35 Weeks and Two Baby Showers

35 Weeks
(Excuse the PJ's)

Haddie is the size of a Coconut

Hello, again! We are officially about to hit the Full Term mark! I can't believe it. This week hasn't flown by quite as fast now that the calendar has calmed down a bit. I think the long days on my feet at school are beginning to catch up with this Momma. But, I only have 10 more days of work before my Maternity Leave begins! And today is exactly one month until her due date. Let's recap this week...

All is still quiet on the symptoms front. Wednesday, I had some pretty noticeable swelling in my feet and ankles when I got home from work. When I woke up the next day, it was still there. Usually after sleeping, the swelling would go down. I chose tennis shoes instead of my Teva flip flops for more support, and by the time I got home Thursday, the swelling was gone. So, it must have just been a fluke or something I ate/drank. Still no labor symptoms. I am constantly on the lookout for my stomach to contract, but I really have only noticed a few times. I did wake up at 5am about a week ago with what I am pretty sure was a BH. It is the only thing that has ever actually caused me to wake. I got up and made a glass of water and then changed positions until I was comfortable.

I am not sure if this qualifies as a symptom, but all my dreams have been quite vivid and Haddie-related lately. Actually, they are all about going into labor in some form. Mostly, my water breaking. I am not sure if it because the pregnancy is winding down, or if my subconscious is over being pregnant and trying to play mind tricks on my body. I wouldn't say that I am "over" being pregnant. I am just ready to meet her. I am not miserable. Yet. And hopefully, won't be too miserable before she decides to make her appearance.

Sunday and Monday of last week, I was blessed with two Baby Showers. Sunday was the shower attended by my family and personal friends. My Mom and Christy played the "Hostesses with Mostest". As usual, my Mom did an amazing job giving Martha Stewart a run for her money. She is so creative! Christy provided some yummy treats, and Devin, my sister, brought the cupcakes. I had a great afternoon spending time with close friends and family, and was blessed with all the generous gifts for Little Miss. Then Monday evening, the lovely ladies of Applebrook threw me a second shower. Once again, I was blessed with even more quality friend time and precious baby gifts. I finished up some shopping with gift cards yesterday. It is such a great feeling to be as prepared as possible. I may not feel that way once she gets here, but on paper, we are ready! Here are some pictures from the Shower thrown by family and friends. Sadly, we forgot to take any pictures at the Applebrook Shower.

The White Shoes were a gift and the Black Shoes were some of my baby shoes.

We are so blessed to have such loving and generous family and friends!

Getting some practice with the 8 Week Old guest

My best friend and co-host, Christy

Special Ladies
My Mom, Mother-In-Law, Grandmother, and Sister

New Grandparents and Auntie

We had our tour of the Hospital yesterday morning. It lasted all of about ten minutes.The Labor and Delivery rooms were full, so we were unable to see those. Basically, we had a look at the Nursery and Mother/Baby rooms. Nothing new for me. I have visited a few friends after their bundles of joy were born, and had been to all those areas. I also stood there like a bump on a pickle without asking any questions. As soon as I sat down in the car, a million things came to mind. So, we will most likely be making another trip. Maybe this time, I will write down my questions so I don't go completely blank. We also got the pre-admission paperwork to fill out. I thought once we were there and discussing everything it would hit me and I would start to get nervous, but surprisingly, I stayed calm. Probably just means that when I do go into labor, I am gonna lose all control!

Speaking of the Hospital, I am almost done packing my Hospital Bag. I have a few things that are being shipped from Target and should arrive by the middle of next week. I will try to get a blog up about the contents of my bag. It will not be nearly as pleasing to look at as what I packed for Haddie. Nursing pads and granny panties vs. tiny onesies and hairbows. I think we know who wins.

On the agenda for Week 36: a midwife appointment and beginning to load the car! Also, it currently feels like I have two golf balls in my throat. Hopefully, this is all just allergy/sinus/drainage/sore throat yuck. If I am going to be sick, I guess now is better than when she is born or brand new. Thanks for stopping by!