31 Weeks

I had a doctor's appointment this morning, and everything is going perfectly!  The baby has a terrific heart rate, my actual belly measurements are on the money, and everything is on track.  I have another doctor's appointment and ultrasound in twelve days, and after that I'll start the weekly appointments in September.  All in all, I have five more doctor's appointments, and then we will meet our little girl!  (Of course, she could come early, but let's hope not because that would seriously mess up our schedule!)

I know someone who answers some update questions every month on her blog, and they're always fun to read, so I thought I'd give it a try.

How far along? 31 1/2 Weeks.  Our c-section is scheduled for first thing in the morning on Tuesday, October 6th at either at 7 AM or 8 AM.  The paperwork from the hospital had conflicting times and the doctor is calling to check on it.  [I'm hoping for 8:00, because we have to arrive two hours early, and arriving at 5 AM (leaving my house at 4:30 AM) does not sound too fun.]

Total weight gain/loss: 40 pounds!!!  (Eek!)

Maternity clothes? They are all getting too small.  I still have several shirts that still fit along with two pairs of jeans, one pair of black pants, a few dresses, and a skirt.  Honestly, for right now, I'm okay with that because they should last me a few more weeks and then I just have to survive September.  (Who wants to spend money on clothes that will only be worn for a few weeks?)

Stretch marks? Yeah, I already had them left from Brennan, and I haven't studied them to see if they're any worse.  I don't need to know that right now.

Sleep: Ugh.  This is the worst.  As a whole I'm doing well during the daytime, but I absolutely cannot get comfortable at night, and even when I do, I wake up with achy muscles everywhere.

Best moment this week: Jim's mom is here, and she has been keeping Brennan occupied while I have visited with and ministered to different friends.  It has been energizing and refreshing.

Movement:  She moves so much that sometimes I don't even notice it, and then I wonder, "When was the last time she moved?"  Of course, she does it again quickly and then I realize she's been doing it all along.  She also has a lot of hiccups now.  

Food cravings: Chocolate, Starbucks Mochas (hot or iced... doesn't matter, but decaf, of course), Chinese food, & Pancake Pantry sweet potato pancakes

Labor Signs:
I have had a few Braxton Hicks, and last week I had one real contraction.  It was just one, so it didn't worry me, but it lasted for about thirty seconds and took my breath away.  It was pretty bizarre.

Belly button in or out? Mostly it's flat, but sometimes half of it sticks out.

What I miss: Hot baths, Diet Coke, Splenda, caffeine, and an occasional glass of wine.

What I am looking forward to: Finishing the nursery, organizing my house, and feeling more "ready."  I'm also looking forward to my shower next Saturday, the 22nd.

What I am NOT looking forward to: A c-section recovery.

Weekly Wisdom: Spending just 24 hours away from your toddler can make you a better mom!

Milestones: Clearing junk out of the nursery, emptying boxes from storage, and getting the nursery bedding underway.