On a positive note, my dad drove down on Tuesday to help paint the baby's nursery. My doctor did say that I could paint so long as I purchased the low VOC paint, opened all the windows, and wore a mask; but my dad said "absolutely not". So, down he drove, and up the paint went. We're not completely done, but it's so nice to have another thing almost checked off the ever-expanding to-do list.
Rosie and I observed and cheered him on from the floor :)
So what does it feel like to be 36 weeks pregnant? In one word - uncomfortable. I have to say that the majority of this pregnancy has been incredibly easy. All of the weird symptoms and pregnancy side effects for the most part had eluded me...until now. I think they all decided to wait and attack at the same time - I can no longer see my ankles they are so swollen; my fingers actually hurt from the swelling, as well; I have horrendous carpel tunnel syndrome in my right hand; the restless leg syndrome I've been experiencing keeps me up all night; the shooting pains in my legs and groin are enough to bring me to my knees; I have some fairly painful contractions for about two hours every afternoon - just long enough for me to think about start heading to the hospital; and best of all, I must use the bathroom at least 50 times a day. We're considering buying stock in Charmin!
Here's what the FitPregnancy email says about being 36 weeks pregnant (only 4 weeks to go!):
Your Growing Baby
With one month to go, your baby weighs about six pounds and is fattening. His full length from crown to feet is about 20 1/2 inches. Has your baby's movement slowed down? If so, you shouldn't worry. Five to ten percent of all mothers report that babies start to slow down as they grow larger and get more cramped for space. Still, you should be able to feel your baby move more than ten times a day. If you're concerned, try drinking a sweet beverage, such as orange juice, and then lying on your side for a while. Most babies will wake up and start to move. If you're still concerned, contact your healthcare provider.
Your Changing Body
As women in the grocery store have probably already told you, you look like you could go any minute. And they may be right—your due date just suggests a time when the baby's likely to be born. In reality, you could go into labor any time between now and six weeks from now! Your belly button is becoming flattened, and may even stick out like a wine cork. You may feel a lightening sensation on your ribs and organs as your baby descends into your pelvis. Breathing and eating will be easier, but you'll be running to the bathroom more often than ever, and the change in pressure may cause shooting pains in your groin or leg. If you're aching (and we don't see how you couldn't be), indulge in a pregnancy massage from a professional masseuse, or find a pool, and take a swim. At home, try sitting on an exercise ball to take pressure off of your back.
Whew! Sounds like a joy, huh?! The thing is, as much as this stretch of the pregnancy seems to suck, I still can't get over the fact that I'll be holding my sweet baby boy and meeting him face-to-face in just a matter of days or weeks. That knowledge alone is enough to stop me in my tracks, fall to my knees, and PRAISE GOD for his abundant blessings!
Because we've been so crazy-busy this week, I haven't taken a single picture of myself or the house or anything (except for the one above from my cell phone of my dad doing manual labor!!). So instead, I decided to post a few of the "out takes" from our photo shoot with Ann Wade last week. And yes, I have grown even more in one week - surprising, but true! Laugh, enjoy, and know that our family loves you all!
yay for a nursery! i want to see more house pics!
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