30 November 2011

The Belly Report :: 34 Weeks Pregnant

Whew!! 6 weeks to go (officially, at least). That's 42 days, people -- less than a month and a half!! Can you believe it? I do believe they call this "the home stretch."

(Do you think I'll make it that long?) (I'm already fairly certain that even my best maternity tops won't make it.)

34 weeks pregnant
Lovin' that belly!!
34 weeks pregnant
Just for fun: a side-by-side comparison. I dunno ... I think it's pretty close!!

I'm really feeling the third trimester this week. I've needed to modify my routine at the gym (going from the treadmill to the elliptical) and I feel a lot more winded in general (like, you know ... when I do something strenuous like get out of bed or stand up or something). And have I mentioned the round ligaments? Please tell me I am not the only pregnant lady who suffers from moments of excruciating round ligament pain! As the baby and belly get heavier, I imagine that will continue.

And the crazy movement continues!! Though she was a bit more chilled out yesterday, baby girl was really going at it on Monday. You know how most babies chill out and/or fall asleep when you're moving around: you know, doing chores around the house, walking, exercising, and so on? Yeah. That was NOT her. I felt her feet squirming and kicking all up in my ribs ALL day on Monday. Not kidding -- she did not ever quit. I still totally love it, but it really is getting to the point where it's uncomfortable and sometimes, downright painful. So long as she's growing and healthy and strong, though, I'm a happy (elated, thrilled, ecstatic) mama!!



How's that for perspective, eh?

I have to say though, I'm still feeling really great overall. My energy levels are good and I'm still able to do a lot of things around the house. James and I got a TON accomplished in the office this past weekend -- it is the last room in which anything needs to be done. I'll be so excited when we can finally be completely settled -- it will definitely help this mama relax a bit more.

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I was really feeling in a funk about the whole Christmas thing. I love the season and all it means, but was mourning the fact that I'll never have all my family together this side of heaven. There isn't anything in the world that will make that not just completely stink. I thought of something that I thought might help, though -- getting Austen her stocking. I'm assuming she won't be here (as in, outside the uterus) by Christmas yet (though I know there are some of you who have bet that she will have arrived by that time!!), but there's no denying that she is VERY present these days. I had no preconceived ideas of what I was looking for, but wanted to see if anything jumped out at me as being "so Austen."

getting ready for Christmas
Stockings from L to R: Mama, Austen, Ewan, James

It didn't take long to find the one. The bright red one with all the multicolored jingle bells attached is hers. I just knew it. And I was right ... it was a bit easier to get in a festive mood with some Austen-specific decor to add to the mix (though because we don't have our tree yet, I haven't taken out the "Ewan" themed ornaments yet ... deep breath).

I guess that's it for now. We have an appointment coming up on Monday (when I'll be nearly ... wait for it ... 35 weeks pregnant) and after that, we will really be kicking into high gear getting ready for a baby to arrive. I can't believe it. I'm so excited to meet this little one!!

I hope you are all having a fantastic week, and I'll see you soon!!