9 Months!

This week marks the start of my 9th month of pregnancy.  Only 4 weeks left until baby arrives!  It is getting real now.  I've been forewarned about all of the signs of impending labor, and this topic is never far from mind, considering that babies are considered full-term if they are delivered any time after 37 weeks (which is next week).

36 Weeks Pregnant

I've started to waddle (my friend Janet commented "finally" when I told her - she has been on waddle-watch since I teased her when she was pregnant with her first 2 years ago!), and I'm finding it cumbersome to put on underwear, pants, socks, and shoes now.  I huff and puff walking up hills and stairs.  But really, I still feel good.  Just tired and annoyed with peeing every hour & a half a night.  Baby seems secure in the womb, still riding a little high in my belly.  I get treated to a mini soccer game on the upper right side of my abdomen approximately an hour after eating a meal or snack.  I think that is one of the things I will really miss - feeling baby's movements in my belly.  It's such a cool feeling and quite comforting to know that s/he is in there.

This week at our doctor's appointment, I got tested for Group B Strep.  Hopefully it comes back negative.  If not, it just means that I have to be on antibiotics during labor to protect the baby.  Not a great big deal either way. We also listened to the heartbeat again, which is probably my favorite part of the appointments.

Next week is a flu shot; this is where I sarcastically say "wahoo" since I don't usually get flu shots, but the doctor sincerely recommended it during pregnancy.  Other than that, we're just waiting for the big day and baby's debut!  S/he is still on track to be a "normal-sized" baby according to the Doc.

My mom (baby's Babcia) is visiting this coming weekend for a marathon cooking session to make freezer meals for those nights when we don't feel like cooking after the baby is here.  Who knows how our sleep will be with nighttime feedings, and I'm not that great a cook to begin with, so my skills probably won't improve on decreased zzzz's.  We also plan to coerce Craig into setting up the baby's crib.  With only 3 and a 1/2 weeks to go by this weekend, there's no time like the present to be prepared!  And I'm really eager to put the freshly washed bedding in place and see baby's room really take shape.  (I promise to post pictures!)  Everything will get covered so the cats can't take over, but at least the furniture arranging will be settled.

I keep praying every day for a healthy, happy baby.  We can't wait to welcome our little one into the world!