You know it!

Eh? This is my 36 1/2 week belly casting photo. My sister, sis-in-law, mom, and favorite aunt surprised me over the weekend with a special "girls only" morning. All the boys (kids and daddies) went about doing other things, while the women surprised me with a fabulous brunch and belly casting session. It was so much fun and exactly what I needed! Notice the seran wrap? I am totally sexy.

Had a really nice visit with the McGowans at the end of last week. I am always a little anxious when seeing people of long ago. My life is so crazy and often feels out of control... it was actually grounding to spend time with folks who were on my same page with life. It was good.

Went to the midwives yesterday and they checked me out. I'm 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. I know this means nothing, really, but I was excited because it really is true that the end is near! I am officially ready for this to happen and to meet my baby. I can't believe we'll be a family of four in less than a month. Yowza. Wish me luck.

36 week musings

Now that I am nearing the end- on the home stretch- I am having a hard time concentrating on anything else. And I'm giving myself complete permission to do this because I think I have the right. I have been for the most part, jolly, social, and decidedly not completely me-focused for the last 36 weeks... So the few days and weeks that I have left? It's all about me, baby.

So I went out and got accessories for my pump. I am getting my labor bag ready (with snacks and music and gum and all that good stuff). I'm taking baths. I'm having lots of sex (thank you, CNN). I'm talking about baby, baby, baby and how our lives are going to change and how that feels. I'm happy and sad and excited and nervous. We've been going to our birthing class and I'm getting backrubs (and asking for more). But you know what else? I got a hemorrhoid. Never in my life have I experienced this sort of beast and I don't wish it on anyone. What's worse? I'm talking about it, for godssake.

Emotionally, the old-- what am I doing with my life?-- is coming to the fore once again (like it does every 6 weeks or so). I'm wanting to have more women in my life, more friendships, more me time, more creativity, more positive energy. I have a really good job and yet I'm always feeling like it isn't enough... like it isn't it. And I'm not sure I will ever find "it" or even come close to what "it" represents. All I know is, my work doesn't make my soul sing. It's not an accurate expressionn of my true self. But what is??

Acid Reflux Blues

Please go away, acid reflux!
Spite thee, almighty spiter!

angry pregnant lady

not a lot to report really.

according to the lilypie tracker, I only have 39 days to go until i'm 40 weeks pregnant (and therefore, until suspected delivery day)... but did i mention that the O-Bird was born at 37 weeks?! that's 2 1/2 weeks away. We're talking, like, seventeen days from now.

i have a lot to do in terms of making sure things are "ready" for me to not be at work anymore. i know that everyone will survive and it won't be that big a deal, but it is quite anxiety provoking... and i'm also feeling a bit apathetic, which certainly doesn't help in getting the job done.

physically, i'm starting to have pain. my body is stretching and my pelvic muscles are sore. i go to the chiropractor for the first time tonight, and i'm a little nervous. i've never been to one. apparently it's supposed to ease birth-- realigning the pelvis and all that. i'll let you know. i am also starting to waddle like a pregnant woman, peeing all night long, and i'm an emotional train wreck. i unleashed angry pregnant lady on poor husband this weekend and i'm still feeling a little out of sorts because of it. but you know what? i don't really feel bad, exactly. it's not like he's the one carrying around 25 extra pounds during a heatwave with no air conditioning, only to experience hours of painstaking labor.... phew! see that? angry pregnant lady can't be stopped.