36 Weeks

Along:   36 weeks.  Less than four weeks to go.  My c-section is scheduled for August 28th.  Unless he comes earlier of course... I'm nervous that he might for a few reasons.  My original due date was August 24th, and they moved it back because he was measuring smaller in my first couple ultrasounds.  Even though he is still measuring to be due on 9/1 at this point, I'm just worried he might come earlier based on the original due date!  Also, my mom had one of my brothers three weeks early...  At 37 weeks I'll be full term.  I'm going to pack my hospital bag and get all the final touches ready next weekend just in case!

Size of Baby:  Baby 2 is about 6 pounds and about 20 inches in length.  The last few weeks he will just be putting on the weight.  I feel like he is bigger than Owen (Owen was 7 pounds 5 ounces born, but was a week early).  My stomach is definitely stretched bigger and a solid hard rock!  

You can see just how big I am in this one!  For the most part, I'm all belly though.

I think the belly is so big because I'm petite and the baby can only go out!  I also carry very high.

Gender:  Bouncing baby boy!  I bought a few pieces of clothing for him last weekend at the Carter's outlet.  I wanted him to have his own 'going home' outfit and I found an adorable 'little brother' outfit!  I know we can use most of Owen's old clothes, but it is important to me for this one to have a few things that are just his and special for him.

Sleep:  I'm sleeping great!  Most nights I don't even get up to use the bathroom.  I know, I'm lucky!  I'm soaking it all in now, as when this boy comes I'll be up every 2-3 hours!

What I Miss:  Being able to wash dishes (wait, did I really just say I miss washing dishes?!? Haha) and cook/bake without my back hurting.  My tummy is SO big that the position I have to be in to lean over really hurts my back.  I am looking forward to having my body back and being able to move around more easily and not be sore all the time.

Cravings:  The past couple days I have been craving a chili cheese dog like crazy.  I haven't even found where I can get one!  And, I don't even like hot dogs.  It's been ages since I've eaten one.  I've also been craving Key Lime anything... 

Symptoms:  The main symptom is lower back pain.  Some days I can barely get up off the couch without wincing.  I've been using a heat pad and occasionally taking Tylenol  but I try to stay away from medicines if I can.  If I go into labor, I'm positive it will be back labor.  I also have some ligament pain... I can't walk for very long, the weight of the belly just pulls on those ligaments and makes me sore.  That's really about it though, I guess I can't complain too much.  

Best Moment this Month:  I was watching 'A Baby Story' the other morning and Owen saw the newborn baby on TV just as he/she was being born and started crying for the first time.  Owen stopped playing, looked at the TV, smiled and waved to the newborn baby!  It just about melted my heart!  Lately he has been patting my belly and giving my belly little hugs!  I don't think he has any idea what it is, it's just a part of me that sticks out and he can easily hug it!  Haha!

Three and a half weeks and counting! 

Love,

Judi