Playing catch up!

Let's see, where to begin. I have two doctor's appointments to catch you up on. So we will start with my 37 week appointment. Baby's heartbeat was beating in the high 130's. I gained 1.5 lbs. Blood pressure was good, surprisingly! Now, my cankles, that's another story. My feet and lower legs were very swollen. So my doctor decided to put me on partial bed rest. I would work half days in the mornings, and then come home and work the rest of the day from my couch. Which, I have to say was pretty nice! She also checked my cervix, which I had not dilated at all. Which was okay, as long as baby Joseph was okay, that's all that mattered. On March 15th, I had my 38 week appointment. Joseph's heartbeat was beating in the high 140's to low 150's...and as always hearing his heartbeat is music to my ears! I gained a pound. No dilation or effacement. My doctor was amazed at how great my blood pressure was with my swelling. She asked me, "What can we do to limit your activity?" Well, Friday was my last day of work, so I would be home after that. She was very happy with that answer, telling me I needed to be resting alot and not do any nesting. Lucky for her, that's all done. Everything is ready for baby Joseph's arrival! After that appointment, I went and did my last blood work for the big day! We have our official last doctor's appointment this Thursday, and then that Monday we get to meet our sweet baby boy! 9 days and counting!!!!

Friday, March 16th, was my last day of work! It is nice to come home and be able to just relax. I will be off for 3 months, and will only be thinking of my new family! I will not be stressed about checking emails, or wondering if they are doing okay at work without me, I am solely concentrating on starting my new family.

People consistently ask me, are you nervous? Are you excited? I am not nervous. And the reason being, is because I have a GREAT partner by my side. Having Joe be there for me, puts my mind at ease. He is my crutch, and no matter what I need, I know he will be there to help me. He helps me every morning put on my socks and shoes, he comes up at midnight to turn on the fan for me that I have forgotten to turn on, he helps me up from the couch, the chair, the car, the floor, whatever I happen to be sitting on, he runs out to get me chocolate frozen yogurt, candy, strawberry banana smoothies from Starbucks, and whatever else I may need. He has been one amazing husband during this whole process and I love him very much. Am I excited? HELL YES I am excited! Honestly, these past 39 weeks have gone by pretty fast! And I only have 9 more days to enjoy touching my belly and watching Joseph push and move around in my belly!

As for how I am feeling... pretty good. I am finally over my cold/flu symptoms! To date, I have gained 28 lbs. My belly button is still an innie...just proves that I have the never ending innie. I have avoided stretch marks, and am hoping to keep avoiding them. I still have shooting pains in my belly and braxton hicks. I am now waking up at least 4 times a night to pee. And turning from side to side while I sleep is getting harder and harder.

I am including the final nursery and bathroom pictures for you, and my 38 week belly pics. Until my next appointment, enjoy!

38 weeks...holy cow!

38 weeks, covered up is better!