The Shower

Today, after church, was my baby shower and we all had a fabulous time. The girls stylishly pose with their newly acquired sunglasses.
Tea and I just after enjoying a wonderful lunch.


I got so many wonderful gifts it was unbelievable.

I loved this handmade blanket, cap, and booties.

We played several great games including, who's that baby?

Everyone who attended signed this piggy bank. What a great idea!

My Mom and I.

The beautiful floral arrangement my Aunt sent.

The cake was both gorgeous and delicious!

Growing

I might as well "keep it real" so this is me now:

Packing

In the past, when it comes to pregnancy, I have always made the mistake of procrastinating. This time instead of just looking at my actual due date I'm trying to just prepare no matter what. So, on that note, when I left my appointment yesterday I went to the store and picked up some things I'll need for my hospital stay. I got myself a new pair of comfy pj's, some shower samples, slippers, camera batteries, etc. I also got the King a few things as well. Now this weekend we can pack our bag and I'll feel better knowing we're ready.

I don't know why, but when it comes to this impending birth I have A LOT of anxiety. I have tried just about everything to relax but not much works. I don't know exactly what I am afraid of, just that I am. I have not experienced this in the past which is part of what makes it so weird. I feel the worst at night and I find myself actually praying that I will not go into labor anytime soon. I'm just not mentally ready. Of course right now that makes sense because I have a few weeks until the due date, but that isn't the real reason anyway. I'm not afraid of having him here at all, it's the actual birth that has me all freaked out. I must add, I have no reason to believe everything won't go smoothly. I've had epidurals successfully in the past as well, so no high expectations either. Who knows, I'm sure it's normal, but it is bothering me. Hopefully I will read this in a few weeks and laugh about how smoothly it really went and how I had nothing to worry about. I hope.

Quick Appointment

Today I had my 36/37 week appointment and it was quick and to the point. I had my group b strep test, but not sure of the results yet. His heart rate was 152 again for like the 4 or 5th time in a row. I think all of my kids have had that heart rate it's crazy. I haven't gained any more weight, I don't think I will at this point. I'm measuring right on too, so that's always good. I've been thinking about the baby almost constantly lately. It's not that I'm uncomfortable being pregnant just eager to meet him I suppose. I'm getting my hair done tomorrow, so I'll post another belly shot.

Racing the Clock

Just checking in to say I am on track to have EVERYTHING done by Sunday! It has taken every little and I do mean little, bit of strength I have, but we're really getting there. We have done soooo much de-cluttering over the last couple of weeks and I feel like I can breathe again. I hate clutter, but with 6 people living here it happens, often. I can't wait to just sit back and feel ready. I'll probably run around like crazy just to go over due.

36 Weeks

1 week until I am considered term. So close really. Every time I think about what is about to happen I get major butterflies in my stomach. Knowing what to anticipate can go both ways. On one hand I have labored and delivered successfully 4 times. Don't get me wrong it hurt, bad, but in the end all was well. I know that and that helps. On the other hand I have no desire to labor again. Ugh. Hopefully it will be quick, but Boo wasn't so I know there's no guarantees just because this is my 5th baby.

I am very excited to meet him. I don't think I have any real expectations. The girls have all looked pretty different at birth so I haven't any idea what to expect there either. This is my busy week. By Sunday I'm hoping to be completely baby ready. Yay!

Hiccup

That about sums things up these days. I think all this little guy does is hiccup. My whole belly shakes when he does and if it's at night then it has the power to wake me up. If my bladder is full it's even worse and I have to run to the nearest restroom. I'm not complaining it's just a little different. All of my kids have hiccuped in utero just not quite this often. All of the girls have felt it from the outside and will even ask if they see my belly move, "does he have more hiccups?"


My baby shower, being given by church friends, is a week from today. I'm excited to get together with other women and celebrate. The day after I will be 37 weeks and officially term. Not that I expect to have him right away. It still feels good to know I'm that close to the safe zone. The weather is driving me crazy in trying to plan. I have no idea what to pack for the girls at my moms. One day it's warm and the next it's snowing. I'm thinking we'll just go with pants and long sleeve shirts. Next weekend I'm going to pack my bag as well. Just in case. Because you know, eventually he's gonna have to come out.