Itchy Belly!

Holy moley! My belly itches like no other! This is a recent occurrence and definitely an annoying one! Oh but good news (well, at least for me I suppose), because of my incredibly itchy abdomen I've been using Palmer's Anti Itch Oil and it's definitely helping with the stretch marks! Sweet! It helps with the itch AND helps to fade out my stretch marks?! Hallelujah! Anywho, just thought I'd share should anyone else come across this oh so fun symptom of pregnancy. =)

She's in position...

now all she needs to do is drop! I had another Dr's appointment today and he "checked" me. Yayyyy, that was fun. Um, he said she's head first, but that she hasn't dropped yet. I can't imagine that feeling, because it already feels like I have immense pressure on my pelvic region. He also said that my cervix is still pretty thick so the process hasn't started yet. Darn it! I was hoping I'd go in and he'd say "Heather, you're 1 cm dilated and you can expect to go into labor THIS week"! Yehhh, I don't think that's going to happen. But the cool thing is Wednesday I'll be 37 weeks which is considered full term so it will be perfectly safe for her to come anytime after that!!! I just keep telling her to drop and let's get this show on the road!

Less than a month to go (hopefully)!!

Here I am, 8 months down and almost full term...less than a month from my due date! I've been making checklists and trying to think of absolutely anything and everything that we may have forgotten to get, which I am sure there is something. Last minute stuff that I've remembered: Bottle warmer-check, Infant medicine-check, nightgown for after labor- check, insurance mess straightened out- check, packed bag for her- check, packed bag for me- uh-oh, I gotta get on that. I just can't exactly pack my toothbrush right now. =) I am just so anxious and I'm awaiting any strange feeling I may have that could possibly indicate approaching labor.

Here's a pic of me at 36 weeks and 1 day...3 weeks and 6 days to go (possibly longer, but hopefully shorter)! And yes, I am definitely having trouble finding shirts that completely cover my belly! =)
Oh, and something so very cute...at least to me. She has been having the hiccups like mad. Sometimes she has them a few times a day and sometimes they last for several minutes. It's such a cute feeling and yet, kind of sad as well because I want so badly to pat her back and comfort her. Soon enough I shall!

Dr's Appointment! **UPDATED**

So I had a doctor's appointment today and I was really nervous because I thought my doc was going to start checking my cervix (which I heard kind of hurts). However, the nurse said that they usually start checking at 36 weeks (I'm 2 days from 36 weeks) and then she asked me if I've had any contractions and I said that I had not (that I know of...I suppose I would know). So they are going to start checking next Monday!!! That's right, Dr's appointments are now on a weekly basis which means it's getting closer and closer to my due date! YAY! Anywho, the rest of the Dr's appointment was fine. Blood pressure and pee all fine. My doc also measured my stomach from top to bottom stating that it measured 35 and 1/2 centimeters, which is right because I'm 35 and 1/2 weeks!! It's so weird how it always works out like that. Hmm, lets see...my weight gain has seemed to peak. It's weird because supposedly you're suppose to gain half your weight the 1st and 2nd trimester and then the other half the last trimester. Well, I've barely gained any weight the last trimester which is good because Lord knows if I were to double my 1st and 2nd trimester weight, I'd probably be unable to walk. =) I've pretty much weighed 155 for the past few weeks which means I've gained about 35 pounds this whole pregnancy. That's cool. I'm just not happy about the unsightly stretch marks, but Rhett and my little BFF Kristi keep telling me they'll fade. I hope so otherwise no one will ever see my butt in a bathing suit again! =D

Speaking of little Kristi, here we are celebrating Valentine's Day (our husbands were there too of course!) at Yamatos! She loves just rubbin' on the belly!

***Also, I forgot to mention this, but if you're a mom or soon-to-be-mom and you live in the Pensacola area then you might want to go to the Mom2Mom sale! It's a huge sale of gentle used baby items at the Pensacola Fairgrounds. It's March 13-14th! Check out the site for more info! If I have not gone into labor by then, then I am definitely heading out there!

http://www.mom2momsale.net/

Just a little rambling

My countdown thing says 4 weeks and 6 days to go! I am so ready! I have been thinking alot about the labor process, and yes I am scared...but more than that, I am so excited! I can't even imagine what I will be feeling (emotionally I mean, I'll probably be in alot of physical pain) on our way to the hospital. Knowing that we're on our way to meet our daughter. It's a crazy thought and one that I cannot wait to become reality. Soon, very soon, Rhett and I will be holding our little Lyla.
We've been discussing all the arrangements, like who we want in the room during labor (I say Rhett and only Rhett), how long we want to wait before everyone can meet her (long enough for us to bond with her and for her to breastfeed), and who's insurance to put her on (that has been such a hassle!!)...and let me just say it's all been rather stressful. When we first started this journey to a family of three (well, six if you count Mimi, Libby, and Aubbie) I had no idea some of the situations and decisions we would have to make and how stressful it would become. I suppose this is just the tip of the iceberg to what we have to expect about parenting.
On my way home from work I just got to thinking about my mom and dad and how a long long long time ago :) they were where I am right at this very moment, no children and no huge responsibilities. Then Jesse came and then me and BAM! their lives no longer revolved around "hmm, what am I going to do today" or "where am I going to eat lunch today" (okay, maybe the lunch thing is just me). But really, it's a gigantic change. It's hard for me to picture who my parents were before me and Jesse, because of course I've only ever known them to be mom and dad. And soon, Rhett and I will be a mom and a dad and no longer will our world revolve around us. No more being selfish, it's going to be about giving her the best life possible. So much responsibility, but such a huge reward and blessing. I can not wait. So enough with my rambling...here's a pic of me 35 weeks and 1 day!

Something's about to change...

My cute little animals can't quite figure out what that change may be! Lyla's nursery is my favorite room in the house and apparently, is their new favorite room too! They just don't know what's in store for them...a new little sister!

They just love to sit in her room...
Mimi checking things out...

I don't know if Libby's ready to share all the attention that she gets...we shall see!