30 & 29 Days Until Baby

As I am just finishing up my baby shower thank you cards (2 weeks after the shower! Is that too long?) I thought that I would channel my inner Oprah, continue with a thankful spirit, and make a list of all of things that I am thankful to my pregnancy for.

• Thank you for teaching me that it is possible to survive with only 2 bras, 2 pairs of pants, 3 t-shirts, 5 pairs of underwear and a pair of flip flops as my ENTIRE WARDROBE. I had been meaning to simplify my life (including my wardrobe) and as my body grew and grew and grew it became a good enough reason to give up on outward appearance and focus only on maintaining a level of decency that still allows me entry into the grocery store (shirt-check, shoes-check). Who needs style, comfort, or self confidence anyway?
• Thank you for helping me reduce my usage of cell phone minutes. I really was wasting a lot of minutes on the social life I used to have. I can't believe I used to have things to say when people called! Now that the most I have to update on is my latest doctor's appointment and this really cool sleeper I found on clearance my phone rings a lot less... You should see all of my roll-over minutes!
• Thank you for encouraging me to get up from here and make myself a second fried Spam sandwich at 1 o'clock in the morning instead of persisting with my current, self indulgent, unoriginally formatted rant on pregnancy...

-29 Days Until Baby

P.S. Oh, and thanks for the Baby.

31 Days Until Baby

I am officially ONE MONTH away from my due date.

This pregnancy seems like forever and 5 minutes all at the same time (just like everything in life I guess.)

I am feeling much better today. The crazy hormonal downpour I have been experiencing lately has finally calmed down and I have been left with this...

Not only is this a bad analogy, it is also a picture I took myself today!

I feel like I need to take more pictures to be more "bloggerish". Even though my apparent lack of camera skills here may justify why I don't include pictures more often :)

Crappy analogies and camera skills aside I am feeling much better. I am more together, more myself, and I even extended an olive branch to my sister today and began talking to her again today. Baby steps.

Speaking of BABY, I had an appointment today. I was super nervous/excited because I had been promised another ultrasound but it didn't happen. On the bright side though, the doc said I didn't need one because everything with the pregnancy looks good. The baby is "good sized" (what does that mean anyway? I am afraid it means HUGE) and head down so I am relieved to hear that. ***Warning: The Rest of this Paragraph may be TMI*** She also did the GBS test and did my first cervical check today. I was expecting agony but surprisingly it wasn't that bad (maybe my doc is talented?). So far I am still very pregnant. My cervix is high and completely closed. I may make it on my ill-advised vacation in a couple weeks!

My other major happening for the day is I completed a 101 in 1001 list, basically a list of 101 things that you want to complete in 1001 days. If you blog I am sure you have seen them. I have created a seperate place for that "project", and I might mention my progress on it here, but for the most part I intend for this blog to continue being what it is...whatever that is :) If you are interested in checking it out it is here. I think it will help me get through these next 4 or so months of time spent not working and help me maintain a sense of self after the baby is born.

Ahhh...Only ONE MORE MONTH!!!!!!!!!!

-31 Days Until Baby

32 Days Until Baby

I love my sister.

That being said, I am not sure if I like her sometimes. We are complete opposites. I am an extrovert, she in an introvert. I spend money like it's paper and she stresses about $2 purchases. I make lots of mistakes and she never really risks anything in the first place.

Sometimes it is hard to imagine we grew up in the same household. How can the same set of parents and the same upbringing produce two people who are so drastically different? So much for nature OR nurture. The only explanation I could even try to pose is that it may be proof of the existence of a spirit...

As most of us grow up it becomes a lot easier to deal with our siblings no matter how different we are. Age and time and space make it much easier for us to respect one another, appreciate each other for whoever they have become and give hugs at Christmas and make obligatory birthday calls.

Unfortunately, my sister and I, whose relationship and one point had been strengthened by all of these things, has become a complete mess since I have moved back home.

We fight like little kids. Right now we are in a stand off with neither of us talking to the other...This is after a blow up yesterday that left her crying at the house and me angrily leaving for the (kind of) solace found at my grandparents house, and my dad running off to play bingo to avoid the situation entirely.

I hesitate to explain the situation to my friends because it seems so ridiculous it's embarassing but I am still so MAD at her. Everything she does bothers me (probably more than it should.) The dynamics of our relationship make me feel more like a little kid than a grown woman who is about to have a child of her own.

Our relationship brings out the ugliest parts of my self. I don't know why or how to fix this.

For now, I am not sure if there are any fixes at all. I am pretty much stuck here in my father's house for at least the next year. She returns to school at the end of the month, but she is only gone 3 or 4 days a week.

I want things to just be okay... I am not sure what it will take for that to happen though.

-32 Days Until Baby

37, 36, 35, 34 & 33 Days Until Baby

The past few days have been pretty physically and emotionally exhausting.

All is well with the pregnancy and the baby.

I am just a swelling, crying, hormonal wreck.

I will be sure to update as soon as I can promise my post isn't fueled by whatever craziness I have going through me at the moment.

Until then, I think I am going to nap :)

38 Days Until Baby

I spent a good amount of time today browsing around random blogs and such.

I must admit I haven't really gotten into the whole blog culture until really recently. I have found them insanely addictive especially as someone who enjoys the ability to peek into other people's lives.

I think my only frustration is I don't really see many blogs about women whose lives are similar to mine. My position is pretty unique. There aren't really very many single, pregnant, recent college graduates in the world. I enjoy pregnancy and mommy blogs but it is kind of hard to relate to insensitive husbands, thoughtful boyfriends, excited fiances etc. Also, it seems that a lot of these mommy bloggers are in there 30's. All of the young (especially single) moms are REALLY young... like 17 so it is hard to relate there too.

On the other hand, I really enjoy hearing different perspectives and have found a few blogs that I think are really great and funny. A lot of times there are surprising commonalities even where you don't expect them. If nothing else, it has definitely been an interest that has helped pass all of this extra free time that I have.

It also inspires me to want to try and write coherent posts as opposed to the stream of consciousness nonsense I usually find myself posting (like this for example.) I haven't really done much to become better at the whole blog thing lately but I have been thinking about it!

I also had a doctors appointment today. It was a little disappointing because she told me that she would do an ultrasound at 35 weeks... I assumed that that would have been today as I am 34 weeks and 4 days and I assumed that my next appointment would be at 36 weeks and 4 days but apparently I am ready to start my once a week appointments! So I will be getting the ultrasound next week. I also will be getting the dreaded GBS swab done which I am NOT excited about. Basically they swab the girly parts and the bum.

Yuck. As if pregnancy isn't invasive enough!

I also tried to talk to my doc about the anxiety I have been having lately. Her advice was to keep busy. Hello. I am not lazy I just have nothing to do! I try and fill as much time as possible with worthwhile pursuits but really... I am out of ideas.

I have absolutely no money so I can't really go anywhere or shop or anything. I don't have a job I don't have school. I try reading but even though I have always been an avid reader I have begun falling asleep whenever I try to read.

I also could be planning for life after baby (job, future schooling, etc. ) but for some reason I am just not feeling it lately... It is hard to make yourself do something that doesn't include specific tasks when you don't feel like it...does that make sense?

Tomorrow will be a fairly busy day (for me anyway!) as I will be returning the rest of my un-needed baby shower swag (i.e. anything Winnie the Pooh plus some of the 9 million recieving blankets I recieved) and using gift cards to get things I still need (newborn sleepers, towels, crib sheets, etc.) It is kind of fun, because since I don't have a job it is the closest I can get to being able to shop for the baby on my own.

I also have some sort of a pregnancy or childbirth class or something that I promised to go to at this local pregnancy center in return for the super sweet (FREE) breast pump that I recieved last week.

I guess I will have to update on all of that excitement tomorrow!

-38 Days Until Baby

39 Days Until Baby

So I definitely have stretch marks on the OTHER side of my tummy now.

WTF.

When people asked me about whether or not I got stretch marks while I was pregnant I was supposed to be able to answer, "A few, just on one side though. They aren't bad at all!!!" and then do a big scrunchy eyed smile. It was going to be sweet.

Unfortunately my answer might end up being, "I look like I was ravaged by a hungry mountain lion all over my entire torso." Not so sweet.

I can't imagine how much worse they are going to be able to get in 6 more weeks if this is the progression in only 2!!!

I was looking at old pictures of me on facebook earlier today and I realized I was soooo tiny. Of course pre-pregnancy I thought I was ginormous but looking at the pictures my tummy is so small. I am wondering if I will ever look that way again.

Of course I daydream about looking way hotter than that after the baby. I daydream that after she is born I will find a way (and the motivation) to work out an hour and a half everyday... my boobs will stay huge and my belly (and all of it's stretch marks) will disappear. I will develop a tan and also somehow miraculously accquire perfect hair and an enormous, fashionable wardrobe. I will get the perfect job in some office (this part is a little fuzzy) where I meet an amazingly gorgeous professional man who is only 2 years older than me but well established. Said man will be excited to move his career to wherever I choose to go to law school and there he will support the baby and I until I graduate and become even more fabulous and super successful. My daughter will be happy and well adjusted and never ask about her "real daddy".

It is the life I am supposed to have really.

I should admit, this is how I fall asleep at night. I go through these random scenarios in my head. Usually I don't get far before I fall asleep. It is actually something I have done since I was really young to help myself sleep. It is like playing pretend in your head or something. The visuals aren't really that clear, it is more like thoughts. They really distract me from weird obsessive thoughts I have had since I was a kid.

I apologize for yet another emo-kid post.

I REALLY need to get busy.

Any suggestions on cheap, easy things to keep my time occupied until the baby comes???

-39 Days Until Baby

40 Days Until Baby

I am having one of those days where I am so anxious I would jump out of my own skin if I could.

I wish I knew how to calm myself down.

But I am lame and I don't.

-40 Days Until Baby

41 Days Until Baby

I still don't know if I feel completely recovered from my baby shower yesterday. The day was sooo overwhelming!

The night before the shower felt somewhat like the night before Christmas when you are a kid. That jittery anxious feeling, when you lay there in bed and just sort of day (night?) dream about the next day and you can't sleep but you really want to so that it is the next day soon.

I woke up super early the morning of the shower and made myself go back to sleep. I had talked to my mom and she told me to come up around 2 even though the shower was being held at 4, I guess just to hang out and so that I was there in case people showed up early.

That turned out to not really be the case. A few people were really early, but most of my family and stuff was there by about 4:15. My friends on the other hand mostly showed up between 5 and 6. I felt bad, like I was holding up the people who showed earlier, but they all ate and most seemed happy.

I can't believe that I wasted time before hand worrying about whether or not my friends would show. About 12 of my college friends actually showed, which may not seem like a lot, but most of there drives were between 2 1/2 -4 1/2 hours... I felt really blessed that so many came to see me! In all I think there were around 40 people there!

Needless to say I got a LOT of stuff. It is interesting to see the things that people buy and the things that people don't buy. Some of it is so random. For example, I got 3 bouncy seats. They are all really cute but I just think it is crazy that 3 people thought of the same gift (even thought they are all different patterns!) I got lots of certain things and I am not sure if I will use them all but my family insists I will. For example, I already had 14 bibs (hand me downs from my lil sis and a couple that I had gotten before) and I got like 12 more at the shower. My family swears I need them but really TWENTY SIX BIBS???

The list of things I still need for baby is small and I am sure I will be able to find a way to get it all together (maybe by returning a few bouncers ;) )

People started leaving the shower around 7:30, after the presents had been opened, and I think the last guests left around 8:45 or 9:00. I seriously sat in the living room with my family and cried. It had been so good to see my friends but I wish I could have had a full day with each of them! It makes me sad to think how long it will be until I see them again and even sadder to realize that they most likely will never be part of my daily life again. I love my friends and I loved college and I MISS THEM AND IT SO MUCH IT HURTS!!!

I was also stressed because I was hoping I hadn't ignored other guests and the day just sort of was one big blur. I almost feel like it didn't happen because there is this enormous build up and then in the blink of an eye its over.

So of course the evening and day after are filled with that after Christmas feeling. I am not sure if it is universal as well, or it is just something that I experience as I have begun to notice I am slightly prone to melancholy. It's like this strange emptiness in the pit of your stomach and odd anxious feeling. I can't really describe it, but I hate it. It wasn't too severe this time. I have been working trying to stay a little calmer and more positive and it is helping.

Staying busy is really when I am at my best. I have an insanely over active (and occasionally self destructive mind) and I have to keep it engaged. If not I end up mopey and thinking about strange things like I have mentioned in other posts.

I wish I had more to say about the shower. Like I said before though it almost feels unreal.

Most importantly though I truly feel loved and blessed to have the people in my life that I do.

I am incredibly lucky and I think this baby will be lucky to have all of these amazing people in her life who already love her too. Letting go of some of these people, in the sense of having our relationships change, has been so hard but I know that this baby will help make that easier for me.

Switching gears (now that I have proven again to my usual emotional mess), I think in honor of the 34 week milestone (I am not sure if it really is important, but it feels like it to me) I am going to post the update survey!

• How far along?: 34 weeks

• Total weight gain: Somewhere between 20-25 pounds

• How big is baby?: Baby center says 4 and 3/4 or the size of a cantelope.

• Maternity clothes?: My medium sized pre-preg baggy t-shirts officially no longer fit! They cling to my tummy and then hang straight down at the bottom. Not a good look. I bought a new shirt for the baby shower and another extra large juniors t-shirt. I might need another pair of pants soon, but I have been holding out.

• Stretch marks?: Yes! On the left side of my belly, below where the belly button is. There is a strip of them. Could be worse but definitely could be better.

• Sleep?: Not the best. I am up about 3 times a night. Sometimes I wake up and can't get back to sleep. It's tough.

• Best moment this week?: Seeing everyone for my baby shower. Specifically, when my friends got really excited and took pictures sitting on the riding lawn mower because they hadn't really seen one before! They thought sitting on the "tractor" was really funny and were doing silly poses and such.

• Movement?: I actually had to be monitored once this week because she had a really lazy 3 days! Since then she has been moving quite a bit though.

• Food cravings?: None really. The heartburn is so bad it makes me not want to eat!
• Labor signs?: None really.

• Belly button in or out?: Kind of...flat.

• What I miss: Good sleep. Normal Dreams. Sitting up without groaning!

• What I'm looking forward to: Possible another (final!) ultrasound at my appointment this Wednesday. Finally getting her room together and making a space for her in my life.
• Milestone: The Baby Shower!

-41 Days Until Baby

42 Days Until Baby

Today was my Baby Shower!

I am exhausted. It is 11 p.m. and I have been running around since 11 a.m.

Also, I am 34 weeks pregnant. This has felt like a huge milestone for me. Only 6 weeks left to go.

More details on the shower to come. I just felt the need to post something. It really was a great day. I am physically and emotionally drained from it all!

-42 Days Until Baby

43 Days Until Baby

So my baby shower is TOMORROW!

I am so excited. I can't wait to see all of my friends and family and really start getting things together for this baby.

It is so hard to believe that I am going to have completed another huge milestone of this pregnancy in less than 24 hours.

This post is completely breaking my vow of trying to live in the present BTW. I really need to work on that.

-43 Days Until Baby

44 Days Until Baby

Look what I got for FREE today!

I am pretty excited! It was the last big thing I needed.

46 & 45 Days Until Baby

When I first found out I was pregnant I was prepared for certain changes in my body and in my life. I expected morning sickness (which I strangely only had like once). I expected stretch marks. I expected mood swings. What I didn't expect was how much it would affect SLEEP.

For one thing I am so0o tired. I think that there was a brief grace period somewhere in the second trimester where I felt like I could function on less than 12 hours of sleep. Definitely not the entire second trimester like I was led to believe (thanks a lot What To Expect!) but a few weeks. Unfortunately, that means about 35 weeks of my pregnancy have been spent sleeping 12 hours a day. That is 17.5 WEEKS OF SLEEP!

Which might sound good to some but this isn't really great, soul restoring, relaxation inducing sleep. It is struggling to find a position where I won't smush the baby/smush my back/smush my face and trying to find a position where my feet won't swell and the heartburn won't flare up, and then dozing of for about 45 minutes until my first of no less than 4 bathroom trips of the night (even though I haven't had a sip of water for hours). After each trip it is another 15-30 minutes of adjustment until the next time I wake up to repeat the cycle all over again.

Even more strangely, sometimes during these trips I will wake up and not be able to fall asleep...Until whatever time it is that I should be waking up and then I sleep half of the next day and wake up in time to cook dinner and then it happens.

Again. and Again. and Again.

And this is how I have spent 17.5 weeks of my life.

Maybe I should have expected it but I totally didn't.

-45 Days Until Baby

47 Days Until Baby

Hello, Hello!

Today has been a pretty good day.

I spent a couple of hours running errands and such and even though it wasn't much it feels good just to...get out. I never realized (or maybe I did, but just tried to ignore the fact) how difficult it was going to be to take so much time off between school and work. Unfortunately, even at 24 or 25 weeks pregnant, when I first came home from school, I was already to obviously pregnant to be hired by anyone who actually needs a specific job to be filled. I am managing, trying to frame it in my mind as relaxation as opposed to boredom.

Anyway, I digress. I began this post by saying it was a good day and indeed, it was.

I was finally able to get in touch with my doctor this morning regarding the concerns I had from my last appointment about low amniotic fluid. I spoke with her on the phone and she said that my fluid levels are adequate but I need to drink more water (I guess because they are on the lower end of adequate???) Luckily, neither the doctor or the nurse laughed at me on the phone which was a plus (I am a bit of a worrier, and they have picked up on this!) and hopefully at my next appointment they will be nice as well...

Later, while I was out running errands I decided to stop by a gift store to look for Thank You cards, as my baby shower is this Saturday and I wanted to make sure that I am able to send out the cards in somewhat of a timely fashion. Luckily, the store was going out of business so everything there was 75 % off! I bought 28 really cute cards for only $6.60. I tried to find a picture online and then when that didn't work I tried to take a picture but that didn't work either so you are just gonna have to trust me...they are cute. And I get really excited about good deals (way too excited about them for someone my age at least...or anyone under the age of 40 for that matter.) If I am able to either find a pic or take a good one I will definitely post. I was definitely worried about being able to afford cards that were not cheesy and I am so glad I was able to.

I also had my second to last childbirth class today. It sort of got off to a rocky start... My little sister who has been my "support" person and I got into a bit of a tiff about her showing up at the house late to leave for the class and then her saying that she didn't want to go to the stupid class anyway. It made me really mad so I told her to stay then and I would go by myself and I did.

Her attitude just really bothered me... I never really wanted for her to be the person... I mean I appreciate that she was willing, considering I am going through this pregnancy alone and such, but your little sister isn't exactly the person you want to be leaning on through hours of hard labor. I am not really sure she wanted to be either, I am sort of convinced that it may have been something orchestrated by our mother and she led both of us to feel obligated to fill the role to the other in fear of hurting the others feelings... I actually just thought that all out as I typed and I am pretty sure that is the case. It is just a bad situation because it has led to sooo many arguments between my sister and I and this awkwards resentment... I had a friend who had offered to take the class with me too and it probably would have been a lot more fun with her so I just wish it never happened how it did but it did so I guess now I can just move on...Next class I will probably go to by myself and then its over.

The content of today's class was relaxation and pain management techniques and also post-partum care. I am trying to think of anything in particular that stuck out but am drawing a blank.... The nurse suggested using a plug-in air freshener in a scent like lavendar to aid in relaxation. I am considering adding this to the list of things to bring to the hospital because I think it might be a good idea.

They also showed us these mesh underwear that they give women post-partum which I really don't get at all. I didn't see how they would fit on a woman??? Maybe I just needed to actually hold them to get a better idea. Hmm...

On an unrelated note I did end up catching Entourage last night. It was good. I'm excited for this season!

I think now I might grab a blanket and watch The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Please don't tell anyone!

-47 Days Until Baby

53, 52, 51, 50, 49 & 48 Days Until Baby

Akk.

So I am way far behind. My original plan really was to post here everyday. I promise those were my intentions. The whole countdown from 101 days is a lot less effective when I am trying to post about a week. I literally can't remember where I parked 20 minutes ago, much less recount the trials and tribulations of my life for an entire week at a time (although, admittedly the life I am recounting is a bit dull at the time). It is just too overwhelming.

Some things I can tell you about the past few days.

• Worst. Doctors. Appointment. Ever. this Wednesday. Stupid internal exam SUCKED and they told me the fluid surrounding the baby is low. The doctor didn't seem too concerned but google has freaked me out so now I am going to demand that they at least look into the situation a little more closely. Find out how low is low and make sure baby looks perfect, stuff like that. Is this crazy? She says she isn't concerned because the baby is still growing, but do we wait until she stops growing to worry? Also, fluid levels can effect development of certain organs, to little can lead to cord compression, etc. I can't just trust her without a little more investigation/reassurance. I already have such a hard time feeling baby's movements and it makes me more nervous that something could go wrong.
• My thoughts are still a little dark but I have been doing a lot better than I was.
• I am rethinking law school because I am worried I won't be able to get a job to pay back all of the loans...and I am not really positive I want to be a lawyer. I don't know what else I would do though and sadly enough a huge reason I am considering keeping with law school (as opposed to another form of grad school) is that I already have lsac submitted recommendation letters (I wouldn't have to scramble for more.)
• My insurance is being a PAIN.
• Our kittens are currently huge sources of entertainment...We watch them forever at a time.
• I finally finished reading the book about little people. It wasn't what I wanted it to be but it was okay. Now I am reading The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan which is a random choice but it was really cheap at a book sale and I like Amy Tan so I went for it. Since I have been home it feels like I can't really get into books the way I used to. I read like 15 pages and I am tired. I have NEVER been like this. I used to be the kind of person who could lay in bed and read for HOURS.
• I miss boys. I really want a boy that is my boy. I have never had a serious relationship before (and I am pregnant...does that even make sense) but now I crave the stability. The random boys thing obviously hasn't worked out. Unfortunately I have a feeling it will be quite a while before I can even think about dating...
• My baby shower is in less than a week. About 7 of my friends say they are coming and I am hoping at least most of them show because I am afraid I will be crushed if they don't. (There is also family and family friends but these are friends from college, from my old life, that I am really hoping to get to see.) It is amazing what a source of anxiety baby showers can become.
• As of yesterday I am 33 weeks pregnant. Yikes. Supposedly the baby is putting on 5-9 oz every single week from this point on and is about 4 pounds already. I can't believe it. It's like...a baby now or something!
• Entourage started tonight! It is actually on as I type...But I forgot when exactly it was premeiring so now I have to wait to watch it.

OHHHHH. And I almost forgot. For the sake of this blog we have crossed a VERY important milestone. My countdown is OVER halfway done. Granted, the baby could be born a little late or whatever but still. It is hard to believe that 53 days have passed in this pregnancy since I have begun. The baby had grown and developed so much.

Yet, we still have so far to go!

-48 Days Until Baby

54 Days Until Baby

I am OVER halfway done with childbirth classes! I am a little disappointed because these classes are one of the few things I have to do in life (it's sad I know, don't judge me!) but it also means I am getting closer and closer to the BABY!

Today's class was on pain management and breastfeeding.

The pain management part wasn't exactly satisfactory. I had read about something called a walking epidural, with which you are still able to move around during labor which is good, it helps avoid the stall in labor that can be caused by an epidural which sometimes leads to a c-section. What I wanted was a really thorough comparison of the two to better help me make my decision and instead I got two sentences out of the nurse, even after asking for clarification. At this point I am seriously considering just getting the standard epidural because I am frustrated with the little bit I have learned about the walking epidural.

I was a little happier with the info learned in the breastfeeding part of the class. Our substitute teacher for the day is the actual lactation specialist at the hospital so she seemed really knowledgeable. What I appreciated the most is that it seems as if she is pretty much willing to meet with women whenever after the baby is born in cases where you are having problems and such. I was worried that I would have to find (and pay for) a service like this so I am excited to learn that it is just sort of an available service.

I think the best thing about my class might be the snacks. They have all of these chips and cookies and random things to choose from. Today I had these really yummy chips.

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/youngandhungry/files/2009/01/hpim1319.jpg

I tried to add a picture but it wouldn't let me! They are REALLY yummy if you haven't tried them. They also had mini cokes but I had already had quite a bit of caffeine today so I restrained myself and didn't have one even though I LOVE Coke. And anything mini for that matter, so it was extra hard not to! I can't figure out what the "safe zone" is for caffeine and from what I understand I pretty much push it on a daily basis. I was able to quit all of my other bad habits, quit lunch meat, quit hot dogs...I take vitamins pretty much every single day and have for a very long time. I just can't stop with the soda and sweet tea. I'm not sure why but it is insane how addicted I am.

In other pregnancy related news I invested in bio oil today which says it will minimize the appearance of existing scars and stretchmarks and prevent new ones. I also bought the Palmer's stretch mark stuff so I am going to see how well I can fare in the battle against stretch marks...

I will definitely keep you updated!

-54 Days Until Baby

57,56 & 55 Days Until Baby

Despite still not feeling well it ended up to be a pretty nice 4th of July weekend.

It is interesting to see how other people react to my pregnancy as I am getting bigger and bigger. There are the name questions (No, I still don't have one. Yes, _____ is a good name I will definitely think about it.) and comments on my size (which range from whale references to I can't believe you are so tiny). I get overly personal questions to which I use the relationship I have with the asker to determine the most appropriate way to avoid them.

I really wish I had been able to enjoy being outside just a little more yesterday. This cold/allergy/whatever it is definitely had me hiding in the house for the sake of breathing. I had so much family around, and it was nice to visit, but I spent a lot of time just sitting in the house gossiping with old ladies.

I am way tooo cool :)

Yesterday also marked 32 weeks pregnant! Only 8 more weeks until my due date. When the baby will be born has become a recent topic of discussion as the end is almost in sight, I can't believe I can finally say I am due next month (even though it is still basically 2 months away, probably more if the baby is born late). It sounds soon. I have gotten requests and basically I was told that I am not allowed to have the baby any day but Friday or Saturday, and Thursday's the family would be slightly annoyed but could manage. Personally, if I am late enough to be induced and have any choice in the matter , I think September 9th, 2009 would be kind of a cool birthday to have (and that is a Wednesday).

It is hard to believe I am far enough along to where there are no huge developmental milestones, pretty much the baby (and I) are just getting bigger and bigger. Of course major organs are developing further, which is critical, but the parts and pieces are all finally there. It is hard to believe a few months ago the weekly update would be "Now baby has eyeballs" or whatever. I can't believe how far I have come.

On another sadder note, I have been obsessing over my little stretch marks. I really thought I was gonna get lucky.

-55 Days Until Baby

62, 61, 60, 59 & 58 Days Until Baby

I am sorry for not posting lately.

So sick.

Hopefully I will be feeling better and have a lot to write about the holiday weekend.

Until then, if you want to help me name this baby vote here:

http://www.babynames.com/namelist/9718176

I promise more as soon as I am feeling well!!!

-58 Days Until Baby

I