36 Weeks

Tuesday I hit the 36 week mark of my pregnancy with Alien. All in all I have felt pretty good up to this point, and in some ways this pregnancy has been easier. I only have a charlie horse once or twice a week, I haven't had a lot of dizziness spells, I don't have severe insomnia, and I've been almost totally heart burn free. But in other ways it has been much harder. My body just feels big and tired. My back almost constantly hurts. The baby is much lower and taking up a smaller overall space meaning I can feel every move he makes and now that he is pretty big, those movements aren't always pleasant. This also makes me have to go the bathroom almost every hour during the night so while I can sleep, it certainly isn't restful. Then there was the fever and a few other issues I won't go in to, but overall it has been pretty uncomfortable, especially the last few weeks. So I am definitely excited to be to 36 weeks and for Alien to be big enough at this point that he could come at anytime and most likely be a healthy little guy. I do certainly hope he'll stay in me a little longer and grow a little bigger and stronger, but if he wants to come out in early October that would be great! And if his big sister would sleep in past 6:15 this coming weekend that would make life even better!

We'll try to take a belly picture and post a Noelle/Alien belly comparison!

In terms of getting ready for Alien, we are just about good to go. He has a name, YAY! I even have gotten some wood letetrs and are decorating them for his nursery since the walls are sadly white and barren. I also decided since Noelle is 2 I'd finally do her initials on her wall as well! Bryan put the car seat bases in the car last weekend, and all the 0-3 month clothes are washed, folded, and put away. His room is totally ready with the exception of needing to put sheets on his mattress, and we stocked up on some size 1 diapers. A couple of mom friends are throwing me a little "sprinkle" next week which is really sweet. Basically it is a mini-shower for someone who already has had a baby where you get smaller items like diapers, wipes, clothes, etc. I am excited to celebrate Alien's impending arrival with these ladies! So besides packing our hospital bag (on the agenda for this weekend) we are ready and waiting for Alien to arrive!

I did have my last fetal study appointment Monday and Alien did keep up his record. In 8 total ultrasounds we never got a good view of his face. Pretty impressive persistence from the little guy! But my amniotic fluid still looks good and Alien is head down. I have learned that most 2nd babies don't drop until labor is about to begin so he is basically where he needs to be at this point. My midwife thinks he is currently in the 5.5 pound range, and according to the study leader, he apparently has a nice full set of hair on the top of his head. Kind of crazy that they can tell that in utero! So we are hanging in here and about to enter the real waiting game at our house (and trying to enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with just 1 child and dog!)