36.5 weeks

Oof, would you take a look at that belly. Here we are, just a day from being considered full term. I can't believe it. While I know that most likely I am still going to be pregnant for another 3-4 weeks, it's still thrilling to know that you're basically in the clear to come along any time now.

We had our 36 week ultrasound at the beginning of this week and it was so cool to see how much you've grown. To see your fat little hands and your long, strong leg bones and your heart beating away. You got the hiccups and if I was more tech-savvy I would insert the video here, because it's pretty damn cute. You're also pretty damn tiny. You are on the petite side, but your father and I were both pretty small babies so it's not entirely surprising. As long as you keep growing, you're in good shape. And apparently your powerful kicks and endless hiccups are good signs that you are in fact petite, and not malnourished or something. I am such a perfectionistic hostess, I couldn't bear it if you weren't having a good time in there.

You are still kicking and twisting and moving as much as ever. You are head down and in the right position and I'm just so PLEASED with you right now! Yes, I'm tired. I'm so tired that it makes me a little weepy, and also our air conditioner is broken and that's an unpleasant adult thing to have to deal with. But regardless, no matter that being pregnant is starting to lose it's charm, I just can't wait to meet you. I never thought I would enjoy being pregnant so much and I have to owe some of that to you. You've been a charming little partner in crime and I just can't wait to see your face and those fat little hands in person.

34 weeks

First of all, this:

Most of the nasty things people have been promising these last few weeks would bring seem to be true. The heartburn that makes me (try to) sleep sitting up, having to pee more than EVER, tiredness that stems from either the lack of sleep or increasingly unweildy body, UGH. And you show no sign of calming down, or sleeping more often, or having movements that are more gentle and rolling since you're running out of room. No, you seem hellbent on damaging my internal organs 24 hours a day.

In cuter news, I can see your feet when you stretch out across my abdomen. You can feel me when I press on these little feet, you jerk them away and then kick back out again. It's cute, even though it hurts.

Also cute? Your nursery. Oh man, this room is cute. I think it's my favorite room in the house.

I'll have to do a more complete nursery post soon, because it's seriously ridiculous in there. So bright and cheerful and fun.

29 weeks

You had QUITE the growth spurt, missy. In fact, my belly grew 5 inches since last month's appointment, even though I didn't grow (in pounds) at all. Look at you!
This month's appointment also featured the oh-so-fun blood glucose test. Sucking down a sticky sweet orange drink on an empty stomach, then giving three big vials of blood--fun! I felt like hot garbage afterwards so your dad took me to Cracker Barrel for fortification. I still didn't feel quite right for the rest of the day.

Picture: 20 weeks

Well, here is a so-so picture of me and my growing belly at 20 weeks. Now that I'm at the halfway point I hope to make a concerted effort to take a belly picture every week, but we shall just see how that goes. Next week I'll wear something a bit more form-fitting so you can really see how much I've popped out there!

GIRL!

A girl! You are a GIRL, and there is apparently no freaking doubt about it. The ultrasonographer even said 100%, which is a dangerous figure for her to throw around, no doubt.

I could put a picture here of your extra wee ladybits, just to extend the mortification to the entire internet, but I'll spare you...for now. Besides, I've got a nursery to plan and names to daydream about. After 5 months of "it" and "the baby" you are "her" and "she"! I can't even wrap my head around it quite yet.

Tomorrow I head back to work after a blissful break and I plan to drag Chris out of bed to take an official belly shot. Now that the belly is in full effect, and filled with squirming (seriously, you never stop moving. Ever.) little girl, we better document it!

A girl. My daughter. Holy crap.

Whoopsie.

It's been over a month! Oops. I would say that time has flown because I've been so busy or something, but really I've just been lazy and forgetful. So let's see, what's new in the past month...

I am FINALLY starting to show a little. As in, a belly that looks more pregnant and less fat. But it's still pretty small. I haven't gained any weight still and have a goal of 6 pounds by January 5th. Sadly, for the first time in my LIFE this seems like an impossible goal! Food is still a mystery to me. I eat it, but don't get enjoyment from it. Why I had to be blessed with this when I actually am encouraged to gain weight, I'll never know.

But anyway, the belly is coming along and your heartbeat is nice and strong. Next month we get to find out your gender, and make sure that you're growing as you should. I can't wait to see the ultrasound!