Pregnancy Update: 35 Weeks

How far along?  33 Weeks

Baby size?  Bunch of carrots.  But since we were at the doctor this week, we know Baby Obie weighs 4 pounds and 12 ounces :)

Baby progress?  

Weight gain?  32 pounds.  I was the doctor and got my official weight.  

Belly Button?  We're still holding strong with not popping out!

Wedding Rings?  Hit or miss.  Just depends on the day.  

Sleep?  Sleep is getting a little easier.  I think it's because my stress is reduced now that I have three of my four events out of the way.  And I'm also in the third trimester, which they say is almost as tiring as the first.  I haven't seen that to be true yet.  The first...wow...that exhaustion was unlike anything I've ever experienced.  Okay, that's a lie.  Chemo was worse, BUT it was a very close second.  And I haven't felt that way since then.  But I am more tired than normal.  

Symptoms?  
Dropped.  I don't think this is a symptom but I sent my mom, sister, and brother a picture this week (the three of us have a group text that we are constantly talking in) and they said it looks like I've dropped.  I can't tell, but I look at myself everyday.  This has me excited but also super nervous.  I'm told you could drop and the baby still not come for weeks, but it's my first real sign of "you're almost there!" going on.
Tailbone.  Holy mother of God is it painful!!!  I can get no relief.   Standing, sitting, laying.  It all hurts.  Any teeny tiny movement is so incredibly painful.  Little Man is head down which is only increasing the pressure and my previous tailbone injury just doesn't help anything.  Thankfully we don't have much longer!!
Braxton Hicks.  ALL.THE.TIME.  It happens all the time.  I'm happy they're "good" for me but man, do I wish I could get a break from them because they sure hurt and make all movements painful and difficult.  
Swelling.  I mean, look at this.  I didn't even have any salt in two days and had been drinking TONS of water.  Tell, how do I swell only a little during my normal days, yet when I'm on bedrest, I swell THIS badly?!  I was up and on my feet for ONE quick trip out of the house, and I was sitting the entire time!  (Steak n Shake craving).

Other than that, the same ol' symptoms.  Acid reflux, back pain, general uncomfortableness.  

Cravings?  Nothing still.  

Movement?  Still moving, but not as much.  He's got less room for it now.  But his movements are long, slow, strong movements.  Instead of a quick jab, you see something roll across the entire length of my belly.  It's weird but so amazing at the same time.  I truly love all his movements and I get so sad knowing I don't get to experience for too much longer.  

Workouts & Activity?  None.  Bedrest kind of prevents that.  

How are you feeling?  Anxious and moody from having to be confined in my house and not really moving around.  I'm so bored and just want to be able to get up and do what I want.  I know rest is best but goodness, it sucks!

Best moment this week?   I started the week off at the pool with friends and it was relaxing.  It bedrest has to exist, being poolside is the way to do it.  

Worst moment this week?  Being poolside with friends.  I was really self-conscious.  I sat there in my tank top for a while but I began to sweat through it so I finally took it off.  I know they don't judge me AT ALL.  And I know I could look far, far worse, but I still felt so self-conscious.  Not only do I have this ginormous belly (and boobs that have begun to grow again and barely fit in the new DD tops I bought back in January), but it's white as shit!  (Obviously the expression is what I meant, since shit isn't white.  Unless we're talking about dog shit laying in the yard, then yes, that turns white so then it would be a valid statement.)  I don't have a maternity swimming suit since I'm due at the end of May and couldn't justify those ungodly expensive (and ugly) suits to only wear a few times.   (Yes, I show bare belly photos on this blog, BUT I'm able to pick a photo that doesn't make me look as badly as others.  I can control the angle).

What do you miss?   Feeling confident in my body.  I didn't realize how confident I was.  I wasn't overly confident, but I didn't despise my body.  I very issues going to a pool in a bathing suit.  But now?  Oh wow!  Self-conscious to the max.  I hated feeling that way about myself, but I decided to just bite the bullet and take my shirt off.  It was difficult, but after a while, I felt a little more comfortable.  Only a little.  I want to get back to a place where I am comfortable.  Maybe not confident, but at least comfortable.  That's my aim right now.

Random photos of the dogs in the spaces that they've claimed.  Any time we're in the baby's room, this is were both of them lay.  Vino, tucked behind the glider or between the glider and crib.  Yadi stakes her spot in front of the crib.

Things that suck?  Do you want me to be honest?  Sex.  It's awkward for Nick to feel the baby kick through my abdomen.  And it sucks for me because afterwards, my belly is very tightly contracted for at least an hour.  My friends and the doctor said this is perfectly normal (your uterus is contracted like this after sex even when you aren't pregnant, but you just don't notice since your uterus isn't ginormous.)  So it sucks to have it end with uncomfortableness.  
Another thing that sucks is building a custom closet.  While it's awesome to have a custom closet, it sucks when we're two indecisive people trying to decide shelf height, spacing of the shelves, how many, etc.  I'm also a VERY visual person so I had a very difficult time deciding.

Things that don't suck?  Not having to find clothes to fit this bump to go to work.  And not having to wear uncomfortable shoes.  Bedrest sucks, for the most part, but there are perks and being a bum, working in a sports bra and underwear is definitely a perk!
AND I was able to fit into these shorts!  They're pre-pregnancy shorts.  Granted, they aren't buttoned, but they are zipped and held together with a ponytail holder.  I guess that means my hip really didn't widen too much.

Looking forward to?   Shopping post-baby.  There are so many adorable spring and summer clothes out, but I can't buy any.  I have no idea what my body will be like.  I'd love to think I'll get down to my pre-pregnancy size.  Far too many people say to me "You were tiny before and were all baby.  You'll be fine and back to your normal size in no time."  Which is GREAT to hear when I feel like a whale, BUT I'm not going to be naive enough to think I'll be that lucky.  I'm sure there were women who were told this and it didn't happen for them.  I'd rather sit here and tell myself I might not be back to that size, or I might have to work really hard, than tell myself I'll bounce back to old me quickly and be so incredibly disappointed.  But man oh man, I cannot wait to go shopping!!!!!!

Pregnancy Update: 34 Weeks

How far along?  33 Weeks

Baby size?  A Savoy Cabbage.  Since we were at the doctor this week, we know this little nugget now weighs 4 pounds and 12 ounces!  Crazy that he's so big now!!! My little niece was about that size when she was born!!  There's no way to know how long he is, but at this point, they estimate 17-19 inches long. 

Baby progress?   His little immune system is growing stronger by the day!  He's no longer relying on the antibodies from the placenta, but using his own self-immunity!  As are his brain, lungs, and central nervous system, and his digestive system is full working on its own now.  He's also peeing up to a pint a day!  Peeing machine!!!! He's also making his first poop (lucky us).   Apparently this week his testicles are starting to making their way down from his abdomen to their final destination of his scrotum (I totally thought they were already there!).  That hair that covered his body should be almost gone by now.  

Weight gain?   Around 30, I'm not too sure the actual number.

Belly Button?  It's still barely in, almost flush with my body.  I'm just hoping it stays in!!!  

Wedding Rings?  On for the most part, there are some days where I wake up with swollen hands.  If they haven't gone down by the time I leave for work, I just don't wear them.  But that has only happened three times maybe.  

Sleep?  The Snoogle is helping me to sleep a lot better.  Not fantastic, but much better than I was!!!  It's just a struggle finding what position is more comfortable in that moment.  Sometimes I face with the long end towards my front, supporting my belly, and other times, I like the long end against my back.  I know sleeping with the bottom portion up between my legs is really good for my hips, but I just cannot stand the feeling of something between my legs, so I'm slowing trying to adjust to it.  The crappy part is this pillow definitely prevents and husband cuddling lol.  

Symptoms?  Same ol', same ol'
Horrible acid reflux, intense back (upper and lower) pain, sciatic pain, tailbone pain, bleeding gums, aching feet.  The usual these days.

Cravings?  None!

Movement?  Still pretty frequently.  It is slowing down some, which is normal as he's running out of room.  He still has room to move (and turn from his current head down position) due to my excess amniotic fluid, but he seems to prefer head down as the last 7 doctor visits, he's been head down for all but one.  

He gets the hiccups all the time now.  I just love it. When he has them, he's still other than the hiccups so it's a nice change from his normal strong movements.  He usually gets the morning and night and occasionally throughout the day.  And they're good for him because they're helping to strengthen his lungs!

Workouts & Activity?  Nope.  I'm on bedrest now, so no activity at all other than walking to the bathroom or kitchen (which is driving me INSANE!).  Good thing black is slimming, huh?  (or so they say???)

How are you feeling?   Annoyed.  I know I need to take it easy but I'm completely over bedrest and it hasn't even been that long.  I am just not the type to sit still.  And when you tell me I have to, it makes me want to get up and move around that much more!
But other than that, I feel good!  (minus the aches and pains)

Best moment this week?   These pictures :)  We went to the doctor and they had to do an ultrasound to check on my cervix and she was so nice and turned on the 3D (free of charge) and his hands weren't in his face!!!!  He was actually sleeping and resting his head on his hands.  We've never seen him calm and still so this was a change.  And we were so happy to get to see his face for such a long period of time.  As you can see though, that hand began to slowly creep up.  I will not be shocked if once he's born he does not look being swaddled with his hands inside, but instead, prefers to sleep with his hand, up near his face.  

Worst moment this week?  Being put on bedrest :(  
And shopping.  It's becoming annoying.  I am still a size small because, other than my belly, I've kept my small frame.  But my boobs certainly are not fitting in a size small, as this maxi dress is proving to be quite revealing :/  

What do you miss?   Where do I start?  Beer, wine, laying on my stomach, sleeping, using my abdominal muscles, lifting, just general maneuvering of my body.  

Things that suck?  My belly being contracted so much.  Because of it's size, when it's contracted, it's hard to do much of anything.  Even simply slightly rotating my body to check my blind spots when driving is difficult when this belly is hard as a rock.  It gets me pretty frustrated a lot of the time.  
I also hate how quickly my nails grow!!!  I paint them and within three days, they've grown so much and look awful!

Things that don't suck?   Finally making some noticeable progress on the nursery!!!!  Three walls are painted, only one to go!  Furniture is setup!  All that's left is that one wall, the custom-built closet, and decorating!!!  (As you can see below, I rested in the glider while Nick worked.  God love that man!)

Looking forward to?   Getting off bedrest and having someone to talk to other than my dogs or be on the phone all day.  I cannot wait to get back to the office (as crazy as it is right now) and have human interaction all day long.  
And getting to put all this adorable baby gear to use!!!  I love seeing it sitting around the house, but I just want him to be here to use it all!  

I mean, just look at the onesie!  We hit up the NEX for their giant baby sale and we couldn't resist buying him one so he can dress just like this daddy.  If you know Nick, you know that he if he's wearing a plain colored t-shirt or a golf polo, it's an Under Armour HeatGear shirt (and blue with lime green, as seen above) are Nick's favorite color combos.  So of course, this itty bitty UA HeatGear onesie was a must!

If you missed any of the other weekly updates, you can click HERE to see them all!

Pregnancy Update: 33 Week

How far along?  33 Weeks

Baby size?  Durian fruit (what the heck is that?!  I had never heard of it until now.)  At this point, babies are between 17-19 inches in length and weighing between 4-6 pounds!

Baby progress?  Baby Obie is almost at his birth height/length!!!  That's insane to me!  He's still packing on the fat and pounds though, putting on maybe half a pound a week.  His bones are hardening so he can better support himself outside of the womb.  His skull is still not solid though, and his skull bones are not fused together.  This is normal as he is will allow his head to reduce it's diameter as it passes through the birth canal.  He now keeps his eyes wide open when he's awake, which seems to be all the time! But this allows him to tell the difference between night and day (as if he cares). Antibodies are being passed from me to the Little Man to help develop his fetal immune system to help fend off germs once he's on the outside.  His brain is developing more distinct functions and is capable of controlling breathing, digestive functions, and body temperature.  

Weight gain?  Again, not sure.  I'd say around 30 pounds or so. 

Belly Button?  It's almost completely flush with my body.  I took out my metal ring and put in one of those longer plastic rings, made for us preggo women, but I don't need it.  I don't know if it's the way my piercing is, but my two holes aren't that far apart so this belly ring actually looks really freaking weird.  I'm not sure if I'll keep it in.  

Wedding Rings?  Still on!

Sleep?  Same as it's been.  Not there until about 4am-5am.  But I'm still full of energy during the day so I guess that's okay.  And it's normal so I'm not too concerned.  I just wish I wasn't so anxious during my insomnia.

Symptoms?  
Nothing new.  Still intense back and hip pain.  Still vomit-incuding acid reflux.  Insomnia.  Forgetfulness.  Anxiety.  Bleeding gums.  
My swelling was better this week, so that's good!!!  But my feet still kill me in general. 
And I think my boobs might be growing again.

Cravings?  None.

Movement?   Still moving around like a maniac in there.  And I'm still loving it.  I don't enjoy the kicks to the ribs, but he's doing it less now, which is great.

Workouts & Activity?  Not much.  My body doesn't like activity.  If I'm just walking around for more than 10 minutes, my belly contracts and will not relax until I sit down.  It's pretty annoying because with my belly as big as it is, moving around when it's that hard and contracted is difficult and painful. 

(Notice how my hands on the belly in the picture on the left make my belly appear smaller than it truly it is haha)

How are you feeling?  Still feeling great!!!!!!  I really don't complain too much.  Things are painful and uncomfortable, but it's not anywhere near as bad as I expected from all the other moms I know or follow on social media/blogs.  Maybe it's because I've had far, far, far, FAR worse pain back in 2006 when I had cancer?  Or maybe it's because I embrace this all since I never knew if it would be possible for me?  Either way, I can't really complain!  I feel good!

Best moment this week?   Celebrating Easter and going out to brunch with my husband and the bump :)

Worst moment this week?  Not getting to be involved in the nursery painting.  I hate not helping out and just feeling useless.  But I know it's best that I'm not around the fumes (and I'm not a fan of the masks).  I kind of feel how Yadi looks in this photo.

What do you miss?   Being able to put on shoes without it hurting.  Bending over that far is becoming very painful, especially since I'm contracted so much.  I wear flip flops and flats most of the time but when I need to put on tennis shoes for my walks or running errands, it's rather difficult.  This belly is just getting rather big!

Things that suck?  Blind shaving.  Hey, I'm just being honest.   I have to shave my lady bits without being able to see them.  I'm pretty proud of myself though because I do a great job and never cut myself.  I keep thinking I need to take a mirror in the shower with me, but I never actually remember to do so until I'm already in there.  

Things that don't suck?   Still fitting into my pre-pregnancy workout pants.  I am still able to wear all my spandex type Under Armour shorts and capris that I wore before I got pregnant (obviously below my belly now).  When you feel huge, it gives you a boost to still fit in some old clothes.  

Looking forward to?   Not feeling so front heavy.  Between my boobs and this belly, I feel like the slightest shove from behind will send me falling face forward.  My poor back is not at all used to this and it's just killing me!

Pregnancy Update: 32 Weeks

How far along?  32 Weeks

Baby size? About the size of a honeydew melon; close to 18 inches long and weighing about 3.5-4.5 pounds

Baby progress?  Baby Obie is sucking his thumb and still practicing breathing.  He's going to start working his way (hopefully) into the birthing position (head down, facing my spine).  Not too much new going.  He's just perfecting his 5 senses and packing on the fat!!!

Weight gain?  I don't know.  I don't weigh myself at home anymore and I don't remember what the scale was at the doctor.  I do know I'm adding weight like crazy, but it's all this amniotic fluid as baby's size isn't really changing and I'm only growing in my belly (thank goodness).  I'd say in total I'm around 30 additional pounds now.

Sleep?  What is that????  I don't sleep.  Pregnancy insomnia, mixed with anxiety from my job and I can't sleep.  Many, many mornings when Nick's alarm goes off, I'm wide awake.  I'm seeing a therapist to help me manage my anxiety without medication, but thus far, we're only one session in.  Which means she's getting to know me and hasn't touched on my anxiety yet.  She gave me a guided meditation disk, even though I told her I've done those plenty of times and they don't work.  Surprise!  Hers didn't work.  

Symptoms?  
Intense siatic pain.  I limp a lot from it and it's frustrating.  
My tail bone is still killing me as well, which is increased when he's head down.  (He flips from head down, feet under my right rib cage to being completely transverse.)  
Acid reflux is at an all time high and I'm over it.  I didn't think it could possibly get worse from how it was pre-pregnancy.  Then I didn't think it could get worse from how it was the past few weeks.  But it keeps proving me wrong.  Zero remedies work.  My medication doesn't help much at all.  I'm so fearful for my endoscopy this summer.  I pray every day that it hasn't done enough damage to cause Barrett's or even full blown esophageal cancer :/  I'm absolutely terrified.
Leg cramps :(  I read that happens and was lucky enough to not have it happen to me...until now :(  Its only at night but holy shit is it painful!!
Swelling.  Always while I'm at work.  I need to buy new shoes in a wide because when my feet swell, they become sooooooo tight and painful.
Painful feet in general.  This additional weight is hurting my feet.  Obviously it wouldn't be so bad if I could wear shoes with great support but dressing professionally really doesn't leave room for comfort.
Bleeding gums.  That has returned.  Thankfully it's just when I brush my teeth.

Cravings?  None at the moment.  

Movement?  He doesn't stop.  I mean it.  Every single ultrasound we get, this kid is moving all over. I feel him move at least every 15 minutes.  I just assume he sleeps at night when I'm sleeping since I know he doesn't stop moving during the day.  But then Nick told me that he had his hand on my belly one morning while I was still sleeping and the kid was moving around like crazy.  (Nick was amazed that I was sleeping through it because they were movements that had his hand moving pretty high off my belly, and I'm a light sleeper.  I guess I've just become used to his movements and now sleep through them).  So either this kid truly does not sleep, or he is very restless in his sleep.  

Workouts & Activity?  I have a belly support band now so I wear that when I walk the dogs.  That's about the most I can get these days :(    But I guess that's better than nothing.  

How are you feeling?   Overall, good!  I've definitely reached the uncomfortable stage.  I'm not to the "omg I can't wait to not be pregnant" stage, but I'm slowly entering the "I'm over this" stage.  Thankfully his movements and hiccups keep me loving pregnancy and I have equal "I don't want this to end" moments.  

Best moment this week?   Nursery room!!!  We finally had some furniture delivered and my precious BOB stroller!!!  We picked the paint color we wanted (I promise in person those look differently) and began working on his room...FINALLY!!!

Worst moment this week?  Yadi has become RIDICULOUSLY velcro when Nick isn't home.  She is always obsessed with me, following me everywhere and keeping an eye on me.  But she's bringing it to a whole new level.  Normally, she lays right on the threshold hold of the bathroom floor while I potty or just sits in there with me.  Now?  She is all over me.  When I'm on the couch, she tries to get as much of her body on me, without actually being on the couch (since it's not allowed).  I'd say she's finally realized something is up with mommy!

What do you miss?   Laying on my belly.  I LOVE to lay on my stomach and journal, blog, read, watch tv, etc.  I miss it so so so so much!!!

Things that suck?  That painting and decorating are a tedious task. I just want to be able to complete his nursery in one weekend and not worry about it anymore.  It's making me anxious!!!

Things that don't suck?  Finding adorable maternity tops.  I love this pink lace top!  I would have bought this had I seen it in a non-maternity store because it's so cute!!!

Looking forward to?   Meeting him!!!  I'm getting to anxious to meet him now!!!!

Pregnancy Update: 31 Weeks

How far along?  31 Weeks

Baby size? Pineapple; about 17.5 inches tall! and weighing somewhere around 3.5 pounds.  

Baby progress?  Baby Obie should be close to his birth height!!!  His neck is more flexible and he can more easily turn it.  He's pretty ready for birth now as his senses are developed and his immune system is now almost ready to fight off and prevent illnesses.  His brain is still developing under his soft skull;  the bones that make up his skull are not yet fused together and this is so that he can pass easily through the birth canal.  The other bones in his body are hardening and preparing to support his body after birth.  Baby Obie's lungs are still developing to full capacity, but right now, they are practicing breathing 30-40% of the time.  

Weight gain?  27 pounds.  

Sleep?  I actually think it's slowly getting better.  Maybe it's that 3rd trimester exhaustion setting in?  I don't really feel utterly exhausted though.  Everyone said the 3rd trimester is like the 1st in that the exhaustion is ridiculous.  Granted, I'm not THAT far into the 3rd trimester, but it's not too bad.  But maybe it's slowly setting in and that's why I'm sleeping better.  Not great, but I'm getting about 5 hours a night, which is better than the 3-4 I was getting before.  

Symptoms?  Nothing new to report.  Same ol', same ol'.
Back pain, hip pain, ginormous boobs, vomit inducing acid reflux, little sleep, etc.
Oh wait, my feet, that's a new one.  My feet are now KILLING me after only a few hours at work and they're swollen by the time I get home.  I've never had swollen feet in my life, but I guess pregnancy brings about lots of new things.  

Cravings?  French toast sticks.  And mango ice tea.  

Movement?  Still a lot.  It's crazy because I can something rolling across my belly.  (Elbow?  hand?  Butt? Who knows!)  All I know is this kid doesn't ever stop moving. Unless I'm sleeping. And even then, I'm not sure.  I just know I'm asleep so I'm unaware if he's moving.

Workouts & Activity?  Nothing more than walks with the dogs, my job (which is not a sit down at a desk all the time, but instead in and out of car all day, walking all over, standing and giving presentations), and doing things around the house.  It's not "real" exercise but I'm definitely not a blob.  

How are you feeling?   Still feeling good!!  We got answers to this polyhydramnios so I'll have to update you all on that. 

Best moment this week?   Little Man had the hiccups and Nick was able to feel them AND see them!!!  Poor guy gets the hiccups often, but Nick has never been able to feel them.  Until this week :)
And I got to see him again!!!!  It's one of the few perks of having something "wrong" and needing ultrasounds more frequently

Worst moment this week?   My work event.  I had my first event (one of four down!) this week and oh.my.goodness was it rough.  After just two hours my feet were so swollen that my shoes were cutting off circulation.  I loosened them as much as I could but it didn't help.  I didn't want to take them off because my back and hips were killing me and tennis shoes obviously would offer the best support for my body.  Then about four hours into the event, my legs began to swell and my pants started to become tight and cut off circulation.  I was miserable.  Thankfully I only had to work 8 hours (mid event to clean up) instead of set-up to clean up which was about 16 hours.  But even those 8 were killer.  That night when I got home, I tossed and turned and cried and was just a mess.  My feet were throbbing so badly and it ended up making me anxious and I could get no relief.  I didn't even notice how badly my back hurt because my feet hurt so badly.  The following day I laid around all day but it didn't matter. I was still in so much pain.  It wasn't until day three that I felt back to my normal pregnancy achy self.  I'm not sure how I'm going to handle my next two events considering they're back to back (8 hours on Friday and 8 hours on Saturday).  

What do you miss?   Being cold.  I know, I know.  I hate being cold but lately, this pregnancy has made me so hot!  It's more so at night but I get so miserable at night.  But I'm weird and I HAVE to sleep with some sort of blanket on me.  Not a sheet, that's too thin feeling.  A blanket or comforter or something.  But then I'm hot.  So the AC goes down and the fan goes on level 5.  It's insane.  

Things that suck?  Needing to really stretch out (spreading my legs and stretching my groin and hips) but not really being able to do that because it's not acceptable to just spread eagle in a public place like Starbucks.  So I take breaks in my car to do so.  I know, so classy and attractive.  But I'm just keeping it real.

Things that don't suck?  Having a supportive husband that makes sure he's off on my events.  I am so glad he was there at my event to help support me.  My job is far from easy so it's nice to have the help.  It's also nice for him to see all my hard work over the past year come together for this huge event.  
Also having a husband in a squadron that allows him to come to appointments with me.  

Looking forward to?   Seeing this guy again on his 3D ultrasound.  I just hope he actually cooperates this time, but I'm fairly doubtful.  He doesn't like to be seen :(

Pregnancy Update: 30 Weeks

How far along?  30 Weeks

Baby size?  Cantaloupe!  Which they say means he's about 17 inches long and weighing about 3.5 pounds now.

Baby progress?  That hair that covered Little Man's body?  The lanugo?  It's beginning to fall off this week as he can now regulate his own temperature and as he puts on more fat to help keep him warm and.  He should begin putting on half a pound a week now!! YIKES!  He will continue to rotate towards the birth position (head down, facing my spine) but won't stay there as he still has plenty of room to move around (especially with his "large swimming" pool, aka my polyhydramnios.)  He is also now strong enough to grasp a finger!!!  It makes me excited to think about being here and holding onto mine or Nick's finger :)  That little brain of his is now starting to look like a real brain with all the wrinkles and grooves it's getting.  He is also now forming red blood cells in his marrow (I think this cool, but I'm a nerd when it comes to the human body).  Fluid is also now present in the air sacs in his lungs to help him take his first breath at birth.  

Weight gain?  I'm up 26 pounds.  But thankfully we found out this sudden increase is not just me being a fatty, but instead, a new issue I have :(

Sleep?   Same story.  No sleep.  Maybe a total of 2-4 hours a night.  But still not really tired throughout the day so that's good!

Symptoms?  Nothing new.  Back and hip pain, extreme (vomiting inducing) acid reflux, and lots of Braxton Hicks.  I guess my feet are now noticeably achy too.  I haven't really had that.  I'm sure it's all the extra weight I'm carrying and the fact that professional shoes are not made with support or comfort.  My poor feet are miserable all week at work :(

Emotionally, I've been struggling with how big I am.  I feel like I've grown very suddenly and people have been making comments to me that I look like I'm close to the end (35+ weeks along).  It's upsetting and has really been getting to me.  But this week, we learned that my belly is a little bigger than normal and there is a reason.  Below is comparison picture.  I'm in the same dress (and obviously a better camera, lighting, and makeup in the first one), but the first photo was taken four weeks ago.  Four week difference.  That's insane!

Cravings?  Nothing really.  Random times I crave something, but as soon as I eat it, I don't want it again.  But that was me pre-pregnancy so I don't really think that counts as a pregnancy craving, more so just a Melanie craving.  What can I say, I love food!

Movement?  Lots and lots!  Nick can very easily feel it now.  And my co-workers notice the bump moving during meetings.  It's so weird and creepy, but so amazing at the same time.  I already find myself getting emotional knowing these days of feeling him move inside are coming closer to an end.  There truly is no way to describe this feeling, but it's by far one of the best out there.  

Workouts & Activity?  I feel like I have more energy and I've been using it!  We took the dogs for an almost two hour hike with our friends and doggie friends.  We've been going on walks with the dogs more frequently.  Sure, it's not vigorous exercise, but it sure is a lot more activity than my body has seen in a LONG time!  

How are you feeling?   Pretty good, physically.  We just found out I have polyhydramnios so I'm pretty anxious about that but we don't find out more until next week when we see the high-risk doctors.  (click here to read about this experience).

Best moment this week?   Getting to see him again.  Even if he did hide his face.  During my ultrasound, the sonographer was kind enough to attempt a 3D ultrasound so we could see him (they normally charge extra for this).  But of course, he was hiding.  This is all we saw of him...his back side, side of his face, and ear.  He was shunning us.

Worst moment this week?  Find out about the polyhydramnios.  This puts me at risk to deliver early (as in any moment) so I'm a little upset.  I'll feel better once we know WHY it's happened and if we can fix it.  Thankfully, as far as we can tell, Baby Obie is doing great!

What do you miss?   Beer.  So so so badly.  So much so that I caved and bought O'Douls for a barbecue we went to.  And you know what?  It wasn't that bad!!!!  It tasted much more similar to beer (Budlight) than I thought it would.  It definitely helped my craving quite a bit!!

Things that suck?  
Baby's orientation.  He's head down, which is great.  Except, he now has a lot of space due to the excess fluid and has plenty of time and space to move so that doesn't mean he'll stay head down.  But what sucks is because of this, he has his feet crammed up behind my ribs, right underneath my right boob.  It HURTS!!!  The only way to get a little relief is to arch my back and shoulder backwards, but this then means I'm sticking my chest and belly out.  It's not cute.  So I don't do it when I'm at home or with my door shut in my office.  And I can't sit like that long because it's really not comfortable.  
It also sucks that I'm running out of clothes.  When I outgrew my size small shirts, I began wearing Nick's shirts.  He isn't much larger than me, so he wears size medium.  And now those t-shirts are a little snug on my belly!

Going along with the running out clothes that fit, pre-pregnancy my camis were size small and extra-small.  Now, those tank tops are smashing my poor girls and squeezing the crap out of them.  It's not cute and it's uncomfortable.  I have bought a few medium and large camis and just rotate through them (I have no shame in admitting I wear them more than once before washing them).  I'm just too frugal to go drop a lot on them when my boobs might grow some more.  Same with bras.  My now DD boobs are still squeezing into my C cup bra.  It doesn't hurt but I am not going to keep buying new bras when they're going to keep growing.  Bras are expensive!  Many have suggested sports bras and nursing bras, but I have yet to find quality nursing bras that I'm willing to spend the money on now, knowing I won't fit into them soon.  I still work fulltime and have to dress professionally.  With boobs this large, you can tell when I'm wearing a cheap bra.  Sports bras are out for work.  That wouldn't fly.  So for now, I'll keep wearing my supportive, looks good in professional attire C cup bras and buy new ones when my milk comes in.  Or at least when he arrives.  But like I said, I can't see dropping more money on bras to outgrow them in 4-6 weeks.

(Don't worry, I changed out of that cami on the left.  I wasn't going to leave the house with very visible quad-boob going on.)

Things that don't suck?  Making strides in the nursery.  It's cleaned out, other than the guest bed, which means it's ready for paint and decorating.  We actually went to Babies R Us this week and purchased all the furniture!!!  It should hopefully arrive next week!!!  I can't wait to start getting it put together, especially now knowing he might make his debut sooner.  

Looking forward to?   Getting some answers about this polyhydramnios.  I just want my baby to be okay and pray that he is good and stays put!!!  I just want to get to my appointment with the high-risk doctors so I can get some answers and, hopefully, some peace of mind.