38 weeks- here we go!

How Far Along?  In the HOME STRETCH.  38 weeks.  It's almost go time people.

Size of Baby: about the size of a pumpkin (19.6 in and 6.6lbs).  I'm guessing bigger though- haha.

Gender: OMG tell me please.  I want to know!

Weight Gain: This is amusing - I was telling my friends at work how with all 3 kids I was the same exact starting weight...and gained 40 lbs with each of them.  Then I weighed myself and it was 39lbs.  So yep - same thing!

Nursery: Coming together.  Jimmy rocked it and brought out the saw and made me a peg board with trim to hang up over the dresser, a wood valance for the window/curtains (that looks awesome!) and then a few book shelves to put the baby books at child-level like our other two kiddos have.

Movement: Baby is getting bigger so the movements are frequent (which is good) but less kicking and more rolling.  I did have a scare two Saturday's ago (Saturday of 4th of July weekend).  Woke up like normal and didn't feel the baby as much.  We went out and grabbed a bagel with the kids (versus our usual breakfast) and then went to Lowe's.  I wasn't feeling the baby at all, but figured I was just distracted.  So after we got home I drank a pop, laid down, tried everything to get the babe to move.  And nothing was working.  I was calm but nervous and Jimmy just told me to call the doctor.  So I did and she said, she would feel better (I was a little over 37 weeks) if I just went to L&D at the hospital to get everything checked out.  I headed up there and my mom met me up there.  They just hooked me up and my blood pressure was high (likely just because I was so nervous) and then tracked the baby's heart rate for about 40 min.  Only once the nurse came in and made me rotate around because the heart rate dropped.  In the end, everything was good - which I was so grateful for.  I told my doctor at my next appointment that I felt so silly, but she said absolutely not and she would have been so mad at me if I would have ignored my instinct.  Seriously - babe, you're making me nervous!  I'm ready to meet you!!

Symptoms: It's over 90 degrees everyday in Kansas.  So hot.  Apparently my pubic bone is separating (per my doctor - awesome!).  Constant pressure.  Heartburn that wakes me up in the middle of the night.  Peeing constantly.  Can't bend down.  Can't sit down for too long...can't stand up for too long.  

Ok is that enough.  Haha.  But really - everything that comes with being this pregnant.  It's rough for sure, but it does make it easier knowing how worth it all is when you hold that sweet little baby in your arms and kiss it.

Sleep:  Ha.  That's funny.  The other morning I woke up at 4 to write thank you notes because I couldn't sleep.  I woke up starving at 2 one night and ate some cereal and read about the horrible events in Dallas.  Let's just say, I'm ready for the baby to get here so my lack of sleep is actually justified!!!!

Cravings: Casey's coke slushie.  All day everyday.  With cherry slushie in the middle.

What I Miss: RE: symptoms.  Haha - but really, just looking forward to being on the other side.  Having this sweet baby.  Holding it in my arms and introducing it to Charlie and Maddie!

Best Moment This (these) Week(s): Seeing all the Carter cousins together and how Charlie and Maddie just love them and play together and how excited I was seeing baby Jay (3 months older than this babe) and thinking of all the fun he and this baby will have!!!!!  Family is the best!

Panic Moment This Week: This.  Just this.  So many car seats....

Looking Forward To:  Oh BTW - HAVING A BABY ON FRIDAY MORNING - NO LATER!

Yes, you read that right folks.  7/15 is eviction day.  I will be 39 weeks and 1 day.  And I couldn't be happier.  At my 37 week appointment, my awesome doctor said - we cannot talk induction until the next appointment.  I told her, nah, I think I'll be good.  

Then week 37 happened.  I tested strep B positive.  We met with the maternity coordinator at the hospital about logistics - mainly how everything happened SO fast with Maddie last time and I was strep B positive with her....didn't get the medicine in me fast enough or stayed in me long enough - then we had to spend a few days at Children's Mercy with her at 2 weeks old....and I wanted to know how we could potentially prevent that this time.  I started panicking about what the heck we are going to do with our other kids.  It was like SO hot.  I was/am so tired.  I got scared due to lack of movement of the baby  - so much changed.  It was crazy!

So at my 38 week appointment my doctor and I had a long talk.  Like I love her.  Seriously.  She's ALWAYS late to every appointment, but once you see her, never makes you feel like you need to rush  We talked through everything.  And she goes - you know what - what are you doing next Friday?!  Because I'm free to deliver your baby.  And I was like YES PLEASE.  So that was that and I walked out with a date.  An end of this pregnancy and a start to the beginning of our adventure with baby #3 and as a family of 5.  I was relieved, excited and confident.  I cannot stress how important having a doctor you like and trust is - seriously.  Oh and one that just gets you.  Because I know she does.

And here we go.  Now at T-3 days until we meet this little one.  I woudl like it to come on it's own in a way because it was a faster labor (by about 2 hours) with Maddie than Charlie - but at the same time, I'm excited to get a full night of sleep the night before, kiss my other kiddos goodbye and check in to have this baby.  So say an extra prayer for us as we start this adventure in less than 3 days!  It feels so unreal at this point.  And I'm SOOOOO EXCITED!  I just can't hide it ;)