and counting . . .
although i’m really [really] trying not to count down!
overall, i have to say feel . . . really good. too good, really, to be at the end of this path — which is why i am now more convinced than ever that there will be a significant stretch before the big day. don’t get me wrong: i feel incredibly lucky that i am not physically miserable in my current state. but i also feel [mentally] READY!
onward to the adventures up ahead!
my work to-do list is gradually getting done. my hospital bag is packed. and my baby to-do list — well, while it’s not complete, i feel like the essentials are all there.
black remains the ultimate camouflage
i’m still running, although i’m starting to slow the pace even further — yesterday i used 5.3 mph [instead of the usual 5.5] for my running intervals, as it just felt more comfortable. unlike ashley, i haven’t tried it barefoot — but since my gym is communal i’m pretty sure that’s not going to happen!
i do regret that i’ve sort of let prenatal yoga and strength training go by the wayside. i’m not sure i have any muscles left in my upper body! but apparently, i’ll get to work on that soon.
in general, things are just good! i will have some occasional sharp pains/period-type cramps that get me excited things are progressing, but nothing consistent. i am plodding through remaining projects at work, though admittedly not at my previous full force. i’m done with clinic [though i still have lots of follow-up to do!] and my last call weekend will be this weekend.
who knew lululemon tops stretched this much!?
i have no swelling [still wearing my rings / shoes] and even though it could change ANY moment, currently no stretch marks. although i’ve heard that sometimes they can be sneaky and wait to appear until AFTER things are somewhat deflated! ahh well, if it happens, they were WORTH IT.
the one issue i’m starting to have is with sleep — it’s getting pretty hard to remain comfortable, and i feel like the hours i do get are pretty fitful. my hips have started aching from being in the same positions night after night — i MISS sleeping on my stomach and back so much! but i’ve been able to get to bed early and things haven’t been too bad overall. it seems silly to complain when i’m about to enter a new realm of sleep deprivation/interrupted rest anyway!
the usual rundown
appointment stats
BP: 117/75
weight gain: up 20 lbs total at 38 weeks. i actually lost a pound over the past 2 weeks despite the fact that i feel like i’m absolutely eating to capacity every night. this is part of what got me worried that maybe my amniotic fluid had gotten low, but thankfully it was fine. the OB did not seem concerned, but i have been making an extra effort to get in more snacks — and now i feel like my nightly ice cream habit is justified. in general, i’m not craving anything in particular right now and in fact i sort of haven’t cared that much about the specifics of food lately. just as long as there is some!
fundal height: still measuring 35 — the same as since 34 weeks. again, this added fuel to my anxiety fire at the appointment! but the OB said the measurements can change towards the end as things drop lower [i feel like i’ve carried very high for much of the pregnancy].
fetal heart rate: 150s — and then with lots of variability when i went for the non-stress test [basically, they stick a doppler and contraction monitor on you for 20 minutes to make sure the baby’s HR is nice and variable and not decreasing with contractions].
cervix: have no idea! i was at 1 cm at 36 weeks, but no one has checked since. i think it’s fine since the more i’ve read, this really isn’t a great predictor of delivery date!
baby: according to the ultrasound, she is comfortable and well cushioned with fluid, knows how to make the cutest-ever sucking motions with her lips, has serious cheeks but is on the smaller side [estimate 6 lb / 3 oz currently] and has HAIR. i keep staring at the pictures — just can’t help myself! i cannot WAIT to be with her on the outside.
next visit: in 1 week [monday].
still on the baby to-do list
✔ breast pump setup — i have all of the tools / pieces, and i’ve turned it on to hear the not-so-lovely wooshing sound — now i just need to sterilize the parts + connect. i may not need this for more than a month, but i’d like to have it handy just in case.
✔ nursery organization — still need some sort of system for containing toys/extra stuff, since much of it is lying in the crib right now. but i’m fine with doing this later if that’s how it works out since she’ll be sleeping in our room to start with, anyway.
✔ stocking the freezer with a few things [hopefully!]
on the non-baby to-do list
✔ ONE call weekend [this weekend]
✔ finish draft of poster
✔ mini-grant [a one-page proposal — hopefully i can knock this out today!]
✔ finish 1Q84 [why not?]
10 Comments
I never got any stretch marks, I think because I had enough fat to spread around…heh. And I didn’t get the linea negra until I got to the hospital…weirdy. Anyhoo you look adorable, sending happy birthing thoughts your way!
You look great and are getting so close!! I am a week and a half behind you but am currently miserable. I have period like cramps the majority of the day but am not dilated at all. Oh wells, they come when they want too, right? I’m so impressed that you are still running, you go!
You look wonderful! I’m so jealous that you have no stretch marks — I look like I’ve been attacked by a tiger, ha. (But I’ve also gained the full 35 lbs!)
I hope you get all the way through your to-do list before she arrives! The ultrasound picture from the other day was so sweet.
you do look amazing for 38 weeks! and i can’t believe how active you are. i was miserable and so uncomfortable for the last few weeks. but you are in such great shape, you’ll push that baby out no problem!
Girlfriend you are one strong lady! I just read your blog and I am seriously amazed. I mean how did you stay that active while pregnant? When I was pregnant I didn’t want to do anything but eat and sleep. Ha! But you definitely are giving me inspiration for my next pregnancy to get out and be more active. I bet you barely had any problem losing the baby weight as well. And you didn’t get any stretch marks, I’m so jealous. I had gotten quite a few on my stomach from having my baby. But luckily for me I did find this lady online who had a blog showing the routine she came up with to remove her stretch marks and I have been following it for about 6 months now and I would say mine are 85-90% better. You definitely have to put in the time and effort but its worth it. If any of you want to try the routine she put up a youtube video describing everything she did. Here is the link:
If you can’t find it that way then just try typing in her channel name. It’s Halo92599. Hope this helps!
Sarah,
I really love your blog. So much usefull information.
You’re description is almost exactly my experience. I’m only walking now, but from the 20lb weight gain to lack of swelling/stretch marks, period cramps, and the completely READY mentally feeling, we are in sync. A great experince overall with no major issues, but it’s time. Come on girls!
You look awesome. Just thinking the lack of weight gain maybe your daughter is using up those extra 5 pounds you put on to get pregnant. 🙂 hopefully things will go smoothly for you these next few weeks.
good point!!! and it was more like 7-8 total. i don’t typically count that weight because my body seemed to NEED it to ovulate and i was stable at the same weight for several months before finally getting the positive test 🙂 but knowing that extra cushion is there is definitely reassuring now!
Here I am echoing everyone else, but you look truly beautiful. The definition of pregnancy glow and look how long your hair is! Gorgeous. Josh, you’ve got a smokin’ wife!
Glad to hear that you’re feeling at peace and good right now…maybe all this zen is good for the baby? Enjoy it while it lasts, because life will soon be crazy and full of even more joy. Anxiously awaiting (stalking?) your birth and cannot wait for you and Josh to welcome her home.