38 Weeks

Yesterday in the late afternoon my mother in law joined me for a walk in the woods....you all know the new rule: no more walks in the forest alone for me this late in pregnancy.

As we walked, some parts of it uphill, I was so pleased to find that I wasn't much more winded than I would have been if I wasn't in my 9th month. I really have the dogs to thank for this. They have forced me to keep fit throughout this pregnancy! And I'm guessing they will also help me lose the pregnancy weight once Rafael is here.

I have become very aware that these are my last days carrying my son in my belly. I am also very aware that these are the final days of it just being myself, my husband, and the dogs. For at least the next 18 years, we will have another person sharing this life with us, living with us, being a part of this home and family. The thought is both exciting and overwhelming.

Here's this week's update:

How far along? 38 weeks.

Total weight gain: 21 pounds.

How big is baby? A little under 7 pounds.

Sleep: I slept SO WELL these past two nights! When I told Ramon about it, he reminded me that our midwife had said that, before birth, I will have a phase where I sleep wonderfully and deeply. She was definitely right. It has made such a difference in my days to have had a good night's sleep. I know there is probably a lot of sleep deprivation ahead, so I am enjoying every night that I sleep well.

Best moment of the week: That will be tonight, when my husband comes home from his final business trip of the year. It will be such a relief once he is back. We were nervous about him traveling this close to Rafael's due date. But it looks like we made it!

Movement: I had a scare the day before yesterday, when Raffi didn't move almost all day. At around 4 in the afternoon I finally decided to call my midwife, because he just wasn't moving. Right before dialing, he kicked me, and then spent the next two hours kicking and punching up a storm. I was so relieved. He has been moving pretty regularly since then. I'm guessing it was a growth spurt or a really long sleep that had him so still on that one day.

Food cravings: I've been craving breaded chicken breasts. Hot or cold. I just love fried chicken right now! Also loving strawberry buttermilk.

Belly button in or out? Very flat.

Stretch Marks? Discovered some stretch marks in a place I never expected: inner thighs! How strange.

What I miss: My normal hands, feet, and FACE; all three are very puffy right now. Hopefully they will be back to normal after birth.

What I'm looking forward to: Having my husband home so I can feel relaxed about giving birth. And of course, I am looking forward to birth itself!

Milestone: Rafael is officially full term and can arrive whenever he likes!

xoxoxo