37 Weeks

I will be 37 weeks as of tomorrow and will officially be full term!!

Last week was sort of rough - I got some kind of bug that ended up with me vomiting during lectures, feeling all sorts of achy, napping in my office over lunch and just generally feeling exhausted.  Of course like any normal person, I started googling.  Clearly I had some little virus but I was googling the 'reemergence of morning sickness', 'back labor', 'viral infections in 3rd trimester leading to stillborn'.... not a good time.  Thank goodness I got over it and am feeling so much better this week.

I had a doctor's appt this week where they did an exam.  I'm already about 3-4 cm but after referring back to previous blogs, that's about where I was with Emma Kate and Harper too at this time.  Andy says... so what does this mean?!  In most cases it means you're probably on your way to labor hall but for me it really doesn't mean a whole lot.  I am having lots and lots of braxton hicks, nothing regular though.  I've also been having some pain like in my pelvic bones... feeling like they're separating?? haha... not a very comfortable feeling.  Otherwise, not too many signs of impending labor.

I'm sure I can't be the only one but I start to get so anxious as delivery gets near.  All the what if's and the horrible things that can happen start to plague me and my dreams!  Ultimately I know it's coming and I have no control over anything so can just pray for a healthy baby and mom when it's all over!

I am so looking forward to meeting sweet baby Caroline and seeing what she looks like.  I had a dream the other night that she was a redhead! haha.  In my mind I'm kind of expecting her to favor Harper just because while all my pregnancies have been pretty similar, this one seems to be a little more similar to Harper's with less heartburn, less swelling, etc.  I do think it would be cool if she were sort of a mix of Harper and Emma Kate but clearly none of this is up to me ;)

I'm going back and forth all the time on whether or not to be induced.  I need abx prior to delivery which if I go naturally likely will not have time to get - which I did not for EK either and thankfully it all turned out ok.  The other thing is that if I go naturally then who knows how fast that will happen.  Aaaaand on a much less important note, I would really like to be home for Easter ;)  My primary hesitation with induction is just that I feel like the body is made to have this happen naturally and I fear messing with that!  Regardless, they wouldn't schedule an elective induction prior to 39 weeks and a big part of me thinks I won't be pregnant then anyways so no point in worrying about it too much until closer to that time.

Goal this weekend = pack the hospital bag!

Also, important life update! We put an offer in on a 30 acre farm here in Lexington.  Will wait a week to see if it's accepted but that's sure going to make life wild if so!! :)

How far along: 37

Total Weight Gain: 26
Stretchmarks: None, lathering up in my lotion on the daily 

Sleep: ok... except for those toddlers of mine that don't much care for sleep ;)

Best Moment This Week: getting good news that she is head down!
Movement: yes, busy lady! :)

Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: lots of braxton hicks
Belly Button: sort of serves as gauge for when I've had too much to eat... pokes out a teensy bit :(
What I Miss: a large variety of clothes. rolling over easily
What I am Looking Forward to: the weekend
Milestones: full term tomorrow

 36 weeks

36w6d