36 weeks

Yes, I'm falling a little behind.

I hit 36 weeks on Monday but keep running out of energy to blog about it. Shane was out of town for four days and so I was on full-time Christian duty so that may have something to do with it.

I still throw up on a weekly basis. Last Tuesday was the worst -- I was on the freeway when the wave of nausea hit me. It was probably one of the most scary experiences of my life. There was no where to pull over. There were cars right behind and in front of me. I figured an accident was inevitable -- it was just a matter of when and where. I remember pleading/praying for help. And it came. We had a plastic bin in the car and by the time it was all over, I didn't even have to go home and change. Gross, I know, but for me it really was truly a miracle. When I finally found a spot to pull over and catch my breath, I couldn't believe how long it took for my heart to slow down and beat normally again. I said a prayer of gratitude.

In happier news, at 35 weeks I had an ultrasound and got a glimpse of our little guy again. The doctors have been concerned about the baby's weight (I've been measuring small, but it was the same with Christian so I wasn't worried) but not any more. If anything the baby is measuring ahead of schedule (90% aisle, believe it or not). In fact, my doctor had to reassure me this doesn't mean his final weight will be bigger than average. Her guess is he'll be right around Christian's size (about 7.5 lbs.). Even if she's just saying that to be nice, it was good to hear.

Side note: She pointed out that I'd lost weight since my last appointment two weeks ago. Only a pound, but still, it was sure nice not to see the scale go up yet again. However, any boost in confidence that I may not be looking as big as I feel was knocked out from under me when a lady at Costco that afternoon asked me if I was having twins. When I told her no, she responded: "Are you sure?"

Observations:

- Still crave dark chocolate with mint. I've always enjoyed the combo before but never so much as during this pregnancy. I think the mint is soothing to my stomach, and dark chocolate is soothing to my soul. ;) These peppermint Luna bars are my go-to when I know I need to eat but feel queasy. I've got my pregnant coworker hooked on them now too.
- Stomach is itchy & dry. I don't remember it being as bad last time, but it's a good reminder to keep my tummy oiled/moisturized constantly, which should help with stretch marks (in theory, right?).
- Already waddling. At least I feel like I am. The baby started descending probably two weeks ago. That's when I noticed the pain in my ribs and mid-back subside and the pressure continues to build in my pelvic area. Sometimes this includes sharp pains that catch me off guard.

- Baby still moves a lot but you can tell he's feeling a bit squished (much like myself!).

- Belly gets "in the way" now. I notice I bump against things a lot and I'm trying to be more cautious. Just doing dishes, leaning over to look in the mirror, etc. brings a quick reminder that I'm definitely pregnant, and then some.

- Still running, or at least trying to. Today was an indoor gym day thanks to the rain. I don't feel comfortable risking a slip on the sidewalk at this point.

- Ready but not ready. I'm still anxious about this baby's arrival but I also know I'm not really ready mentally/emotionally for delivery. I really need to use these final weeks to focus and get in the zone, if possible.

Technically this little guy is "full-term" on Monday but I have a hard time believing he'll arrive anytime earlier than his due date, Nov. 21. We still don't have a name for him so maybe it's better that way. At least that's what I'll tell myself during my more impatient moments.