36 Weeks/ 9 Months

36 Weeks! Last month of pregnancy! Hopefully less. My mommy intuition has been expecting baby to arrive around April 20. Ever since finding out about this baby that weekend has stuck out to me. It would be pretty perfect because that weekend Matt has a long weekend off work and his field work will be over so we won't have to worry about him missing the birth. I would be thrilled if Daniel decided to arrive earlier than that. Even if he arrives late, not a big deal to me. It's the final stretch either way! 

As I was getting ready this morning I noticed how low Daniel looked. By the time I was finished and ready to take this picture he had migrated up to my ribs making my belly look a lot smaller! So I wiggles, poked, and prodded to encourage him to move back down... Plus that helps with the whole breathing thing that's kinda important for both Mumma and baby! 

The past two weeks I have felt like I have more energy than the past few months. Some days I haven't needed to nap when Jack does (which is doubly nice since he's only been taking a 1.5 hour nap lately) and am able to get some cleaning and organizing done. My nesting instinct is still going strong. I like things to be clean and sanitized, all ready to bring home baby! When my energy runs out though, there is always more that needs to be cleaned! I don't know if our house is really more dirty lately or if I just notice it more! 

I was able to finish up the nursery and will write a separate post on that. We had been hiding Jackson's birthday presents in there. Now that his birthday has passed the nursery is all ready for Daniel! I leave the door open now so Jackson gets used to going in and out and not making a mess. It's so nice to peek in there every time I'm in the hall! 

At my 35 week appointment I hadn't dilated much more than the previous appointment. A little disappointing, but overall good news since it wasn't time for baby to arrive anyways. Slowing down until 37 weeks is best for baby. Plus the longer he cooks inside the more developed all his organs and senses will be. So I can be a patient Mumma! 

Symptoms: *still having BH contractions, but they aren't painful, just tight. More like when I was pregnant with Jackson. Hopefully that doesn't mean my progress has slowed. 

*very slight swelling in my feet. I can tell by looking at them, but Matt can't. It's extremely minor and I can still wear my normal shoes comfortably. I am thankful I haven't swelled a lot as that is just uncomfortable!

*gained 28 lbs so far. Not too shabby! I am definitely healthier this time. Chasing around a toddler had helped. My goal was 35 lbs or less weight gain so I think I'll be able to stay under that goal.

*linea nigra goes up most of my belly. It's darker under my belly button. With Jackson it stayed under my belly button. So interesting how different these pregnancies are!

* difficulty sleeping- can't get comfortable. Wake with neck ache from awkward sleeping positions. 

*belly Button popped out! Never did with Jackson. 

Cravings: *Rice Krispies treats- can't stop eating! 

*KFC- oh so good! 

*Jelly donuts 

*block cheese 

Aversions: none! Woot! So nice. I don't like the smell of certain food if I'm not eating it. Like if Matt eats something I'm not, sometimes the smell bothers me. 

Since we're in the final month I wanted to be sure everything is ready. I got these shirts for the boys! In U of M colors, perfection!

I moved the car seats. Jackson is getting used to his new location in the car. He keeps peaking at the other car seat while we're driving. When we got this car we made sure the infant seat fit well in the middle since it didn't in the Jeep. 

I ordered and received our doubles kit for the jogger! I'm sure we'll use it on the back (shown) and in the front. It's so nice to have options! This stroller (Phil & Ted's Dash) was a pricey purchase, but has been so worth it! I'm so excited to take the boys for walks! 

Re packed all our hospital things! Another post coming on  what's in my hospital bag. I can't believe how much stuff I brought to the hospital wen I had Jackson! I had my computer, two cameras, a season of a TV show (Lost I think), and way too many clothing options! Just one bag for me and Daddy and one bag for Daniel's things/things we'll get at the hospital to bring home, and then the boppy pillow. Much simpler this time! I'm hoping to only stay one night also, as opposed to two when I had Jackson.

I have taken care of my personal grooming to prepare for baby. Toenails painted (I can still do them myself!), fingernails trimmed, everything clean shaven, and... Mom cut! I convinced Matt to let me chop my hair off. Lost over 10 inches! It feels so light and easy! I got a bob cut, and don't like the layers in the back too much. So I'll probably change it up once the layers grow out. I want to keep it above shoulders for awhile though. 

I ordered two nursing tanks this week. They have an estimated shipping arrival of April 17 or later. They are cute and stylish so I figured I'd give them a try. I never bothered with nursing tanks with Jackson. I also ordered lanolin cream and soothies for nursing. Every time I go to the store here they are out! So I just figured is order then from amazon and be done with it! I think we're ready to go! Come on baby!