36 Wonderful Weeks...

Holy Moly I didn't  realize that I haven't updated this sucker in such a long time! I hope this isn't a preview of what my parenting style will be like... :)

My Woes


So. 36 weeks. I'm huge, mostly my own fault, but I really can't stand to get much bigger and unfortunately, neither can my skin. These last few weeks have brought on the worst part of my pregnancy to date: THE STRETCH MARKS! I really thought that I had dodged that bullet because the bulk of the pregnancy had passed and still not a mark. They started on my sides. I can handle those because once I get back to a somewhat normal size I don't think they will be as noticeable. Then the sprouted up on my lower back. I remember yelling in the mirror, "Holy Shit where the hell did those come from?!" and Wes popping his head around the corner, "Oh those? I didn't want to tell you about those. Sorry cutikins." Oh. Ok. So because the fat lady can't see what's going on to her own body we can just keep secrets. Nice. AND THEN they wrapped around the lower part of my stomach. Those are the ones that really bother me. My bikini days are over. I will never be able to wear a swimsuit again. My body is ruined.

As soon as I found out I was pregnant I started to pee and I really haven't stopped since. It has picked up momentum within these last few weeks as the baby is pushing on my bladder. My friend Katy said that it stops as soon as you have the baby. I myself can't help but wonder why they can't give pregnant women a catheter. I would be much more productive, happier, and well-rested if I could just have a catheter.

My right arm keeps falling asleep and I lose complete feeling in my thumb and middle finger for hours at a time. The arm and thumb I can do without...but at this point in my pregnancy I need that middle finger. Especially during rush hour, shopping, work, actually I need it for everything.

My movement is extremely restricted! I can't put my boots on, buckle my seat belt, get up off the couch, get out of the car, and the list goes on. Wes has been a huge help in this aspect... NOT. He thinks it's funny to watch me get sucked into the couch, never to return again.

My Excitement!

Wes and I took a labor and delivery class last weekend and it was very informational. Let's be serious it scared the poop out of me! It went over everything that could possibly go on during the labor with accompanying pictures. Overall I really enjoyed it because I had no idea how the process actually went or what major decisions we have to make within the next few weeks regarding the delivery. Wes on the other hand... I've never seen him so mortified/grossed out in my life. I'm kind of excited to watch his reactions as all of this unfolds and hopes there's someone with our video camera to catch it all. They also showed us some relaxation techniques to help you get through the contractions. I laid on my back with Wes behind me, they turned off the lights, put on some relaxing music, and the husbands were to just rub our shoulders and help us to relax. 30 seconds into it I look behind me and my husband has drifted off to la-la-land. Great, here I am having an earth shattering contraction and you are asleep. Great coach.

He did say, "It's a good thing your Mom will be in there with us."

Yes. It is.

I also took a breastfeeding class last night which really sealed the deal for me. I am ready for this little bundle to pop out. I am ready to take on all that she has to throw at me. LET'S DO THIS! I think breastfeeding will be both a wonderful and slightly horrible experience. The interaction that only you get with your baby will be great. However being tied to the baby until I can pump may be a little more than I bargained for. But we will just have to wait and see.

We had 2 of our baby showers a few weeks ago. We received so many wonderful gifts! LOTS of adorable clothes and plenty of baby supplies to get us through. I have another shower with all of my girlfriends after the baby is born so I am very excited for all of them to see me in this new role as Mommy. They are going to FREAK! :)

Margaret and Mavis have really been getting on my nerves lately. They know that something is going to be changing and so they are constantly wanting all of my attention. I can't even pee without Mavis sitting in front of me and Margaret trying to get on my lap, not the optimal pee position. Margaret has tried to prove herself as a helpful big sister by tearing open a baby toy or two which I am very grateful for since I wouldn't have been able to do it myself. She also likes to help with the trash, rounding up Mavis to go to the kennel, and fluffing the pillows on the couch. She knows exactly what I need. Mavis has this desire to be pet and snuggled all the time. It's not so easy with a 120lbs. dog and I don't know how it will work with a baby in my arms. They are both very excited for Christmas and Wes and I are taking them to see Santa Claus on Saturday... I wonder what they will ask him for?