Blessed.

I feel like here lately (and in the beginning of my pregnancy) that I have really been getting down & complaining a lot. When you puke everyday for 15-16 weeks, can you really blame a person for complaining?? But in all honesty, I know that I (that David and I) are blessed beyond measure. The first go round with getting pregnant didn't work out the way we wanted it to, and I know there was a reason for that. When we found out we were expecting this time around, we didn't get our hopes up, we tried to stay grounded.. and when the morning sickness took over, I knew everything was going to work itself out--and it has.
Being able to carry a baby inside of me has been challenging, and rewarding. I have truly cherished watching the little babe move around in my stomach, being able to see the expression on Davids face when he felt her move for the first time. Seeing the look in Davids eyes when we found out it was a girl, will always be in my mind. What a wonderful opportunity and blessing to become a mother-I know that she isn't here yet, but just carrying this life inside of me makes me a mom--I think.
I don't know what the future holds, I don't know what she looks like, what she's going to act like, if she will be a healthy baby or a sick baby..but no matter what, she is mine to take care of on this earth, to love and to cherish--its almost like your wedding vows, but its more amazing than that. I don't have to build my love for her, because I already have it. I love her, its so odd, I have never felt this way before-- I feel sentimental all the time--these hormones are crazy ha! So needless to say, I am feeling very blessed each and every day to be able to hold this child in my womb, and I cannot wait for her to get here and I cannot wait to love her for all of my days.

36 Weeks, Measuring at 37

How Far Along: 36 Weeks, measuring a week ahead though

Total weight gain/loss: 25 lbs. I wish to NOT gain any more either! ha!

Stretch marks: so far so good- still just prominent looking veins for now, which I'm suprised about really- i figured I would get some stretch marks, and maybe I still will??

Sleep: just functioning day to day on what sleep I can get, which in total for each night is about 3-4 hours, 5 if I'm really lucky. At this point I need a drink about every hour, and then I have to get up and use the bathroom every other other- so its a load of fun - and then of course your supposed to sleep on your left side, but then my hips get all achy blah!

Best Moment: having my baby shower a few weeks ago, I was so suprised by all the gifts and everyone that came, it was wonderful!!

Movement: still lots of movement... I was hoping she would get in position by now and stop moving so much-- but thats not the case. hopefully she will make her downward descent VERY soon

Cravings: orange juice (but that's nothing new with me) I love grapes right now; I did have a craving for hot dogs--thats until I literally hurled all night long after eating one (no more hot dogs for me)

Aversions: hot dogs haha--see above! lol

Gender: Girl

Labor Signs: so I've heard the term lightening crotch, I think I'm having that here lately-just shooting pains and pressure down low, but it does go away pretty quick. At this point, I'm just getting nervous, wondering when and what is going to happen (will my body start labor naturally or will i have to be induced/c-section, ya know all those worries)

Belly Button: theres no belly button left, just as flat as my stomach.

What I miss most: good sleep, and unswollen feet... oh my feet are swollen bad!

Milestones/Looking Forward to: Going to get checked for dialation this week (the exam won't be fun, but I will get some good information hopefully) I am just ready for her to be here!