36 Weeks & Cookie has Dropped!

TOTAL WEIGHT GAIN: Had the OB visit today. We're now going to weekly...I've gained 5 lbs in 2 weeks.  Yikes!  Nurse was quick to point out that my ankle swelling (and with my additional hand swelling) some of the weight gain can be attributed to the water retention.  I told her I liked that logic and I was keeping it.  That makes total weight gain to 30 lbs.  Ugh.

MOVEMENT:Very frequent, big movements - now getting painful about a third of the time. My stomach actually gets lumpy at times. Hiccups are continuing every couple of days (still loving them).

CRAVINGS: No cravings still.  My friends whom I'm staying with this week have been so wonderful and have been cooking for me all week.  Clem cooked last night and I had brussel sprouts for the first time since I was 7.  Clem's way is definitely not the boiled mush mess my parents used to make.  I absolutely LOVED them and can't wait to make them for Nick when he gets back!

SYMPTOMS: Emotional ups and downs, major forgetfulness, missing feet, crazy dreams, mild heartburn, spicy food aversion, very frequent urination, mild constipation, lower back pain, frequent hip pain while sleeping, middle of the night insomnia from the 3-4 times I wake up every night to pee, swelling of the feet and hands, uterine discomfort, faint linea nigra, minimal stretch marks on left and RIGHT hip and left and RIGHT inner thigh (hopefully we won't have any more), mild fatigue, mild shortness of breath, general feeling of uncomfortableness.  I was told that that the hand joint achiness and tingling at night is carpal tunnel - yea me.  OB promised it would go away after the baby was born - pure pregnancy related only.

Still only that one episode of the Braxton-Hicks contractions.

BELLY BUTTON: We have a flat belly button now...it hasn't popped out though

PREPARATIONS: I pulled the car seat out of the box today and put the infant bar on the Bob - but base has not been put in the car still.  Ordered the last few things we needed (including the changing pad for the changing table).  OB today has kicked me into gear - no more lounging (see the Milestones).  Still no movement on the family room - but Nick has been on the East Coast for work this week.  I'm currently being baby sat by our dear friends Clem & Tara (I refer to them as Clara).

Concrete patio is FINALLY being poured on Thursday...so says the contractor!

MILESTONES: Still exploding in size. Saw the OB today...Cookie has dropped.  I didn't feel it and I don't think I look different, but I think that's because I was carrying low to begin with.  50% effaced, no dilation.  Can we say YIKES!  A little scared and overwhelmed right now.  My body is getting ready whether my mind is ready...although my heart is.  I can't wait to meet this little girl I've bonded with these last 36 weeks (she's been my partner in crime).

Officially started our 9th month yesterday.  Another YIKES!  I still wonder what happened to the first and second trimesters (although I acutely remember how terribly I felt during that first trimester!).

WEEKLY WISDOM: Hmm...I have all the wisdoms I've already shared flowing around my mind.  This week's is actually two repeats from previously - your partner and your friends.  They've taken such good care of me...I know I couldn't have gotten through these weeks with out them.

Also - a special shout out to my friend in TX who I stole the inspiration for this blog from (she's due exactly two weeks before me). 

Candice - it's been fun going through this process with you and talking about everything that's been going on...I wish we lived in the same area - but it will be fun sharing with each other about our adventures in new motherhood.  I also can't wait to find out if Bebe is a boy or a girl!

Now...Week 36 belly pic!  The only other one you'll get if 40 Weeks (and that's if Cookie doesn't arrive before then)...wow!