Final Preparations

Since I'm 36 weeks, that means next Friday I'm officially full-term (37 weeks). Adam and I are spending our Saturday finishing up shopping for the  last-minute things we need, like a crib mattress and bedding, a changing table pad, supplies for the hospital, etc. We just want to make sure we're prepared in case I go early.

We still feel like we aren't entirely prepared for the way our lives are going to change. But really, can anyone be fully prepared for this? It ends up just being one of those "jump into the deep end" sort of things. Fortunately, Adam's an excellent swimmer and I can hold my own with a doggy paddle. :)

I have realized this week that I have *no idea* what should go in a diaper bag other than diapers, wipes, and a portable changing pad. I'm guessing an extra outfit for baby and probably a shirt for me (at least), some toys, maybe some diaper rash cream (fortunately, I was given a few little travel-sized items), and what else? This is one of those cases where Google is my new best friend.

Once we get the nursery is finally finished with the mattress and bedding in place, etc., I will take pictures and post them. We still don't have wall decor up, but that's ok. We'll get to that eventually.

The rest of this weekend will be devoted to spending time together and probably preparing some freezer-friendly meals. So far, I've only thought of chili, but I'm sure I'll come up with more. There's only so much pasta a girl can handle...

Here is this week's picture at 36 weeks:

I really look a lot bigger in the pictures than I feel. How can I be so big when I don't feel that way? I'm really not uncomfortable at this stage and perhaps I should be. I do get heartburn when food looks at me, but otherwise, I'm doing ok. Adam helps me get my tie shoes on and often helps me get my shoes off. Stooping and bending can be quite challenging, but that comes with the territory.

Oh and I had another check-up with OB yesterday. He doesn't start cervical checks for another 2 weeks (38 weeks). I think that makes sense though; otherwise, telling a woman she's 1cm dilated and 50% effaced would just give a false sense of hope. In reality, women can walk around like that for weeks. Why make her anxious about impending childbirth when it can really be a while longer? In other news, I'm up about 23lbs now - I think Zyggie had a growth spurt last week because I gained about 2.5lbs this past week. This is good news though. I know Zyggie will do some of his/her best growing now.