36 weeks

A few minutes ago I was talking about how it was going to take forever for December 15 to get here.  And then BAM 36 weeks.  Which is mentally a huge turning point for me.  It means only a month left (give or take).

[No picture update...the baby is the size of a crenshaw melon.  I don't need or want a crenshaw melon.  Plus, I never think to take these pregnancy shots.  Just imagine me with a pumpkin stuffed under my shirt.]

Things that have happened:

• I’ve gotten bigger.  Loki has expressed his concern that I will no longer be able to fit at the dinner table, because my stomach will prevent me from reaching my plate.  According to him, I will have to stand up to eat.  There are some things that only a sweet 4 year old can say to a pregnant woman, and get away with.
• The baby flipped: relief!  It had been breech for as long as I could tell which position it was in.  And I was getting a teensy bit worried about it.  And then it flipped.  And I know it could flip (and then flip) again, but for now it’s a relief.
• I bought some used cloth diapers, mainly prefolds, and acquired some free covers that I’m going to try to mend between now and when the baby arrives.  I’ve got old receiving blankets cut up and ready to turn into cloth wipes.  Yaaay!
• Braxton Hicks.  Like crazy.
• Nesting.  Lots of it.

So: nesting.  We made our first trip ever to Ikea.  We (proudly) walked away with only the two items we needed, and two smaller items that we were completely justified in buying (and didn’t total more than $15 altogether).  But wow…the temptation to buy, because everything is so cheap and stylish and functional, and did I mention, cheap?…I could use an Ikea here near us.  Anyhow, we’ve had a productive few weeks.  Cars are cleaned out, carseat bases installed in the cars, the baby’s room is mostly organized, all of the clothing and blankets have been washed, the crib is full of birthing supplies, I’m working furiously on holiday gifts and projects for the baby room.  We’ve also started the search for daycare (although, Loki has kindly offered his childcare services to us, stating that we don’t need to find a daycare because he can stay at home and take care of the baby while I am working), which hasn’t been nearly as stress inducing as I thought it might be.  We feel that we have some good options that may work out and I’m feeling at ease.

This pregnancy feels different in so many ways, and has from the start.  I’m smaller than I was with Loki.  My midwife said at our appointment today that if I were to go full term she guesses it would not be more than a 7 pound baby (which, according to my husband, is just another sign that it’s a girl).  I can’t wait to see how big it actually is because it feels much bigger, much more active and MUCH stronger than Loki ever did when he would squirm around in my belly.  I’m also carrying much lower with this one, which comes along with all kinds of fun side effects (pelvic pressure and pain, running to the bathroom every two minutes, waddling).  And I just feel different…like my body is getting ready.  I’m sure I am probably jinxing myself with this prediction, but I can’t help but think that this baby will get here early.  When I described how I had been feeling to our midwife today, she said she wouldn’t be surprised if that happened and she said it’s been a trend with her clients over the past few months, especially with second time moms.  I’m crossing my fingers and taking some deep breaths.

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