36-4

I can't believe that in one month I should have a baby added to our family. Time is flying by! I'm getting excited and doing my best to stay active, yet not overdo it. Yesterday I went for a walk and had the strangest feeling that I was carrying someone inside my belly. I know that's not necessarily a new revelation, but space is so tight in there now that I can practically feel the way his limbs are all folded up and packed in, whereas before, it was more like a goldfish in a baggie.

I had a doctors appointment yesterday. Another disappointment in their "service". I saw a new midwife on my "team" that I hadn't met before. Good thing I did. She asked me if anyone had mentioned something to me about getting vaccinated. I had talked about vaccines for the baby, but nothing for me. Well, apparently whooping cough is going around these days, and at week 27 I was supposed to get a vaccine for that. I told her that didn't sound familiar at all. She said, "well, let's hope you don't have the baby in the next two weeks because it takes two weeks for the antibodies to start working". Um... cool, glad that was mentioned before-NOT. Stupid. So I got this shot yesterday, and my arm has been KILLING me ever since. I can barely move it. No fun.

Our crib! Waiting to be slept in.

Other than more medical irresponsibly from my "team", they did determine that Ryan's head is down. That's about it. Nothing too exciting on my end.

The weekend however was such an emotional one. Now-since I've been in the 3rd trimester, I've wanted to break down and cry and lots of things. Have I? Not really. I'm pretty good at keeping my shit together when it's not an "emergency" crying situation, but I have been almost brought to tears a lot and this weekend was a big one!

Changing table and our other set of decals :)

Saturday was my last Zumba class taught on base. I was shocked and speechless when my regular Z-ladies came with presents and cupcakes for me! I basically had a mini baby shower there. It was so incredibly kind and thoughtful and I couldn't have been more appreciative. It also made me sad that I have to take a break from teaching them all! It's so hard to give up something you've worked so hard at, succeeded at, and also love doing. Tomorrow night is my final class. I'm a little sad, but the good news is I can keep taking other people's classes until this baby pops out.

My Zumba goodies!!! 

The second great thing about my weekend was my husband. He was so incredibly awesome to me. Now, before I say this, I need to state for the record that G usually helps me out around the house and has picked up my slack during this pregnancy when it comes to carrying dog food, other big items, carrying vacuums up/down stairs, washing the dogs, and all the other things that take too much of a toll on my body these past 8 months. He really is great. But there was just something about this weekend that took him from great, to beyond perfect. It was like he sensed that I was slowing down and needed help, but he did everything one step ahead of me. For example: as I got up to do dishes, I turned and saw him already doing them, or when I asked if he wanted to go to Babies R Us with me to grab some items, he didn't even hesitate and said yes and even let me take my sweet ass time in there, followed by a trip to Target. We got groceries together and he wouldn't even let me pull groceries out of the cart.

Reading and resting area

I think the best part was Saturday night when he cooked dinner for me. He actually told me, "once you sit down, you're stuck there. You're not allowed to get up and help." He not only grilled an amazing steak dinner, but he poured me a mocktail in a wine glass and used our china dishes and we had a fancy date night at home. It was amazing. His thoughtfulness this weekend brought tears to my eyes multiple times. He just took charge and took care of me, and it was exactly what I needed. I am definitely slowing down these days and I am so glad I have him with me to the end of this adventure. *Sigh* He's dreamy.

We have most of our nursery finished. My hospital bag is almost completely packed. There are a couple things left to do, but not much. I've been doing lots of reading on labor. After taking that birthing class, I have given natural birth more thought. I asked G his opinion and he said that natural birth seems to be the least risky-which is true in most cases. I told him I value him opinion, so I wouldn't completely rule it out. I just know that I would need to be more prepared for a natural birth, so we've been doing some research together on breathing techniques. I think once I get through my first wave of contractions and get to the hospital, I'll have a better idea of whether or not I feel prepared for natural birth. I'm still liking the idea of an epidural, but like I said, nothing is 100% determined at this point.

Month-by-month frame and closet full of little clothes! 

Our next class is next week and it's on breastfeeding so I think that will be my next research topic. We are counting down the days until our life forever changes! I'm so prepared and not ready at the same time!