This and That at 35 Weeks

Dear Colin,

I am 35 weeks pregnant to date. Or, as I prefer to put it, 35 weeks and 5 days.  (But who's counting?)  I remember so clearly the day I found out I was pregnant.  I had taken two false negative tests the week before, but I KNEW they were wrong.  When I finally saw the little plus sign on the very last test I literally cried with joy.  I actually kept that test (in a ziplock) for a long time.  I was worried one day the plus sign would fade away and take you with it.  I found myself checking it anxiously every few days until I felt sure you were sticking around.  If you ever find yourself thinking that I'm crazy, please know that I was like this before you were born :)

Anyway, time certainly flies!  I truly cannot believe that you will be here in just a few weeks.  Today was our last appointment with Dr. Sayeed before we switch to weekly visits.  Here's the scoop:

Size of Baby: You are the size of honey dew melon and between 5-6 lbs.

Weight Gain: Let's just go with "quite a bit"

Maternity Clothes: I switched over to full-time maternity clothes at about 24 weeks, but at this point, even some of those feel uncomfortable.  Whenever I get home from work I immediately change into leggings and one of your Dad's undershirts.

Gender:  Still a boy!

Movement: Your movements feel much sharper now and almost painful.  I think you're running out of space in there.
Symptoms: When I went to bed one night I noticed that my feet and ankles were swollen.  Like, really, really swollen.  Like, I now have cankles and club feet. 

Sleep: I have to take a nap every day after work.  I'm tired ALL. THE. TIME.

What I Miss:  Right now, I feel like a big egg.  So, I'd say I miss NOT feeling like a big egg.

Cravings:  Ice cream!

Best Moment of the Week:  I had a baby shower on February 9, and it was so wonderful to see so many of my best friends-- some of whom I don't see that often.  We were very spoiled!

Other Things...

• Valentine's Day was this week!  Your Dad and I never do much for Valentine's Day, and this year we celebrated by getting tacos from the Dairy Queen drive-through.  It was totes romantic, as I'm sure you can imagine :)  However, he did get me two different bouquets of flowers and two boxes of chocolate covered strawberries from Dessert Gallery.  So, the day was a total "win" in my opinion.  

• Last week I was involved in a car collision and had to go to the ER to make sure we were okay.  It was a really scary and frustrating experience, but you are well-insulated in my belly and appear fine.  I did get an unexpected ultrasound, which I loved.  I also got to hear your heart beat on the monitor for a few hours, and got to hear you hiccup!  Your Nana was with me and felt you hiccup and move for the first time. 
• Dad and I went to our last class at Memorial Hermann this week.  We went to: prepared childbirth, breastfeeding, and infant care.  I really wanted to go to all of these because I am a planner and felt I would be "less afraid" if I knew what to expect.  But now, I just feel overwhelmed with SO MUCH INFORMATION.  This does not even include the solicited (and unsolicited) advice I've received from friends and family (and busy bodies).  Surely caring for a baby is mostly common sense?  

I cannot believe you will be here in one month (or less)!  I'm excited.  I'm scared.  I'm curious.  Hmmm...everything feels a bit surreal.  I just hope I am ready when you get here!  I can't wait to kiss your checks!

Love,

Mom