Relaxing on the Couch

The itching from my poison ivy (or whatever it is) has subsided a little, but it doesn't look much better. I'm hoping I'll see an improvement tomorrow. I am feeling a little better though and have been getting more sleep each night.

Doctor's Appointment

Andrew and I were almost convinced that Paige was going to make an appearance last night. I had some intense contractions for about 3 hours, but they weren't regular. I don't think it will be long though.

At my doctor's appointment this morning, they were concerned about my rash (which is blistering around my ankles) and the size of the baby. They did an ultrasound to see if the baby was big or there was an excess of fluid and it turns out that both are the case. At 37 weeks, 5 days, the baby is measuring 9 lbs. 3 oz. and there is plenty of fluid for her to continue her acrobatics. The dermatologist diagnosed me with contact dermatitis which I guess is better than some alternatives, but no less comfortable. I'm still waiting on the approval of my OB to take an oral Cortizone, but hopefully that will give me some relief.

I think I might be having a September baby after all. I'll keep you updated.

"Nap Time"

When Andrew went to get Claire from her "nap time" this afternoon, this is how he found her.

New Dress and New Shoes

We bought Claire these new shoes yesterday and this dress last weekend. She also got some Nike shoes that look just like her daddy's, just a light shade of blue on the swoosh. She is ready for some fall apparel! The necklace was one we bought at the beach that she has worn every day since our return. The Minnie mouse bow she has worn every day for two weeks now, and the flower wrist-band is actually a head band that was given to Paige at the shower last weekend. Claire has been wearing them as bracelets all week.

37 Weeks...full term!

This past week has been rough. I've had severe acid reflux at night that has left me with a burning throat and searching for Tums at 2:30am. My ankles and feet have been incredibly swollen to the point that it's painful. My belly and legs itch so intensely that I think I might go crazy. My whole body aches at night when I sleep on one side, then it's the same on the other side. I have definitely transitioned from, "Oh, it's so much fun being pregnant," to "I would really like my body back, please." That being said, I still would like Paige to stay put at least through next week. I have a huge grant proposal that I'm trying to finish and painters are coming to paint the first floor of our house (extreme nesting mode) on Monday and will be here through the week. Paige did get some wonderful gifts at the "Celebration of Motherhood" party last weekend. While she will wear hand-me-downs from time to time, she has a nice assortment of new clothes too.

Weekly weight change = +0.5 lbs.
Total weight change = +34.5 lbs.


Today, Claire is 2.5 years old. She has been so funny lately. She started asking last week what Momma and Daddy's names are. She says, "Andrew" really well, but almost every time she says my name (which is a mouth full) she adds an extra syllable and it comes out, "Mary-ary Robert." It's pretty adorable. When I start complaining about my belly itching she'll ask, "Momma, do you have 'squito bites?" When I reply, "yes" (because I do have them on top of the regular too much estrogen/pregnancy itching), she'll say, "Can I kiss it?" It always makes me feel a little better. She has taken to walking around on her tiptoes all the time which is kind of funny. Maybe it will give her enormous calf muscles some day. I took her to a volleyball match a few weeks ago and she's still talking about it. She has been hitting balloons a lot and saying she's "playing volleyball." Oh it would make her daddy so proud if she played volleyball some day. This weekend we are focusing on Claire knowing that it could be the last where we can do that. She is quite a character and says she's excited to meet Paige.

Ice Cream Shelf

36 Weeks

Several days this week I thought would be "the day," but it looks like we have a little more time as parents of a singleton. I'm feeling really good this week, but have noticed more and more Braxton Hicks contractions. They are definitely alleviated somewhat by driving to work though. Andrew and I got to have a date night tonight while a former student came and baby-sat. We know this could be the last for a while. Tomorrow is my "celebration of motherhood" party that I'm really looking forward to. My next doctor's appointment is on Tuesday.

Weekly weight change = +1.5 lbs.
Total weight change = +34.0 lbs.

Claire wanted to take a photo in front of "her numbers."

Play Date with Ainsley

35 Weeks

Driving to work everyday has made such a difference in how I feel. My feet don't get nearly as swollen and sore as they did when I was walking Claire to daycare, then walking to work, then walking home. At my doctor's appointment on Tuesday, Paige was measuring like I was 38 weeks along, not almost 35. The doctors are pretty sure, as am I, that Paige will be big. I just hope she stays put for a few more weeks...at least until October. Now we have her furniture assembled and clothes washed and put away, it feels pretty real. I just packed a hospital bag moments ago, just in case. Next weekend, my friends are throwing me a "Celebration of Motherhood" party, which will essentially be a baby shower, but with a focus on being a mother. I'm really looking forward to it.

Weekly weight change = -1.0 lbs.
Total weight change = +32.5 lbs.

Dinner Conversation

34 Weeks

I've been feeling good this past week. Swelling doesn't seem to be as prominent as it was before. Thursday was the first time I've driven to work since I started teaching at Berea. I'm going to drive a little more through the month of September because with all of the walking I do while at work, I've noticed more and more Braxton-Hicks contractions. I really don't want them to keep coming at the same rate and I'd rather Paige not arrive before she's finished cooking.

Paige's furniture arrived yesterday (photos below) and I've been working to wash her new clothes, as well as Claire's old clothes and get them put away in her room. It's starting to feel very real now.

Weekly weight change = +0.5 lbs.
Total weight change = +33.5 lbs.