36, 6, and Soon

Tuesday I hit the 36 week mark for this pregnancy.  It feels great to have made it this far, and I'm so thankful.  For weeks I've been Googling "babies born at 30 weeks, 31"...etc so this is a great place to be.  I'm not going to go through all the typical pregnancy post, but I did want to remember a few things.  I've gained about 21-22 pounds and measured 35 weeks this week.  I'm thinking that missing week is due to the baby being very LOW.

As far as symptoms, I've been experiencing some pelvic pain off and on for awhile.  I noticed it before bed rest when I would lay on my side on the couch.  Now that I basically am like that all the time, it's gotten pretty bad.  It hurts to roll over in bed, and it really hurts to lift my legs one at a time, like to put on pants.  Getting up and walking starts off painful and then gets more tolerable.  These days I'm feeling some pressure too so that's added to it.  I'm also having Braxton Hicks off and on.  Most are not uncomfortable, but they all make me feel like there is an elephant on my chest.  I have not been checked for progress though.

Tuesday also marked my 6th week of bed rest.  I've been pleasantly surprised at how well overall I've done and we've done as a family.  Sure, I'd rather not be on it, but I have honestly been telling the truth when I say I'm not miserable.  That's not to say it's been easy.  Everyone jokes that if your marriage can survive building a house, it can survive anything.  Well we've thrown in new baby and bed rest in addition to the rest of our life.  Of course there is stress, worry, and frustration.  I've cried, been mad, and been impatient.  I want to nest, but I can't due to bed rest and moving on top of that.  But, we're hanging in there moment by moment and doing the best we can.  This is obviously not what we planned, but that's life.  Things are going to be crazy, but how can you not be thankful for a new baby and a new house.  I've done a lot of thinking and learning during this time.  I was a little embarrassed at first to be on bed rest.  I feel like pregnancy is something a woman is supposed to be able to do, and it's hard to admit that your body isn't doing it quite right.  What I realized is that I was just worried about what some would think...those who seem to delight when others, even their friends, take a stumble.  Whether or not people mean to make me feel that way, they aren't the ones I need to work so hard to keep in my life.  We'll come out of this stronger and wiser, and we'll at least get all of our craziness over at the same time.

When will Sam be here?  Soon!  I had my appointment with the specialist today, and he still recommends delivering by 39 weeks, as did the ultrasound doctor.  Sam looked great.  His weight was about 6 lbs 4 oz and his stomach size had increased in percentage.  He's head down and low, so I'm hoping he stays that way.  My blood pressure was of course terrible, but it's been fine at home.  I'm hoping that my doctor here will go ahead and nail down a time to deliver at my appointment Tuesday.  At any time though, if my blood pressure goes up or pre-eclampsia signs begin, I'll deliver.  I do have to have some blood work repeated tomorrow, so you just never know.  I don't feel completely prepared, but it's much better than the preparing I was doing mentally for a preemie or an extended time in the hospital.  I had a huge, huge fear of needing to be in the hospital for weeks to be monitored.  Sam doesn't have a room at this house, and at this point doesn't have a crib since Avery is in his and hers isn't together.  The house should be ready in 2.5 weeks or so weeks, which is the latest I'll deliver.  We're planning for Sam to come home to this house now and we'll just be cozy for awhile.

I'm so thankful to all the friends (blog and real-life) who have been so encouraging and thoughtful.  Some days, a little extra support or happy thought is needed, and I can always count on our friends to remind us we aren't alone.