Getting Closer

Well here I am at 36 1/2 weeks, that means my due date is 3 1/2 weeks away, how did this happen so fast?! 

I feel like I am getting bigger by the day, and I suppose it is possible that I am!  Physical therapy has helped my back pain tremendously and I have learned many useful stretches and exercises that I can employ when at work and probably even during labor.   If you watched any of the Summer Olympics you probably noticed the weird tape a lot of the athletes had on various parts of their body (particularly the divers).  This is called kinesiotape and I now have quite the bright blue tape pattern on my lower back.  I approached it with caution as there aren't many scientific studies that back its effectiveness, but it does seem to make a difference, so I'm going with it.  I also got a big exercise ball and am wishing I would have gotten one much sooner, they are WONDERFUL and also will probably be useful to bounce a crying baby to sleep as well as stretch out my poor, tired back.  The other wonderful thing about PT is that they do deep tissue work, hey my co-pay is cheaper than a massage and they really get in there, which is what I needed.  So, if you ever
 find yourself pregnant and uncomfortable, ask for a referral!. 

Let's see, other pregnancy news...It's starting to get hot here and my fingers are responding in protest, I've managed to keep my wedding ring on this long but these last few weeks may result in naked fingers.  I'm proud (as is Eric) to say that I really haven't had the stereotypical mood swings associated with pregnancy.  Until last night that is!  I had just finished 3 shifts in a row (which is my max these days), it was almost 100 degrees, I was uncomfortable, and just finished reading the labor and delivery chapter of one of my books.  I sat down at the dining room table as Eric was getting dinner ready and just burst in to tears, while at the same time laughing at myself for crying.  We got through it but I know that the next month is bound to be an emotional rollercoaster. 

We completed the obligatory childbirth prep classes over the weekend (I opted for the "fast track" rather than a 6-week course), while there wasn't much new information for me I'm glad we went as I'm sure most of it was new to Eric.  I kind of take for granted that I just know all of these things and forget that his knowledge of childbirth and pregnancy is pretty limited.  I know he'll be a great support person though.  I'm starting to pack "the bag" and be as prepared as one can be.  All the unknowns at this point are getting to me a little, I'd REALLY like to know how this will all pan out, it's the worst exercise in giving up control (which I may have a slight issue with)  There have still been some positives though.

I had my local baby baby shower!

Eric got to help with the presents

Not everyone, but a good sampling!

The two lovely hostesses

It was great fun and I'm so very thankful to have such wonderful friends I can count on, especially since our families are so far away. 

Last big news...We're under contract on a house!  Yes, yes, I know this sounds like the worst possible time to be buying a house, and we really had decided that we were just going to start looking and not buy anything until the Fall.  Well, the stars kind of aligned on the "perfect" house for us (rather than just the "Starter house") under very ideal circumstances.  We won't close until the end of July so there will be no racing the baby.  And overall the process has gone relatively smooth.  Lots of paperwork, but really smooth.  The last big thing is the appraisal before the end of June then all will be taken care of and we just cruise through July and wait to close!  I am still in somewhat denial that this is all happening for us.  I feel like all our major dreams are coming true at the same time and I'm just so very blessed, I'm trying not to let the pessimist out and expect something to go wrong. 

 So now we just wait!  I'm still working, though every shift is a gamble at this point, at least I'm surrounded by nurses in case something happens while I'm there.  We have a few baby items left to pick up but really are mostly ready with all the little onesies washed and put away, the car seat installed (in one car anyway!), and the co-sleeper ready to pop up at a moments notice.  Prayers would be appreciated that all continues to go smoothly!