37 Weeks

How far along? 37 weeks, 1 day **Officially Full Term!!**

How big is baby? His unofficial fruit size is a winter melon.

Total weight gain: 21 pounds as of last week.

Stretch marks? Not yet.

Exercise? This week I’m counting preparing (and cleaning up) Thanksgiving dinner as exercise.

Sleep: Sleep is elusive and uncomfortable these days. Thursday night I woke up at 11:57, 1:57, 3:57 and 5:57. I finally gave up at 6:30 and got up to do a little Black Friday shopping.

Also, you know how sore you feel when you wake up the next morning after overextending yourself? I feel like that every morning right now. You’d think I had a job in a rock quarry or pouring cement.

Movement: He is very active these days! I’ve also finally gotten to the point where if I sit still enough, I can actually see him moving across my belly. I think it’s pretty cool to see; Mike still thinks it’s somewhat creepy.

Food Oddities: Apparently my distaste for poultry does not extend to turkey. I roasted a turkey for Thanksgiving on Thursday and it was delicious. I was so surprised by that! I may go to Costco this weekend and buy a couple of the smaller turkey breasts just so my poor husband can have a break from all the beef we’ve been eating.

Symptoms: My lower back pain has been steadily increasing. Walking is getting more and more difficult (painful) as a result. My belly is quite large – definitely can’t “sit like a lady” right now! I’m getting increasingly uncomfortable, but would not describe myself as “miserable” yet.

I’ve also apparently learned to speak pig because I’ve emitted any number of grunts and groans trying to get comfortable or do certain things like put on shoes. It’s definitely not intentional (or attractive), though it does amuse Mike to no end!

What people are saying:

The big question these days tends to be, “Do you have a name picked out?/What is his name going to be?” (Everyone will find out when he’s born.)

My client dropped off a gift this week, took one look at me and said, “There is no way you are going to make it another month with that belly!”

Sweet Moments:
My husband is completely awesome!! On Friday he took the canister vacuum and cleaned all the window blinds, baseboards, chair rails, window sills, doors and lampshades. It took him over an hour to do it, and he did a really great job! He even got under our bed and dusted all the boxes we have stored under there. I was so thankful that he was willing to complete this quarterly chore since I was unable to do it.

And, of course, one of our funny conversations:
Me: “It’s so nice out this morning! I want to go for a hike along the Chattahoochee.”
Mike: “Umm, sweetie, you can barely make it down the stairs to the car.”

Make room for baby: We are pretty much ready for him to arrive. Still a few things to organize, but overall we are ready and waiting.

We declined to enroll him at our third choice childcare option, and asked that they just keep us on the waiting list. So I’m really relying on faith right now that he will get into our top choice.

Miss Anything? I miss the lack of effort it normally takes to do everyday things. I’m to the point where I stop and think how badly I need something when it means I have to get up and go get it.

Looking forward to: My brother’s wedding! I can’t believe it’s only a week away…it will be great to celebrate their special day and spend time with my extended family.

Worst moment this week: None to report!

Best moment this week: We really enjoyed Thanksgiving this year and are so very thankful for our little gobbler. :)