37 weeks

Winter melon - where do they come up with these things?

Total Weight Gain: As of my doctor's appointment on Wednesday, I am at 22 pounds.  Which is right on track with what I gained with K.

37 weeks with Elliana or Cayden

37 weeks with Kherington

Doctor Update {new section}: Urine was good.  Blood pressure was "excellent" at 100/60.  Measuring at 35 weeks, which she thinks the baby has dropped causing the smaller measurement {which based off the picture, I could agree with}.  Dilated to 1 cm and 0% effaced.  Baby is head down and on the left side - now if we can just stay that way little one for labor and delivery!

Maternity Clothes: Still wearing them.  Still tired of them.  It has been so dreary this week with all the rain and the ridiculously cold temperatures.  Being tired of maternity clothes will be great motivation to shed those pounds quickly and get back into my normal clothes, which I'm not sure I like any better, but it will still be nice to not have elastic waistbands!

Sleep: Still getting some sleep and still loving my pillow {thanks babe}.  Some nights are better than others with the early morning insomnia or heartburn, but can't really complain, because this time around I know what is just around the corner.

Best Moment of the Week: Friday evening I was sitting in the recliner after K had went to bed.  I noticed that my stomach was moving oddly, and ever so slightly.  It was then I realized that the baby must have been pushed up because I was seeing and feeling the baby breath!  This is by far one of the coolest pregnancy experiences I've ever had.  What an amazing moment to realize that this tiny human is breathing inside of me.  Seems silly, but it was a moment I'll treasure forever.

Worst Moment of the Week: Tuesday night I had a very difficult time getting the baby to move, which is unlike this child who is normally bouncing off the walls at night when I lay down.  I tried playing it some Beethoven and Tchaikovsky with the belly buds.  No luck.  I drank a big glass of cold ice water.  No luck.  I laid back on my left side.  No luck.  Then Jared rubbed my belly and made someone wake up.  Finally a butt pushed back.  I just needed that reassurance that everything was okay.  We've made it this far little one, no risking losing you now.  Mama loves you too much to let that happen.  I mentioned this at my doctor's appointment, which led to a 20 minute non-stress test (NST) which we passed, but baby was difficult to get to move a lot at first.  Jenna, the nurse had to use some vibrating tool to wake he/she up.  Then baby proceeded to make up for the lack of movement the rest of the day.

Movement: Overall has been great, except for Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Food Cravings: Nothing really

Food Aversions: Nothing really

Symptoms: Heartburn, occasional leg numbness after sitting, but overall feeling good.

Gender: Boy or girl, don't forget, you can make your guess here!

Names: Still going with Elliana Hope and Cayden Michael.

Labor Signs: Just the occasional Braxton Hicks.  Nothing consistent.  I am okay with this baby hanging out in there for a little while longer.  Mama is enjoying maternity leave and getting things done!

Belly Button:  Still an outie and still disgusting.  But I'm still being hopeful that I'll escape this pregnancy with no line {or stretch marks}!

What I Miss: Putting on my socks easily.  I'm not sure why, but my left sock is exponentially more difficult to put on than my right.

What I Am Looking Forward To: Meeting this sweet baby, learning its gender, smelling that sweet baby smell, seeing K meet her brother or sister for the first time, etc.  So many exciting things ahead in the next couple of weeks.  Hard to believe we are so close!