36 weeks

I'm 36 weeks and 3 days along today and getting ready for this little one to make her exit.

I went to the doctor today for my group B strep test and she also checked me to see how things are progressing.  She said that I'm about 1 cm dilated and 40% effaced.  She also told me that I was having a contraction while she was measuring my tummy.  I couldn't tell that I was having a contraction, but she said to feel how hard my stomach was.  It felt the same to me as it always does... it is always hard as a rock.  Apparently I'm having braxton-hicks contractions but I can't really tell.  I guess that's a good thing, but it also makes me nervous that I won't know when the real thing is happening.

At my appointment two weeks ago, my urine test came back a little irregular which made me concerned.  It said that I was dehydrated and that there were ketones in my urine.  Both things seemed odd to me since I had already had most of my water for the day and had been eating like I should be.  My tests have always come back really good, so it was a little weird for that to happen.  I made sure to ask about that at today's appointment.  Every thing was normal with my urine test today.  I guess maybe it was just an off week. 

I also discussed my birth plan with my midwife at my last appointment.  I was kind of nervous that she was going to tell me "Oh no, the hospital won't let you do this or that". It was quite the opposite though. She had me cross many things off my list because she said that they were just standard procedures that I didn't even need to mention.  She also recommended that I put it on a note card and title it "Wish list and Reminders" rather than call it a birth plan because of the stigma that birth plans have in the hospital.  I think I'll be fine as long as she's the one who delivers for me since she knows and understands what we'd like and agrees with it all.  I think I'll take her advice, but also keep a copy of our birth plan in the hospital bag just in case she can't be there.

My midwife had mentioned that she was taking time off to go to California to be with family near my due date, which made me a little nervous that she might not be there to deliver my little one.  Today she told me that her trip was rescheduled and she's leaving tomorrow to go to California instead.  That was a big relief since I don't think anything major will happen in the next week while she's gone. 

Last weekend, Michael's aunt threw a baby shower for us. This one was mostly Michael's family and his mom's friends.  We got our stroller and car seat and lots of clothes.  I think we are pretty well set on clothes for the little one.  We also did our maternity photos last weekend.  I didn't really want to do photos since I feel pretty huge and uncomfortable, but I had many people tell me I would regret it later if I didn't do them.  It's nice to have a best friend whose husband does photography on the side :)

 I definitely have been feeling more uncomfortable lately.  I've been getting tired way more quickly these past few weeks and I find myself having to sit down more frequently during the school day.  My hands also get super achy at night time.  My last day of work is next Friday (and it can't come soon enough!) Being on my feet all day is getting tough and I feel like my patience with the kiddos is also dwindling to next to nothing lately. 

It's hard to believe that my pregnancy only has a few more weeks.  At the beginning it seemed as though it would take forever to get to this point but now I can't believe that it's almost over.  I'm getting very excited to meet the little one and hold her in my arms.