37 Weeks- Full term watermelon!!

37 weeks Today!! Eli is officially full term, although he will be cooking for another couple weeks or so. But, he can come any time he wants! It is all up to him! The last 3 weeks have been pretty good. I honestly have no right to complain too much about this pregnancy. Have I had a good night sleep in the last few months? No. But, I haven't had any real complications. This has been a relatively normal, easy pregnancy and I am so so grateful for that! We have had some great OB appts! The last two appts have been with a different doctor, Dr. C. I like her! The chances of my doctor being on-call when I give birth is low (actually she is just on-call July 27th...), So I am glad we met another doctor, although I doubt she will be on-call either. Eli's heart beat has consistently been about 142. I am measuring right on track and blood pressure has been great! I forgot to look at today's blood pressure though...
Lately: We had our birth class and it went well. We also got to tour the unit. Since I work at the hospital where I will be giving birth, I have the chance of getting the coveted "employee suite". The only problem is that there is only one, so if some beats me to it, then I get a regular room. Boo! So these other ladies better keep their babies in!! I have cut down a lot on work. I am still working a few 12 hour shifts, but I have cut down one of the shifts to 8 hours and if someone asks to work a shift for me then I will not argue = ). I also completed my FMLA paperwork and turned it in. I will be out approx. July 23-Oct 15. Then hubby will be out of work from Oct 16-Nov. 27 (maybe Dec. 1 because of thanksgiving holiday) and then my parents have graciously offered to keep him on our days off, the month of December so that we can keep him out of day care until January. Yay!! We have been cleaning house, I have packed most of the hospital bags and scheduled the car seat inspection for the 16th!
Today's appointment: Today's appt went very well. I was, somehow, still able to successfully pee in that darn cup (it's hard when you can't see past your stomach). I told the nurse not to tell me what my weight is and I forgot to look at my blood pressure. Hubby was able to come to the appointment today = ). I am measuring on track, his HB is 142 and Dr. C. was happy with how things are. We talked some about birth control for after he comes. I am going between the Copper IUD and the Mirena. The Copper IUD is hormone free, which is great, but it can cause heavier periods and more painful periods, which has been a real problem for me before. The Mirena is a hormonal IUD, which is a drawback, but it sounds like it is localized and estrogen free, it uses progesterone. I'll have to talk more with Dr. H about what she recommends and if anyone has experience with either of these...please let me know what you think! My RE said that the hormonal birth control pills did not lead to my infertility problems, but I just can't help but wonder, which is why I was leaning towards hormone free. We were also able to get an ultrasound today!! Hubby hasn't seen Eli since 18 weeks. I was so glad that he was able to see him today! The ultrasound went great! He is head down and very very low. All his parts are measuring on track and his estimated weight is 7lb 6oz! Big Boy!! It was hard to get a good pictures because he is so big and is running out of room. Over all, things are looking great!!

PICTURE OVERLOAD!!

Watermelon...what??!!!

creepy profile

creepy profile

looking up his nose and mouth with his hand on the left.

 

How Far Along: 37 Weeks
 Total Weight Gain: +a lot

Maternity Clothes: they are a must

 Stretch Marks: I find new ones every day! It's like a horrible horrible scavenger hunt.

Sleep: Horrible. I just can't get comfortable. 

 Best Moment This Week: A great OB appt. 

 Miss Anything: I miss sleep and being able to get up without needing a fork lift to lift me up. I also miss having my body as my own. It's just getting out of control. 

Movement: He's definitely active!

 Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Not really. I have had about 3 episodes, while I am sleeping, of bile all of a sudden being in my throat. I have to leap up (that is difficult for a pregnant lady) so I don't choke or throw up everywhere. Not fun. 

Cravings:I'll eat just about everything and anything...hence the big girl pics.

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!! Eli Preston!!

Labor Signs: I have had some braxton hicks contractions in the mornings. they tend to be back to back but go away after I eat or drink in the morning.

Symptoms: Just general uncomfortableness, heartburn and the pregnant waddle.

Belly Button In or Out: Still in! 

Wedding Rings On or Off:Wedding ring is on, but I took off my engagement ring. 

Feeling:I'm getting pretty ready for him to be here = ) I both want to meet him and not be pregnant anymore.

Exercise: Yeah, not happening.

Looking Forward To: Last work day is July 12th and just ready to see what each day brings!

 Next Appointment: July 16th

34 Weeks- 6 to go!

I hate to be a complainer, but 3rd tri is for the birds.
Starting Saturday I began having a lot of lower abdominal/back cramping/pressure and pressure in my bottom. The cramping was constant, nothing I could time. I was able to relax, lay down and prop my feet up. I was able to get through work "ok" on Monday. It was my 8 hour day, so it was good knowing that I wouldn't have to try to get through a full 12 hour shift. I had a very difficult patient that was very paranoid, psychotic and scared. When I was talking to her, trying to get her away from the unit doors so she wouldn't sneak out and leave, she said "you won't live to see your baby because I will kill you". I have worked in psych long enough to know not to take anything they say personally. This was a tough one though. Her comment sort of haunted me the rest of the day and I stayed clear of her, had other staff give her injections, etc. Luckily my co-workers are protective of me and didn't let me get close to her anyways. You just never know if the patients will kick or punch, so better safe than sorry!!
On Tuesday I was having the cramping/pressure again. I had to sit down fairly early on in the shift and have a co-worker give out the rest of my medicines. It was still the constant cramping, nothing I could time, but more intense. I wasn't able to lay down and prop my feet up like I did Saturday, so I knew it was going to be a long long shift. The pain became a little worst and tylenol wasn't helping, so I told our scheduler that I didn't think i could make it through the full 12 hours and hoped she could find someone to relieve me at work, and I called my OB's nurse to make sure they didn't want me to go to womens urgent care since I was at the hospital anyways. Luckily they were able to find me some relief at 2:00pm and my OB's nurse said to relax, take tylenol and benadryl and call back if they become timeable or even more intense. I had an already scheduled OB appt the next day, so that made me feel better. So, long story short is that I wasn't able to get through a 12 hour shift.

Today: Hubby and I went to visit another daycare center close to our house. They said we could drop by any time (good thing), the price is the same as the other day care center we looked at (good thing), and it is a smaller facility, so they don't take as many infants at one time as the other place (good thing), and I looked at the facilities facebook pictures and it looked like they took the older kids on a lot of fun field trips (good thing). When we went to visit everyone was very nice, they welcomed us in, introduced us to everyone. We saw the 3 & 4 year olds. they were doing crafts, coloring and they all seemed happy. The kids were friendly as well. We then went into the infant room. They take 10 infants at the time with 2 staff. They have consistent staff to help with consistent care and the workers work partial shifts so they don't get burnt out. The little infants were so cute!! They each have their own crib that is assigned to them and only go in the crib for naps. When not napping they are roaming around, in the swings, being held, etc. They also make a point to try to keep to the same feeding schedule used at home, they have a fridge for breast milk storage. We were happy with it = ) We can't turn in our registration paper until he is born because don't have a birth date or SS# yet, but she didn't think it would be a problem to get him in. We will need childcare starting January.
I also had an OB appt today. I have to say, it is getting harder and harder to pee in a freaking cup! I can't see where I am aiming! Anyways, I did it. Blood pressure was great, weight was higher than I care for, but what can you do? I told the nurse about the cramping/pressure, feels like I have to have a BM a lot, increased clear drainage, concerns about a UTI, etc. My OB took everything seriously. She did a strep B test, amniotic fluid test and cervical check (OUCH!!!). I am measuring on track externally and Eli's HB was 151...he kicked the doppler wand too = ) He didn't like the cold gel I don't think. My strep B was negative and negative for amniotic fluid leakage. My cervix is soft and closed. She said everything is going perfectly, she doesn't anticipate an early delivery and that (unfortunately) the discomfort is just my new normal for now. Now that I know the cramping/pressure is normal, then I can deal with it. It's the unknown that worried me. I have nothing to compare normal from abnormal. I just hope I can get through the rest of my scheduled work days and I will take it easy if I have to.

Kitty lovein'

How Far Along: 34 Weeks
 Total Weight Gain: +30lbs

Maternity Clothes: they are a must

 Stretch Marks:

Sleep: yeah...not happening. I think my body is just getting me used to no sleep for when Eli gets here. I either wake up because I am too much on my stomach/back and my body tells me to reposition, or I have to pee. Usually these to alternate so I wake up quite frequently. 

 Best Moment This Week: A good OB appt. 

 Miss Anything: Sleep and being able to function properly. I feel like I am letting people down at work because I can't work fully. I also have a nursing student with me all summer, so I worry I am giving her a raw deal because I am not working at my full potential, not to mention having to leave work early! I don't think anyone at work thinks less of me, since I am trying at 8+ months pregnant, I just want to pull my full load and I can't right now.  

Movement: He has been moving well. definite moments of awake and sleep. He has caught me off guard with a couple kicks to the ribs/diaphragm and then follows that up with a punch to the hip/groin area.

 Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Nope, i have gotten nauseous due to heart burn a few times at night. All good though = )

Cravings: Anything strawberry and I am ready for some more CRAWFISH!!!

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!! Eli Preston!!

Labor Signs:No, everything checked out ok at my appt!

Symptoms: Blah, I'm just uncomfortable and hot and I can't sleep.cramping and pressure has started as well.

Belly Button In or Out: Still in! 

Wedding Rings On or Off:Wedding ring is on, but I took off my engagement ring. 

Feeling: I am just relieved that everything is ok in there and my OB feels like there is no reason he would come early. Relief is my feeling for the day = )

Exercise:I'm trying. It is so freaking hot and I'm uncomfortable. I take the stairs if going up one floor. I haven't gone out walking in the neighborhood. I think I am scared to go out alone, just in case I get halfway away from the house and can't get home. Maybe it's an excuse.

Looking Forward To: We have our birth class next week, which includes a hospital tour. That should be fun.

 Next Appointment: June 25th...last every 2 week appt!

32 Weeks

Ok, technically it is 32 weeks 1 day because I did do this yesterday = ). 
I have about 8 more weeks (give or take) before we meet Eli Preston. I can not wait to see who he looks like, what features he gets from me and what features he gets from hubby. I can't help but hope he has my curly hair, hubby's blue eyes and cleft chin. I am excited to see what his personality will be like, what he likes and dislikes. 
To be honest though...I am pretty scared about the actual labor/birth process. I know it's going to hurt, how much will I be able to handle? Will I be able to do a natural delivery? will he want to breast feed as soon as he is born? 
So many unknowns and it is scary, overwhelming, exciting, nerve racking. 
Will we have everything ready for him? I have been nesting like crazy. I have washed all of his clothes, washed the rock n play, swing, carrier, anything that can/needs to be washed. I have found places in the nursery for pretty much everything. 
There is still work to do. I feel like my mind is constantly thinking of things that need to be done and I need to do it right then. This has caused me to not feel my best and my feet to swell. I know I need to relax on my days off but there is just so much that needs to be done. 
I had my 32week OB appt. yesterday and it went well. I had a different OB whom I had never met before. My OB was out of the office that day. She was nice. I am measuring on track and Eli's HB is 143. She short of threw me off guard by focusing the appointment on what hubby and I will do for birth control after Eli is born. She said that breastfeeding may delay ovulation for up to 6 months and it's usually not recommended to have a pregnancy less than 1 year apart. Hubby and I haven't really talked about this, except that both of us have no interest in me going back on the pill. It seems so weird to think about birth control when we went through so much just to get pregnant in the first place. I guess it is possible for things to "reset" after pregnancy. So, no real decisions have been made. 
Anyways, the good stuff. We had our maternity photo-shoot last weekend so I added some of those pictures here. LOVE THEM!!

How Far Along: 32 Weeks
 Total Weight Gain: +25lbs

Maternity Clothes: they are a must

 Stretch Marks: I am starting to develop some on my sides (boo)

Sleep:What is this? Yeah, not happening here. I am so uncomfortable at night that if I do get to sleep then it is not very restful and I wake up frequently.  I am so tired, but yet I can't sleep.

 Best Moment This Week: We had our maternity pictures done and I got to hear his HB again.

 Miss Anything: Sleep, being able to bend down to pick things up, being comfortable and being able to function properly. 

Movement: Oh, he has been moving great! There was a big movement Tuesday while I was driving home from work. I was a little worried he had turned because he was head down before. I guess we will just have to see! They can flip and turn all the way up to due date, so hopefully by the time delivery arrives he will be in the proper position. 

 Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Not really, I have been getting bad heartburn at night. 

Cravings: Anything strawberry, I ate a whole watermelon and a whole cantaloupe, yummmmm

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!! Eli Preston!!

Labor Signs: I've had some Braxton Hicks type contractions. They aren't very noticable but at times I will notice that I feel like I am having period cramps, like I am about to start my period any minute. Not too bad yet though.

Symptoms: Blah, I'm just uncomfortable and hot and I can't sleep.

Belly Button In or Out:I can't believe it, but it's still in! 

Wedding Rings On or Off:Wedding ring is off, but I took of my engagement ring. 

Feeling: anxious, nervous, overwhelmed, excited, tired (yes, already and yes, I know it will only get worst)

Exercise:I'm trying. It is just so dang hot here and I am so dang uncomfortable. 

Looking Forward To: every week he is on the inside, the better. We have birth class next month. I'm just anxious to see what each week brings. I pray my BP continues to be good and pre-eclampsia doesn't hit, I pray he keeps cooking as long as possible, and I pray I can keep working as long as possible. 

 Next Appointment: June 11th

30 Weeks---The count down begins

 I can not believe I am 30 weeks pregnant. I can not believe I am 3/4th of the way done with this pregnancy. I can not believe that I have 10 weeks or less left before Eli is here. I still can not even believe that I am pregnant. 

I do write this post with some sadness. I will not go into much detail in order to respect the privacy of the person involved, but I found out that someone close to me recently had a miscarriage. My heart breaks so much for her and her husband. They are in my thoughts and prayers during this time and I pray their hearts and her body can heal briskly. I have never experienced loss, nor could I even imagine the pain and heartache of miscarriage. They are in my thoughts and prayers, and if you could take a moment out to say a prayer for them as well. (((HUGS!!!))) if you are reading this. 

I had my 30w OB appointment today and got my Rhogam shot. The appointment went really well, but it is very very difficult to pee in a cup when you can't see your lady parts to "aim". Just saying. 
My OB didn't say anything about my weight gain, but she did say I should try to walk 1 mile a day. She foresees the rest of the pregnancy going "perfectly". I also asked about delayed cord clamping, which would allow more of the blood in the umbilical cord to get into Eli's circulation. She said that she has always been a "slow clamper" and waits until it stops pulsating. So, yay! All is good = )

I also had breastfeeding class today. It was very helpful to me. They taught about ways to get a good latch and that it can be difficult at first, but soooo worth it. I have been mostly nervous about being able to continue the breastfeeding/breastmilk while I go back to work. Since I work at the hospital where I am delivering (or I guess work at a hospital that offers this period), they will give me a breast pump to use and there are 2 pumping rooms at the hospital that can be used while I am at work. One of the rooms is very close to the floor I work on! I am feeling much better about being able to take 20 minutes, 3 or 4 times a shift to pump. Plus, they have to let me pump....it's the law = )

Mother's Day gift I received from a very thoughtful lady on the SAIF FB group. So thoughtful!!!

Cabin we stayed at in Lousiana last weekend for our "babymoon"

paradise = )

How Far Along: 30 Weeks
 Total Weight Gain: +25lbs

Maternity Clothes: I love them, can't live without them

 Stretch Marks:

Sleep: Quite uncomfortable. Either my hips hurt, but hurts, Eli is positioned in a weird spot, or I get heartburn (this fun night time heart burn started last night). I even brought a body pillow with me on our babymoon weekend.

 Best Moment This Week:We had such a relaxing and fun "babymoon" to Louisiana last weekend. It was so nice to relax on the porch of the cabin with the door open so the wind blew in. We also went on a fun swamp tour. We saw quite a few alligators, bald eagles, and beautiful birds and turtles. The water was rough at times so the banging of the boat was uncomfortable at times. Our guide was very very nice and planned in like 4 different stops that had bathroom so I could pee = ) He also bought me a virgin strawberry daiquiri! yummm!! I also had an OB appt today which went really well. Oh, and I finished my Spring semester in grad school with A's in both of my classes...yay! I will be taking time off of school until Spring Semester 2015.

 Miss Anything: Like I said last time, I miss being able to function at my full potential, especially at home and at work (I guess that is everywhere...). I hate feeling like I am putting more of a burden on others.

Movement: He has really been nice to me the last couple weeks and has moved around a lot. I guess he didn't like his mama worrying so he'll kick or move around to ease my discomfort. I really do appreciate it. I stays on the right side of my ute though, never crosses the midline to the left.

 Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Nope!

Cravings: I still can't get enough crawfish. I haven't had any for a few weeks, but it always sounds good. 

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!! Eli Preston!!

Labor Signs: Nope, I don't think I have had any Braxton Hicks.
Symptoms: I feel "ok" most of the time. I am starting to get used to the discomfort maybe. My ribs continue to hurt and I have a numbness/burning on the top right side of my abdomen (OB said it was normal). I have just learned to press on my abdomen or reposition to help ease the pain as much as I can. I have 1+ pitting edema to my legs, which my OB said will stay around until the end and she was ok with it.

Belly Button In or Out: It's still hanging on! In for now. I keep waiting to sneeze or cough and have it poke out. I did have a dream that it poked out and I showed my hubby....he was so disgusted he filed for divorce...I hope that doesn't happen = )

Wedding Rings On or Off: I went ahead and took them off. They were still able to come on and off but were definitively getting tighter. I put them on the hope necklace I wear every day. I am still wearing my wedding band because it has always been a little big.

Feeling: Honestly...I am really starting to get scared about the actual labor/delivery/birth process. I am scared, but he has to come out some how.

Exercise: I really need to do better. My OB told me today she wants me walking 1 mile a day. I think I probably walk a mile while working but I haven't been walking on my days off. I did walk a mile after I got home from the OB today. I survived and didn't have the severe side pain I have mentioned previously. I know that if I keep walking then it will only help me when it comes to delivery...so walk I shall.

Looking Forward To:I have a work baby shower next week, which should be fun, and a dear friend will be taking our maternity pictures in a couple weeks! So exciting!! And I just can't wait to meet Eli and see his face. See who he looks like and what his personality is like.

 Next Appointment: May 28th!

28 Weeks

Hello! 28 Weeks today! I can't believe how fast this pregnancy seems to be going. I had nothing but positive feedback during NIAW last week. I posted something every day and it was taken well. I can definitely tell that 3 trimester is not going to be very nice to me. I try not to complain, but I think I will complain in this post. If you are sensitive to complaining pregnant ladies....then you may not want to read this post = ) I totally understand. 

Eli's profile with hands in his face

arms and hands together like he is praying "please get me out of here and mom please stop singing!!"

 

from my baby shower

How Far Along: 28 Weeks
 Total Weight Gain: +20lbs

Maternity Clothes: I love them

 Stretch Marks:

Sleep: It is pretty uncomfortable. I try not to go to sleep until I feel Eli kick, but he hasn't been kicking as much as he used to, so this causes a lot of anxiety. I have to pee a lot more frequently, which means waking up frequently. I get very uncomfortable in my back and sides. Body pillow is necessary. 

 Best Moment This Week: I was able to get an ultrasound today so I got to see little guy! I also had our first baby shower on Sunday! It was so nice to have people come together and it meant so much to us to have the support of so many people. It's fun to "oooo" and "aaaaahh" at baby things = ).

 Miss Anything:I guess I miss being able to function at my full potential. I can't walk like I used to since after I walk for about 5 minutes I get intense pain in my side from growth. I can't be as helpful at work like I used to. I'm just over all slower and lower functioning. 

Movement: I have been worried about his movement for a few days while. It seems like he moves a lot less and sometimes I don't feel him all day until I lay down at night before I go to bed. I mentioned this to my OB today at my appt and she did an ultrasound to make sure he was ok. He is = ) He is so perfect. I think he has just gotten so much bigger that he is running out of room. The ultrasound shows that he is head down (yay!!) and his legs/feet are under my right ribs (that is why my ribs hurt like the dickens!!). I am just so thankful that he is ok in there.

 Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Nope, I did have my glucose tolerance test today and the sugar drink I had to drink was very very sweet and was horrible to drink! It made me jittery and tired all at the same time. It sure had Eli wiggling around though!!

Cravings:Crawfish and Sonic Blast!! I had these two cravings satisfied too = ) So happy.  

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!! Eli Preston!!

Labor Signs: Nope, I am waiting for the braxton hicks contractions to start though.
Symptoms: Get ready for complaining: 3rd tri has definitely started. Dr. H said i was in the "P.O.P" stage..."Pain Of Pregnancy". I can't walk for more than 5 minutes without having intense stitch like pain in my right side. She agreed that it was probably from growing uterus. Because of this I wasn't able to do my second 5k walk planned and I feel like a failure (even though I do realize that it is perfectly ok for a 7 month pregnant lady to not do a 5k walk). Ribs...My ribs hurt so fricken bad. I feel better now, knowing that it hurts because Eli's feetsies are under there kicking away. It is just very uncomfortable. I get dizzy spells. I got my blood counts checked today and I am expecting it may show that my Iron is low. I hope to get those results tomorrow. I walk slow, I get tired, I can't sleep because I am uncomfortable, i think I have 8 chins. I am just a pitiful, pitiful person right now. BUT, I wouldn't trade it for anything and I know it could always be worst and it will all be worth it. It's just not comfortable right now. I also realize that it will get much worst before it gets better....summer in MS is coming.

Belly Button In or Out: In, for now. I don't think it has much longer. My OB told me to get a picture of it now, before it pokes out. I took a picture but I won't be posting it = ) It's too weird 

Wedding Rings On or Off: On, getting tighter though. I think the heat will make my fingers swell, so I may have to remove my rings earlier than I maybe normally would if it weren't for the heat. 

Feeling:Blah, you read my complaints. I won't mention them again. I am just thankful Eli is safe, healthy and growing like he is supposed to.

Exercise:yeah...I mentioned the side pain when walking earlier. This has definitely limited my exercise a great deal. I walk when I can and take the stairs when I can.

Looking Forward To:I am now onto every 2 week appointments. I can't believe it!! We have our "babymoon" next week and I only have 2 more tests this semester, so I am ready for this semester to be over with! I am taking summer and fall off. I am excited for the relaxation of our babymoon. We rented a cabin for a couple nights on a sugar cane farm in Louisiana. We will leave after my last final exam next Friday. So ready to get away and relax for the weekend = ) Plus, we will come back on Mother's Day! 

 Next Appointment: May 14th! Same day as our breastfeeding class!

26 weeks and NIAW

It seems as I have moved to an every other week schedule for updates. I am sort of in between doctors visits and nothing super exciting or new is happening. It's been a rough few weeks with quite a few late losses on a few Facebook groups. I can't help but worry that something like that will happen to me and my sweet Eli. I get comfort from his kicks and wiggles but that fear continues. I think I just need to accept that the fear will continue until he is healthy in my arms...and then a totally different fear of actually having to care for him and keep him alive will arrive. I guess the worry and concern for your child, whether it is trying to get pregnant, successfully carry baby, successfully give birth and then successfully raise a child will just always be there. There are just new worries and new concerns.

I am happy that I am getting close to 3rd Tri. I really didn't feel well yesterday and I can't really put my finger on what is actually wrong. I just don't feel "right". I kept getting a dizzy type feeling and just wasn't feeling totally present. I checked my blood pressure at work and it was normal, so I assume my blood sugar was low or maybe I haven't kept myself hydrated. Working 12 hour shifts is starting to wear me down more and more. I had to take off of work today so that I could hydrate up and prop my feet up. As much as I need the money, I need me and Eli to be healthier more.

National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) starts tomorrow and I have already posted a pre-week status update on facebook and changed my cover photo for the week. I plan to post information about infertility each day as a way to spread awareness. I did this last year as well as sort of a "coming out". It's a little different this year. I fear that I may come across as insincere or as a "poser" since I am now pregnant. I added the infertility twibbon to my profile picture, but of course my profile picture is a pregnant me...I hope it's not a slap in the face to those still in the struggle. I also don't know if I should still claim myself as one of the 1:8 who struggle since I am now pregnant or if I should be more of an outside supporter. These things I struggle with and will just have to go with what I feel is right. I am so proud of my IF friends who have chosen to use this year's NIAW to "come out" and I pray they get nothing but support and love from those around them.

How Far Along: 26 Weeks --Head of lettuce
 Total Weight Gain: I haven't weighed myself so I have no idea = )

Maternity Clothes: I think I am really going to miss my maternity clothes. I just feel like I look cute every day and I can't help but look at more clothes even though I only have a few months left!

 Stretch Marks:

Sleep: It is still uncomfortable and I toss and turn a lot. I try not to sleep on my back, but I almost always end up there. 

 Best Moment This Week: Hubby finally felt him kick = )

 Miss Anything: I miss being able to work my 12 hour shifts and walk long distances without having difficulty. I have a 5k planned for next Saturday that I am just unsure I will be able to do. Whenever I walk for a reasonable distance I get really bad right sided pain that I assume is round ligament pain. There is no way I could walk 3 miles with that pain.

Movement: I feel him every day. He is mostly active in the mornings and at night. I can't go to sleep until I feel him moving in there. It's a comfort thing, like he's telling me "I'm still here mom, you can sleep now". we have a cool mother/son relationship like that.

 Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: No, not really sick. I just need to keep hydrated and eat more frequently.

Cravings:Not really 

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!! Eli Preston!!

Labor Signs: No, I am waiting for the braxton hicks contractions to start though.
Symptoms:I just love feeling him move. I get tired and the round ligament pain is very painful, along with rib pain that I can only assume means that Eli has found a home under my rib cage. I guess I'm just getting to the uncomfortable part of this whole thing, it's all worth it though and wouldn't take it back for anything. 

Belly Button In or Out: In, but I can definitely tell that it's pushed out more. 

Wedding Rings On or Off: On

Feeling:I feel fine, just more uncomfortable the bigger he gets (good problem to have). I've pretty much had my pity party in the beginning of the post, so I won't go through it again = )

Exercise: I have been trying to keep walking. I did a breast cancer walk last saturday with my mom. We finished it in less than an hour, but I know I was slowing her down a lot. by the end of the walk my side was starting to hurt. I have another scheduled for next Saturday that I am just not sure if I will be able to complete it or not. I'm not a quiter, so this is a hard decision....do I try or not try?

Looking Forward To: I have a baby shower planned for next sunday!! I am so so excited. I am sort of terrified of being the center of attention...I still have PTSD from my bridal shower...but I think it will mostly be fun. Baby things are more fun to ooo and ahhh at than pots and pans = )

 Next Appointment: April 30-- our last every 4 week appt!!

many many pictures: 

Nursery!! We still have to accessorize and need glider.

Clock hubby made for nursery

my contribution = )