35 week update

 

29 days left!  At the most!  It's still looking like my induction date will be set as December 22nd- which would be 39 weeks and 1 day.  The good news is I can feel my body changing and I've had a lot more regular and more painful Braxton Hicks contractions, so I'm hoping things will at least be started on their own.  Natural is always easier.  I would rather walk around at a 3 for a few weeks than try to start from nothing on induction day!

This Thanksgiving I have SO much to be grateful for.  A healthy and brilliant son, who is actually pretty hilarous most of the time and brings lots of light to our lives.  A HEALTHY daughter, who is SO close to joining our family- after we have prayed for so many years and mourned so many losses.  What a blessing to experience what a real miracle is!  I have the most loving husband (who hasn't been able to keep up with all the places who want to interview him!) who is now FINISHED with clinical internships and graduates with his Doctorate in 16 days!  I feel like so many blessings are being realized at the exact same time.  It makes for a stressful month, but in the best way.  The Lord has blessed us more than we can express.

Everything being said, I have had a difficult week dealing with anxiety.  I think that's pretty normal as you get closer to delivery.  Part of me wants her to come a bit early while I know she's still healthy so no complications can suddenly arise...part of me wants her to be full term to avoid any NICU stays or health issues.  My friend told me, "Trust your body," and I've been clinging to that advice.  I'm trying to put my fear of stillbirth aside and trust that as long as her weekly NSTs are looking good and she is moving well, my body will know when it's time for her to be born.  I'm glad they won't make me go to 40 weeks (or past it) just to be on the safe side.  Speaking of NSTs, Aidia did great this week!  It is so comforting to see her heart and fluid doing exactly what it should be doing!  I got a cute video of the monitor moving all over as she tried to kick it off my belly.

 

My blood pressure starting coming up again this week as my stress increased, but I've tried to stay more calm the last few days and it's not at a dangerous level right now.  I got really overwhelmed with lots of random things going on that seemed to all happen at once.  The holidays are always crazy anyway!  We've run into more problems with Kevin getting licensed and working- it's beyond frustrating how long the process can take.  All the man wants to do is work, he has job offers, and yet we're afraid of a 6 week window with no employment for him.  But all hope is not yet lost- we are doing everything we can to speed up the process so he can legally practice and we're stretching money the best we can.  

Nesting has REALLY kicked in this week.  That, and my ice craving is in full force now.  At least it's not an expensive craving!  I have loved getting some things ready for sweet baby girl to arrive!

Diaper station/ Dresser in Jack's room is all done!

Stocked up!  The middle drawer is 0-3 months and the bottom drawer is 3 months and up!

Hospital Bag packed and ready to go

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Warm and Cozy! Now just to get it installed in the car...

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Is that not the cutest newborn bracelet you've ever seen?  I can't wait for Kevin to have a few days at home so we can get the house scrubbed and everything organized.  I'm glad things are starting to come together! I was lucky enough to get my maternity pictures back this week, from my 30 week shoot, and they are gorgeous!  I will treasure them forever.  Thank you, Jacquie, for being so talented and capturing this wonderous time for us.  I have the whole album on my Facebook page but I'll share a couple here.

I love you my little Rainbow!  I can't wait to see your beautiful face in a month!