that we are solely responsible for.  How will we ever know what to do or what not to do?  What kind of parents will we be?  How will Berlin and Memphis react?  Will our baby be a good sleeper?  Will we have issues with eating?  So many questions ran through my head all at once.  What a nerve-wracking few weeks lie ahead!

I know once the little one arrives, I may not take as many pictures of our current "children" so I'm taking advantage now.  They both had cute, picture worthy moments this week, so I snapped a few.

Memphis found a "safe" spot from Berlin's attacks

Ignore her creepy eye, but her begging was too cute to resist a picture

And now to update everyone on the basement.  We missed our original finish date of today. :(  Bummer!!  There was a mix up in communication on when the flooring guys were coming for carpet install.  Unfortunately, Jared and I were gone, the door was locked, alarm was on, and the biggest issue was Berlin loose in the house aka free to attack anyone who entered, when they arrived.  So they will be coming back on Tuesday.  The final inspection will be on Tuesday as well.  However, we did make significant progress this week.  The plumber and electrician came back and finished up.  This means we have lights in the bathroom, a working shower and toilet, a battery back-up hooked up for the sump pump, sconces in the hallway, and lights in the closets.  The contractors also tied up loose ends: installing the banister/handrails, doorknobs, shelving, bathroom accessories (towel bar, toilet paper holder, and mirror) and access panel installed in the wall for the water shut-off.

I'm waiting until the project is complete to post pictures.  Sorry!  It's too close to ruin the surprise.  Tune in next week (at least we hope it's complete then!)