36 weeks with baby #3

I'm actually posting somewhat on time this time around! Now.....do we all think I can get November, December, AND January "In Pictures" posts done in the next 3ish weeks?!

Wish me luck.

It's not lookin' good, but there are more important things.


Pregnancy Highlights

How far along: 36 weeks as of February 8th

Weight gain: 25 lbs. That would be 4 lbs in one week and one day. When I texted Tom after getting weighed at my appt this last Tuesday evening (it was at 6 pm so I'm blaming it on being late in the day compared to morning appts and having just eaten dinner) and his reply was "LOL! How did that happen?!"

I made her take it twice so I know it wasn't a fluke. And I really have no idea how it happened.

Appointment Update: I'm measuring exactly 36 weeks, passed my group B strep test (good times), and the midwife Kathleen confirmed baby's head was down. I opted not to be checked so she had to feel the baby to make sure. She was a bit iffy because she said the head and bottom were feeling similar, but after taking some time she was almost 100% certain. Based on what she was feeling, she said we have a "little peanut". Heartbeat was 138. I am there weekly now!

Gender: It's been basically endless boy guesses recently. I was really thinking girl myself, but have changed my vote and am going with boy. I don't think I'll switch back.

Sleep: Ahhhhh sleep. How I miss you. Although...I crawled into bed after a bath Sunday night and was laying on my right side and for a few blissful minutes I felt completely, totally, 100% normal. No pain or discomfort. Just absolutely relaxed.

And then I got kicked.

And I loved it.

But honestly, sleeping is just rough. It's great at first, but God forbid I have to move. I find grunting and moaning to help. Kidding, but only kind of.

Random thoughts: We selected a doula! She's still working towards her certification, but seems more than qualified. She was kind enough to come and meet the entire family last week. (Fun fact: she has two sets of identical twins! And a single. So five girls!)

And we hired a photographer who looks incredible. She's out of town at her son's wrestling tournament the weekend I'm due though, so we're praying I go late. Not even joking.

Even if she wouldn't be available, our doula is a hobby photographer so I'm really feeling confident that it'll all work out one way or another.

(And now is when you all turn and talk to the person beside you about how crazy I am for wanting a photographer at my labor/delivery. It's ok though. It's not for everyone, but I cherish those pictures and moments caught on camera!)

It was pretty safe to say I was an emotional mess last week. I think I cried about something every.single.day. It was exhausting. My sweet daughter colored me pictures and Conrad has even started showing concern when Mama's having a moment. Naturally it's typically about nothing and has just convicted me about my lack of faith in God and his infinite provision over the plans and details of our lives at times. Conrad wasn't napping well. I was physically so tired. And it just all caught up to me. Thankfully this week has been soooo much better and I'm feeling pretty great for being almost 37 weeks pregnant. I cried only briefly tonight at the thought of not being pregnant while talking to Tom about whether we've enjoyed this pregnancy enough. Our conversations go something like this:

Me: "Do you think we've soaked it up enough?"
Tom: "Yep."
Me: "Really? Like we've enjoyed it and reeeeally soaked it all in? Because it's going to be over in just a few short weeks."
Tom: "I know."
Me: "I just want to make sure we've enjoyed it and taken it in."
Tom: "I've enjoyed it. You just don't have time to soak in your third pregnancy. You're too busy with the other two."
Me: "That sounds horrible."
Tom: "Well, it's the truth."

In addition, we're back to discussing names. We had settled on a girl name, but are back to the drawing board. We both love our boy name, but Tom has thrown a few others into the mix. We have three weeks. THREE WEEKS.

And lastly, I'm really hoping this weekend will be spent getting the remainder of our to do list completed. It's not difficult things like painting or reorganizing (although.....that does sound lovely.....hmm....) Just things like getting the car seat and rock-n-play out of storage, burning my CD of music to be played, etc. etc. Easy peasy.

Message to baby:
Hi Baby! I can't believe we're so close to meeting you face to face. Gwendolyn has been asking me lots of questions about you lately and has decided she now wants a girl because she "already has a brother." I remind her that we'll be happy with whatever God gives us because He knows best. Her name suggestion this week was "Cy." (We've been reading our ISU book about Cy the mascot a lot recently...) She loves to feel you kick and even sings and talks to you. Her eyes just light up when I tell her that you'll recognize her voice when you come out.

One thing I'm so excited about is seeing if you look like your Sissy or Brother Bear. I get comments from people all the time saying how much they look like each other so it's exciting to think and wonder about you.

If only we had a magical way to see what you're up to when you're moving around like crazy. I apologize for the tight space, but would greatly appreciate if you wouldn't kick me soooo far out to the right side sometimes.

We marvel at what God has already done in your life before it's really even started out in the real world. We continue to pray for health and growth as well as our preparation for your birth day. We trust that He goes before us and prepares the way.

With love,
Mommy