38 Weeks

Well, I’m getting tired of the question, “How are you feeling?” so I’m going to let a few pictures answer that for you:

(That would be huge, still huge, tired and grouchy)

I discussed delivery options and dates with my doctor at this week’s appointment, and we have a scheduled date of Jan. 14 – one week away!

We talked through the pros and cons of a regular delivery vs. a c-section delivery, and in the end I opted for a scheduled c-section. It was a tough decision because there are definite pros and cons for each choice. Also, I don’t like to make big decisions quickly, so that added some stress.

In the end, it came down to my fear of again having delivery complications and a months-long recovery period. I decided that a few weeks of surgery recovery were preferable to the possible alternative.

I am nervous about having a c-section. A big part of me wants to have a regular, uncomplicated delivery to prove to myself that I can do it. I want the sparkly gold star. But there are no guarantees that my body will be able to handle it. Let’s be honest – my body and pregnancy is like a 9 month game of poke the bear with me acting as the intermediary.

Despite my mixed feelings, it is nice to have a date in place. It’s helpful to know I have x days left when I’m having a trying moment. I’m getting more uncomfortable each day, with the biggest symptom being near constant achiness/pain/discomfort in my pelvis. Second biggest symptom is heartburn. I’m pretty sure wildfires are easier to tame than my heartburn. Despite the icky iron pills I take daily, my iron count was rechecked and it’s extremely low. The side effect of that is exhaustion, which unfortunately lowers my already-low energy supply.

On the plus side, I’ve been getting fewer comments on my comically large stomach. I guess I appear so uncomfortable at this point people are afraid to ask? Baby Girl is also quite the mover and shaker. She is moving less often now, but when she does she makes herself known! She is much more active than L.J. was and I enjoy feeling all her wiggles and squirms.

Even with all the pelvic pain, I’m still getting around ok, which is a blessing. I don’t have much stamina but I do have pretty much full mobility and I’m thankful for that.

I’ve got the nesting bug and have been feeling the constant urge to clean, reclean, straighten and organize. Fortunately a combination of low energy and L.J. have kept me from going overboard. Instead I just go to bed at night thinking about what I didn’t clean/organize and stew about how I’m going to accomplish those tasks before the baby comes. (Note to self: I’m not. Get over it.)

It hasn’t really sunk in how much our lives will change as we transition from our familiar family of three to a new family of four. Things are so busy during this time of year that it doesn’t leave much time for wistful pondering. It will be a big change and adjustment for everyone, but we are all so excited to welcome our newest family member!

(Ok. I will admit to sitting on the couch after L.J. goes to bed and realizing that my “break” is going to disappear entirely once we enter the round-the-clock newborn phase!)

Here’s to hoping we have a smooth, uneventful final week before Baby Girl arrives!