The Beginning of the End

Hello and happy Tuesday!

We had a relatively uneventful weekend that looked a lot like the past few weekends – lots of nesting projects and some fun in-between.  Matt & I went out on one last date night before my mom gets here on Friday (hoping we can squeeze another one in once she’s here.)  We went to see some improv comedy, which was a fun change of pace, and had a bit of a disappointing dinner at Bonterra. But we picked up some Jeni’s ice cream after dinner,  which made up for it.

At 38 weeks, I’m definitely feeling excited for the next few weeks! My to-do list is almost complete and I’m starting to relax a bit more. I had bad cramps on Friday and Saturday, and in the words of my yoga teacher (who’s a midwife), “things are happening!!”  My doctor confirmed that baby is engaged in the pelvis (Emerson never was) and my chiropractor said everything is opening and baby is in a good position.  I’ve had a few painful Braxton-Hicks (does that just make them regular contractions?), so I know my uterus is gearing up for something.

This pregnancy has been identical to Emerson’s in so many ways – same morning sickness, similar food aversions, similar size (I think the bump looks the same, but doctor thinks this baby is a bit smaller), same symptoms, and same due date!!  The main difference has been that the fatigue was so much worse this time around (probably just because of having a toddler) and carrying a baby around has been so much harder on my body.  And now that I’m nearing the end, there are a lot of little differences –   the cramping, being able to feel a head down there, feeling my pelvic bones ache and move, and feeling pain radiate down my legs.  Fingers crossed this means baby is descending better and I don’t have to be induced.  I can’t believe I went to 41 weeks 5 days with Em – that feels like an eternity from now! Also, having a placenta in the back this time has been the most fun thing ever and the movements are so much crazier.  Lastly, I’ve had a surge of energy recently, so other than the heaviness/pressure, I’m feeling great all things considered.

Emerson has been up and down lately, but seems to getting back into the swing of school again.  She’s been really into taking care of her doll and telling me all the ways she’s going to help with baby.  But, she’s also been pretend crying, crawling, and making baby noises, so there’s that.  I’m nervous for her reaction/adjustment once she’s realizes that baby is real and here to stay.

For now, I’m looking forward to a small sprinkle with friends on Saturday, having some help with Emerson from my mom, and lots of relaxing and good food while we wait for this baby to make her debut!