Our Suburban Farm: 36 Weeks

How far along: 36 Weeks (WHAT!?!)

How big is the baby: Baby boy is the length of lemon grass-about 18.7 inches

Weight gain: 40 pounds-I don't know how I gained 5 pounds again. I've been walking SO MUCH! Dr. said today she isn't worried. It is just a whole heck of a lot of water weight!

Rings: I was able to wear my engagement ring all week.

Belly Button: Still an innie. But I must confess that I tragically discovered stretch marks under my belly this week. It was a rough evening.

Doctor/Medical/Body Stuff: Appointment today was great. I am 1 cm (almost 2) dilated and his head is very low. After checking that and then feeling something very hard and large up high, the doc was a bit concerned and snuck me in for a quick ultrasound. She wanted to make sure it wasn't butt she felt down low. Nope! He is head down just like he should be (yay Inversion and Webster Method!). It is crazy his head is so low and his butt is as high as can be. Maybe he will be tall like his Auntie Erin?! I just love the chiropractor I found. I have been going a couple times a week and will continue to do so until Little Man comes to keep things aligned! This weekend a new symptom appeared. Elephant feet! I've noticed my feet slightly swelling this week, but Saturday these elephant feet (and ankles) appeared and they just got worse Sunday. Ergh. Though Monday morning (after sleeping with them on two pillows) they were definitely better. My hips and feet continue to be my biggest bother.

Sleep: Continues to depend on the night. Usually I can fall back asleep. Everything is just so uncomfortable at night. A pregnant woman should get some relief from laying or sitting down! Silly hips.

Movement: He is constantly trying to push his feet out the side of my belly!

Food/Aversions: Same old.

What I miss: My to do list seeming like it had lots of time to complete!

What I am looking forward to: Putting all the books and things on his bookshelves! Today Adam and his dad put up the tree bookshelf and Adam filled it in with wood putty. Tomorrow he will touch up the paint. I think Wednesday it will be done!

Baby Projects: We had two more baby showers this weekend. We are so lucky and loved! My co-workers in the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program threw me a farm shower on Friday and my sisters-in-law threw me a Little Man shower on Sunday! The other night (from 2:00 to 4:00 am), I finished some signs for the hospital such as a visual birth plan and signs for the room after Little Man arrives. Yes, I am obsessive. No, I don't think everything will work out as planned. Yes, planning makes me feel better and reduces my stress level! It is just a plan. Not a script! And I know what they say about the best laid plans...

Pearls from the Preschool:

"Miss Stephanie, does your baby have clothes on?"

"Nope"

"Is he naked?"

"Yup"

"YOU GUYS! MISS STEPHANIE'S BABY IS NAKED!"

Oh! And This: I am in disbelief that there are only 4 weeks left until my due date. I am REALLY hoping Little Man does not decide to come early. I hope that this 1 almost 2 centimeters just hangs out for a while. If I only had stuff at home to work on (finishing nursery, curtains, burp cloths) or work (lesson plans, end of the year reports) I would be fine. But finding time to do both is a little overwhelming! Though...it is what it is!