35 weeks

I remember thinking about what it would feel like to get to 35 weeks and probably all the freaking out I would be doing. Well, here we are at 35 weeks, and I must say, I'm not super freaked out. Sure, I'm a little, but I'm more excited than anything else. Here we are in the home stretch. I'll get to meet you in a few short weeks and I just can't wait!

This week, you're about the size of a honey dew melon. (Side note: I wonder what produce you will be in the upcoming weeks. I mean, fruit and veggies only get so big.) You're running out of space to move now that you're over 18 inches long and weigh about 5 1/4 pounds. Also, your kidneys are fully developed now, and liver can process some waste products. Most of your basic physical development is now complete — you’ll spend the next few weeks putting on weight. Try not to put on too much. It's still quite overwhelming thinking about how I've got to get you out of me. Sorry. TMI?

Symptoms: Lots of leg cramps this week, but it's probably totally my fault. I was on my feet way to much and obviously my legs had enough. I still feel pretty uncomfortable mostly all the time. It's the hardest at work. It seems like I can not get into a comfortable position at all most afternoons at work. I've definitely been a lot more out of breath, too. There was one morning where I felt like I could not catch my breath at all. I've also experienced a little more cramping, but still not as much as I was expecting. So, no complaints there. My hands and feet are also beginning to swell. I thought I was going to be lucky enough to not have to deal with it, but that's not the case. It's not really noticeable except to me, but my wedding ring is no longer fitting. I just wear my engagement ring.

Workouts: Still just walking the dog. That's about all I can manage. But, it has been beautiful running weather and I get so jealous of runners I see outside. I can not wait to start running again.

Movement: Of course. Still moving like crazy. When everyone was in town this past weekend, almost everyone got to feel some kicks or some bumps. It was pretty exciting. Thanks for putting on a show. :)

Suspicions on gender: Still sticking with boy. When I was opening presents at the baby shower, I kept referring to you as "him" by accident. I wonder if that was my body telling me to call you "him." :)

Food aversions/cravings: Food still really doesn't sound super appetizing to me. I'm definitely hungry, it's just that nothing ever sounds good.

Sleep: About the same. Sleeping well, but waking up numerous times for bathroom breaks. This weekend, I stayed up til at least midnight Thursday (I took Friday off of work), Friday, and Saturday, and then until 11 or so on Sunday.  Needless to say, I was dead tired on Monday night and fell asleep at like 8. But, it was worth it to hang out with everyone.

Next doctor's appointment: This Friday. I will start to be checked for effacement and dilation. I'm hoping to be just a few centimeters. I would much rather have you a few weeks early, than late. But, I'm sure that's what everyone says. However, I do have a sneaking suspicion that I will have early. That could just be positive thinking though. We also only have two more weeks left of birthing class!

There are no words to describe how awesome this past weekend was. So many friends and family were in town for the wedding shower. (The only bummer was that your dad was in Seattle with friends for a Brewers trip. But, it was nice to have other people staying with me while he was gone.)

It was a weekend filled with talking about what the future will bring and reminiscing about the past. I spent Thurs-Sun night just sitting and talking with friends and it was perfect. To make it even better, your uncle Andy was in town, too.

Everyone got together and threw me the most amazing shower. I just felt so loved. It was book-themed and each guest brought me a book instead of a card. In addition, all of the food was matched up with a different book. It was perfect and I was so sad to see it end. (Quick aside: We played this game where your dad was asked a bunch of questions about you. One of the questions was how ready he was for you to be here on a scale of 1-10. He said 7, but I think it's more like a 3. :) He also said he didn't understand why you need pants. Seriously, go ask him about it.)

When Andy and Anna left, it was super emotional. I totally cried. It just hit me that it was the last time I was going to see everyone I loved before you get here and I'm so excited for it. I already love you so much and I can't wait for everyone else to love you, too.

With such a full weekend, filled with so many great people, it was bittersweet when everyone left Sunday night after hanging out and it was just me and Jax (your dad was still gone). It just made me so bummed out. So many people I love most in the world live hours away. There's nothing I can do about that and it makes the times we spend together so much more special. But, it also makes saying good bye so difficult.

All I have to say is this: Baby, you are so loved. We have such amazing friends and family who are obsessed with you already. I can't wait for them to meet you.