update: 34 weeks

i'm thirty-four weeks.

weight? i haven't weighed myself in weeks.  i need to.  i don't think anything crazy happened like i gained 10 lbs, but i know i'm still growing. i'm not sure if this is true, but i feel like i get bigger as the day goes on.  by nighttime, i'm pretty uncomfortable and feeling huge, but ronnie (encouraging as ever) says its not as bad as he thought it would be.  so sweet. he could write greeting cards.
*** update: i weighed myself this morning and i've gained 21 lbs. totally on track.***



cravings?  this has not changed since day one.  i want a soda and something sweet.  and since i'm not having the one, i overload on the other.  did you know you can get three warm amazing chocolate chip cookies at mcdonald's for $1? life changing, i tell ya.

side effects? my back pain is still around but not nearly as bad as it was the last time i checked in at 27 weeks.  its much more manageable now. if i ever feel major back pain coming on i normally strap on my back brace and try changing positions. usually i can work through it.  my newest issue is i believe brette has taken one of her feet and wedged it between a couple ribs on my left side. i feel bruised there and i am constantly applying pressure to try to get her to move.  its not working. i also feel like my left leg might be swelling. sounds really pretty, right? its not bad and i don't think you would notice, but i can feel it. maybe something weird is happening because all my symptoms are on my left side?  hmmm.

baby? brette should be around 5lbs - - compared to a bag of flour and around 17 inches long.  holy baby.  she also has fingernails that have reached the end of her fingers, her eyes open when she's awake and close when she's sleeping and she has developed her immune system.  sounds like she is definitely get the final touches before she comes to meet us.  she is also moving constantly, but i'm happy to say she's pretty still at night. i'm hoping that means she does not have her days and nights confused. here's hoping. but her movements are strong.  they no longer feel like i'm riding a roller coaster, they feel like i definitely have a baby in my stomach flopping around.  it's weird.

preparations? the nursery is pretty much done.  i still need to buy a mirror, which i found, but haven't bought yet and ronnie still needs to make her a shelf. i picked a pediatrician and sent in paperwork to the hospital to get us set up for some classes.  i'd really like us to have infant cpr and i'm looking into anything else they offer. i plan on getting it all done in may, so all we'll have to do is pack a bag and wait. my baby showers are this weekend and the weekend after that, so that should help us get the important things we need like sheets, bath stuff, blankets, etc. i'm so excited to see what my friends and family cooked up. 
          

the best thing? um. its almost over. she'll be here and i can have my body back. and i'm really excited for the baby showers.  i like to feel prepared and i can't wait to have everything bought and set up for her arrival.

the worst thing?  the rib thing is pretty bothersome right now, but since my back pain is actually getting better, i can only be thankful.

so there it is.

me at 34 weeks.

 34 weeks

 33 weeks

32 weeks

some comparisons?

                                                                                      

    

go clockwise:

      17 weeks, 22 weeks, 27 weeks, 34 weeks