It always seems impossible until it’s done.

NELSON MANDELA

I haven’t really had too many complaints in this pregnancy journey, but I’m starting to really feel it now. Tired all the time, backaches, heartburn, and being the size of a bus is not my cup of tea. All of my fingers and toes are crossed that I only have three more weeks of being in this fun state.

How Far Along: 37 Weeks

Total Weight Gain: 33 pounds

Food Cravings: I think I had my first real craving this week. I spent an entire day dreaming about cinnamon rolls (something I never eat), only to resist temptation. When I told Chris about my craving, he thought I was crazy for not eating it. I guess at 37 weeks, I might as well enjoy life now.

What I Miss: I miss being self-sufficient. Pretty much everyday, I have to make a list of things for the hubby to help me do. Moving heavy boxes just isn’t in my forte anymore.

Symptoms: I had my cervix checked this week. That was fun… I’m still not dilated, but there is some thinning going on. A friend told me that having that checked was the worst part of the whole labor process, so I’m telling myself that’s true.

Baby Movement: Chris was shocked this week to look over and actually see the baby move. I think he’s ready to come out!

Maternity Attire: Hmm…I find myself in yoga pants and Chris’ sweatshirts a lot these days. I try and limit that to just my at home attire, but let’s be honest, I try to stay at home as much as possible.

Hurl Factor: No complaints in this department. It’s been smooth sailing.

Annoyances: Anemia is getting the best of me these days, and I am tired all the time. With so much to do and so little time, I could use a nice burst of energy. Let’s go nesting mode.

Weekly Highlight: Is it weird to say that lower back pain, a thinning cervix, and Braxton Hicks are the highlight of my week? Because I am ready for this baby to get here.

What were your first signs of labor?

With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?

OSCAR WILDE

With this special date of 12/12/12, many expecting mothers are secretly praying that their bundle of joy makes its first appearance. If it was one week later into my pregnancy, I might be in the same boat, but I’m hoping this little man waits until a full term status of 37 weeks. Then it’s fair game. Instead today I will be thinking of a good friend, whose due date was on Monday, wishing her little girl would decide it’s time to come out.

How Far Along: 36 Weeks

Total Weight Gain: 32 pounds

Food Cravings: Major cravings for veggie sushi this week. I guess I am actually craving the real stuff, but the veggie versions make a descent substitute.

What I Miss: I miss being able to stand in heels longer than 15 minutes. No clue how I got through college dancing the night away in 3-inch stilettos.

Symptoms: I keep wondering when I will get a burst of energy to help with the nesting tendencies. Increased tiredness seems to be a constant right now. I would say that I am sleeping fairly well throughout the night, but an afternoon nap always sounds nice.

Baby Movement: After eating a Chipotle Burrito Bowl with extra hot salsa, the baby moved for a constant 30 minutes. Not sure if he loved it or if it was as painful to him as it was to me.

Maternity Attire: While getting ready for my husband’s Christmas party, I realized the only shoes I hadn’t upgraded to a larger size were in my heel collection. Needless to say, it was a painful night.

Hurl Factor: No hurling this week, but I seem to get a little nauseous everyday. I think it might have to do with the fact that there is literally no room left in my body.

Annoyances: I have officially given up on wearing rings all together. After my hands swelled up to a nice sausage-size, I thought for sure I would lose my ring finger.

Weekly Highlight: I actually found out this news last week, but it is still brightening my days that my good friend, Taylor, is moving back to OKC. I can’t wait to have another auntie in town to help babysit!

Do you know anyone who could go into labor today?

The trouble is, you think you have time.

BUDDHA

We had originally planned to attend a weekend bootcamp of parenting classes, but when we found out the November class was full, I had to scramble to sign up for some night options instead. The alternative would have been taking it three weeks before my due date. Yikes!

The first class we went to was a class around caring for your child. I left thinking, “Okay, I can do this.” Next up was an all day birthing class. I was lucky to leave that day not in tears, after some awkward breathing sessions and way too many birthing videos. I think it’s best for me not to think about the pain in my near future. We wrapped up our classes with Infant CPR and Breastfeeding. For me, they were much less traumatic. Chris, on the other hand, was a little creeped out. I guess it’s good to be prepared.

How Far Along: 35 Weeks

Total Weight Gain: 31 pounds

Food Cravings: I think I could eat Pei Wei everyday and it would never get old.

What I Miss: I miss the second trimester. There seemed to be more room in my body, I could move around with ease, and I was naive then to think my belly wouldn’t get much bigger.

Symptoms: I’m starting to experience some Braxton Hicks. They usually come on during the night and don’t last too long. I guess my bodies just getting ready for the big day.

Baby Movement: Lots of movement this week, especially during our parenting classes. I think he squirmed as much as I did while watching the birthing videos.

Maternity Attire: The stretchier the better these days. Yoga pants seem to give the baby the most room to move around, and I tend to lean towards comfort these days.

Hurl Factor: My doctor recommended Pepcid AC, and it has been a lifesaver. I’m sleeping through most of the night again and pretty much heartburn free!

Annoyances: Watching one too many natural births freaked me out.

Weekly Highlight: Lots of packages were delivered this week, and the nursery is almost complete. The crib is ready and waiting for baby, and we have a bookshelf stocked with toys and books for our little man.

How many birthing videos did you watch in preparation?

It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.

A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN

So I didn’t get around to posting yesterday. I have been a little under the weather, and I needed a day to recover. Crossing my fingers the next six weeks will be as smooth sailing as the last eight months have been.

How Far Along: 34 Weeks

Total Weight Gain: 31 pounds

Food Cravings: My grandma made a heavenly egg casserole for my baby shower last week, and I have been craving it ever since. I need to get the recipe as soon as possible and share it with all of you.

What I Miss: Hmmm…my old morning routine of drinking at least two cups of coffee every morning. I’m a little sleepy this week.

Symptoms: While in Kansas, I slept great every night. Upon returning home to Oklahoma, insomnia has set in. I am starting to get so excited about the little guy’s arrival it could be my wandering mind, or it might be the fact that his nightly kicks are super strong now.

Baby Movement: I’m getting a little worried that this baby never sleeps. He is constantly moving!

Maternity Attire: My husband’s work Christmas party is next week, and I can’t wait to wear my new maternity dress. Not sure what I will think of the maternity tights, but if they are anything like the leggings, I am going to be one comfy pregnant lady.

Hurl Factor: It’s official. I have now thrown up twice during my pregnancy. Either I am coming down with the flu or I might be pregnant, because I spent some serious time with the toilet Monday night.

Annoyances: The hurl factor this week could be due to the amount of heartburn/acid reflux that has been going on in the middle of the night. There is not doubt in my mind that I am going to pop out a baby with a full head of hair…or a monkey.

Weekly Highlight: We had our first baby class on Monday night. It was about caring for your baby, and I now am at a point where I would be totally okay if he arrived ahead of schedule. I have bathing, car seats, swaddling, general illness, and diaper changing down.

What was your favorite baby preparation class?