37 Weeks!

I am actually pretty settled in to being pregnant right now. It hurts; she karate chops my pelvis and makes me limp, gets up in my rib cage especially at night, Josh and I aren't sleeping much in between going pee and moving because she's so strong when she kicks, and I can totally see her feet popping out the side of belly/side (I wish I could catch this on video but it's pretty random), but I'm settled down from a few weeks ago. A few weeks ago I felt "done" with pregnancy. I'm not sure why I got so antsy other than hormone highs and lows, but I was also super uncomfortable with bloating and just felt massive. For some reason my bloating has subsided and I feel way more comfortable overall. It is possible that my skin just stretched, but either way I feel good this week. This week I'm actually a little sad I only have a little over two weeks (or possibly less) to go. I know, I know I seem bipolar.

<--------crazy lady.="" p="" pregnant="">

I seriously have random uncontrollable emotions and could probably be classified as crazy, lol. One minute I'm done with pregnancy and the next I'm crying that it's almost over and I'm going to miss this little baby moving around so much. It hits especially hard when the kids snuggle with my tummy. Oh my heart melts so much when they give my belly kisses. Josiah and I spent the morning in the rocker chair with his head on my tummy. He pulls my shirt up and puts his hand and face on my belly. When he's done snuggling he pulls my shirt down and says, "bye Hannah." Then we have little Liz this morning who saw Josh and I's wedding picture (on the photo calendar for March since it's our anniversary month) and said, "mommy, that is when you were married? And now you have a baby. I love Hannah!" as she hugged and kissed my round belly. Gah-- tuck that one into my memory bank (tears). Gabriel also loves Hannah and enjoys chasing her feet and limbs around from side to side. He will find an appendage and place his hands on it and then she moves it quickly away for him to find it again. It's a fun game =). I really am cherishing these last few weeks. Josh had a dream she was born this weekend. It sure is getting close!

In pregnancy updates mommy and baby are healthy as can be. My blood pressure is super great, there is no protein in my urine, I've gained 26 lbs, her heart rate is awesome, she seems head down although she's "floating" still and could technically flip back, and the BIG deal for me is that the group b strep regimen seemed to have proven itself once again giving me a NEGATIVE result (WOO HOO!)!!! If you have been reading this blog you know that is a biggy for me just because I want to go as natural as possible. No antibiotics means I'm a bit closer to that reality. I also let them check me last week bc why not. I know it doesn't make a difference but whatever... I'm 2 cm and still about 30% effaced. I'm pretty confident I'll either go early or ON March 10. I'm still hoping for a multiple of "5" date, but God knows her birthday and I'll be a happy mom no matter when she is born as long as we are both healthy!

We are in the home stretch now. I can't wait to be writing the birth blog but on the same token am now enjoying this special time! 

Week 36!

The weeks are flying now! I had my Group B Strep test today so I'll find out the results of that next week. I hope it is negative considering I've been on garlic, echinacea, and vitamin C + prenatal vitamin for the past 10 days or so. I'm looking forward to a two week reprieve of this regimen that, if I'm negative, I'll start again at the beginning of March. If I'm positive then there is no need because they'll give me antibiotics during labor. I'm hoping against that option seeing as though I would like to get to the hospital as late as possible (without having a dramatic birth in the car or something). Baby Hannah scared me last week because she dropped into my pelvis and my body was giving me a rough time. I had pressure and lots and lots of contractions on and off. I ended up going to the OB just to be sure things were o.k. and everything was fine. I'm dilated 1 cm and about 30% effaced. I was slightly worried about my water because I was Oligohydramnios (low water) at the end with Josiah. My water was great and I got to see Hannah again! She was so big this time that body parts took up the screen. It is much different having an ultrasound at 35 weeks than 18. It's crazy how much the babies grow! SO at this appointment my BP was great, iron great, measuring on target, and overall great health for both of us. I've gained 25 lbs exactly, so I'm looking at 25-30 lbs gained by the end of this thing. That is about average for me so I'm happy. Hannah has popped back up this week and likes to hang out under my rib cage. Like I probably could practically breast feed her all ready--she's THAT high. This makes sleeping at night fairly uncomfortable (sorry Joshua I know I keep you awake too), but it's almost over and I'll soon be sleeping with her by my side (eeek!!!!!)!

In labor news I've got my bag packed (mostly). I bought myself cute Pj's, slippers, and undergarments with the gift cards I got at my surprise sprinkle. I got surprised a week and a half ago with an amazing "Sprinkle!" I got diapers, wipes, butt paste, clothes, picture frames, body bath stuff for me, and gift cards. It was such a great surprise and so helpful as we prepare for Hannah =)! I can't wait to hold her and cuddle her and the kids are so excited as well. They love on her so much already. I literally can't wait to see them with her. Then on the other hand I'm trying to enjoy what "could" be my last pregnancy. I'm not saying it is, but I'm saying it "could" be. I've soaked it up and am enjoying it, but could also be o.k. with moving on with my growing kiddos. We will just leave the door open for God to work in our lives. Open hearts and open minds (because hey look how much we've changed already going from wanting no kids to having 4!). You just never know, and I've learned to be o.k. with that. I've got one of the best husbands anyone could ever ask for so having babies with him has been such a blessing. Plus my kids are pretty darn awesome!!!

Here I am at 36 weeks:

T minus 4 weeks unless she decides to come earlier (or later--blah, hopefully not later).