We’re in the home stretch folks! I am honestly hoping this guy comes in the next few weeks because mama is DONE. Like just done. I’m ready to snuggle my little guy and be done with being out of breath. Over the weekend we celebrated baby with family and friends at a shower my aunt threw for me. She is just the best at throwing parties. I’ll have some photos of the party later this week.
These last few weeks have been so uncomfortable. My maternity clothes are fitting tighter, I only have 1 pair of jeans that are working for me, and sleeping is just non-existent.
Here’s the latest.
How far along: 36 weeks.
Baby: He’s about 20 inches and 6 or so pounds, according to sources, but we’ll find out on Thursday at our ultrasound how big he really is. At my last appointment my OB said he’s pretty sure baby is head down now (after they thought he was previously, then wasn’t), but that will also be confirmed on Thursday. Fingers crossed he is because having the doc try to move baby is not pleasant.
Mood & how I’m feeling: I’m actually feeling less emotional these last 2 weeks or so, which I’m sure my husband is thankful for. And nesting is in full swing. We have baby’s room set up now, so that was a huge relief for me. Even though he’ll be in our room for the first little bit, it’s nice to have the nursery mostly complete. I’m sure I’ll be sharing a peak with you all once I have curtains and art work hung. Those are the last details I’m waiting on.
I got all his clothes washed and put away in his dresser, purchased some diapers (we had no diapers until like 3 days ago) and have been organizing his larger clothes to put in storage. We also had a cleaning lady come last week which made this mama so happy.
Exercise: I’m mainly just stretching, walking and doing my Kegels, ha! I’ll also periodically do some leg work in the house. The weather was gorgeous last week so we did some walks around the neighborhood and played at the park.
Cravings & Aversions: No aversions right now, but strawberries have been #1 on my list of choice foods the last few weeks. I’m going through a Costco sized tub of them a week. Just so good! I’ve also kicked my OJ habit to the curb for an apple juice one. I’ve been making spinach and fruit smoothies a few days a week and they are delicious! Baby is so big these days that I can’t eat very much during meal time, so I’ve been snacking a bit more and having very small meals during lunch and dinner.
Big sister: One of my best friends just had a baby on Valentine’s day, so Little A got to meet the new baby for the first time last week. She hadn’t held a new baby in a year or longer, so I was curious to see how she’d do. She’s been saying she wants baby to play with her, and we’ve told her that he won’t be able to do much at first, so I think seeing the new baby was helpful for her to see that babies really just move their arms and legs and that’s about it. She said she’ll just play peek-a-boo with him, which I thought was so darn sweet. She’s been such a big helper getting the baby’s nursery ready. We’ve been reading “I’m A Big Sister” every few days, she’s been playing with her babies and we’ve been practicing how to hold baby and support it’s neck. I think she’s ready to be a big sister!
Overall health: I’m tired. Like I’m literally worn out by about 3:00 each day. I’m not sleeping much these days, which I know isn’t helping. I’ve accepted that I won’t be getting a full night’s sleep for quite some time. And getting out of bed. I forgot about this part y’all. I do this hike my leg thing like a WWE wrestler to get up out of bed, or roll out. It’s just ridiculous.
And peeing. You guys. I think I’m peeing every 20-30 minutes now. When we visited my friend and her new baby last week it was a 45 minute drive and I swear I was going to have to pull over somewhere to pee. And it just gets worse when baby punches me in the bladder. Not only does it hurt (like sharp pain), but I’m afraid I’m going to pee myself. I’ve resorted to wearing a panty liner all the time just in case. #cantbetoosafe. I’ve had some Braxton Hicks contractions as well recently so that’s super fun.
And the weight gain is just blah. I’m doing fine with my weight, but just carrying that extra weight is exhausting. I honestly don’t know how overweight people do it. I can barely bend over and when I do too much it hurts for a while after. I literally almost couldn’t pump my gas the other day because my belly was getting in the way of me getting to the pump, so that was super embarrassing. When you get this big it’s just not fun anymore.
And I’m feeling scared.
Yes, this isn’t my first labor and delivery rodeo, but it’s been quite some time. And to be honest, I’m nervous. I keeping freaking out that my water is going to break when I’m dropping Little A off at school, or when I’m somewhere totally unprepared for it. It didn’t break with my first pregnancy, so I don’t know why I’m freaked out that it will this time, I just am.
And my all time biggest fear: Pooping. Yep, my biggest fear during my entire first pregnancy was that I would poop while pushing. Of course the hubs doesn’t help and totally gives me a hard time saying I did (even though I’m pretty sure I didn’t because I hadn’t eaten in 3 days and had nothing left in me) but once again that fear is starting to show up again and I’m just praying my body acts like it did last time and gets rid of everything before I go into labor.
I’ve also been a little nervous that I won’t connect with baby. I know everyone says your heart just expands even more, but not having experienced it yet I’m just scared that it won’t. Also, with all the emotions I’ve had during the third trimester I’m a bit worried about postpartum depression. I know it’s an irrational fear, but it’s definitely been on my mind.
On a lesser scale, I’m a bit worried about Little A getting jealous of the baby. I don’t think she will, but I really don’t want her to feel like she’s second best now, or that she’s no longer my baby. I want to make sure that she still feels special and important. I really hope I’m able to make time for just her and I to connect. I know it will be tough, but she has such a tender heart and is such a little lover that I know making her a priority will be super important.
I’m sure this will be my last bump date since baby will be here any time. Thanks to everyone who’s been so supportive through the last 9 months! I can’t wait to meet our little man and introduce y’all to him!
Can’t wait to see pictures from your shower!! Home stretch like you said girl! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
I’m a bit jealous. I’m 29 weeks with #2 but have had some random complications and just plain hate being pregnant. Can’t wait to be done! Also, I’ve been really into strawberries lately too. I remember pooping while pushing and that was 4 years ago. Granted, I pushed for 3 hours before I ended up with a c-section so there was a lot of pushing. Wasn’t the most enjoyable thing in the world but I survived. 😉
I’m also scared but more just general being the mom of two. One wears me out. One gets on my nerves. I need time to myself each day or I lose my sanity. I’m terrified to lose that. I’m terrified of a bunch of other stuff that takes too long to explain. Frankly, I cried for 3 hours after I found out I was pregnant again because I was grieving the lose of “easy” and “getting to be just Julie sometimes.” Most people don’t understand that at all. It doesn’t mean I don’t want this baby or don’t love her. I’m just sad for some selfish reasons of having to go back to being all for someone and losing a bunch of freedom I have had the past two years.
Aww… you look great! And I just know little A is going to be a great big sister. What a sweetie!
I am so excited for you to meet your little guy. xo
Almost there!! You’ll do great! I was a weirdo and kept a plastic garbage bag and a towel in the car in case my water did break. Ask Dr. T about the story of his wife’s water breaking in the car..haha! Can’t wait to meet the little one, and as always if you need help – DON’T HESITATE to call me 🙂
You’re almost there, hang in there! Can’t wait to see pictures of your shower!!
PS – You look great!!!!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
Praying little man is head down for you! I had an external version with Henry and let me tell you what: I will NEVER do that again. Just sign me up for my breech c section now. I was bruised for WEEKS and was literally screaming and shaking. Nope, never again! On a lighter note, don’t even worry about your water breaking. Mine broke first both times and it’s nothing like in the movies – just trickles and little gushes. You’ll totally have time to get yourself in a more discreet place before anyone notices! If Kirk teased me about pooping, I’d totally go out of my way to poop on him for the next baby. For real! Ha. That’s not nice! Also for real…. Being a mom of two is WORK. Crazy work. Your experience will be a bit different because A is older and more self sufficient than H is, but honestly if we didn’t hire a part time nanny I’d have lost my mind by now. You’ll figure it out – us moms always figure it out – but I highly recommend having as much help as you can for as long as you can! Two alone is manageable but for your sanity, have some help so you can get a break (physical or mental)!
Oh my goodness, look at you – fabulous!
What a lovely update. I pooped while pushing (it was a little teeny, tiny poop, but I pooped nonetheless)… lol. There you go, declaring it on an open public forum – it’s totally natural 🙂
I’m praying for you my friend, that these last weeks go smoothly. Try to enjoy as much as you can.
Much love.
xoxo
Try to enjoy your final weeks Hun
The end is the worst part, so you’re almost there! Those last four weeks are my least favorite, so I totally feel ya there. I’m so excited for you to meet baby boy! And I’m glad Little A is excited and prepping, too! I also shared your fear of pooping. I made my husband swear to me that if I ever did, he wouldn’t tell me. I hope everything goes well and that you have a healthy delivery!!
You look wonderful! And don’t worry too much about the labor (easy for me to say when I am not pregnant!) I had a rough labor with my first and I was so nervous for the second go around, but it was fine. And actually way better because I knew what to expect. I have never had my water break though, so maybe with #3? I know pooping during labor was a huge fear for me too but I am 2/2 with no poop. My body does the same thing (gets rid of everything before!) So exciting that you are going to meet him soon, can’t wait to see the pics from your shower this weekend!
Annie
Wow! I can’t believe you are already at 36 weeks! You look amazing and gorgeous. Seriously. I also totally think it’s normal to have those fears… it means you’re human. I know A is going to be such a great big sister!
Aw Tiffany, hang in there you beautiful mama! I understand your concerns, even though this s your second. I only have one, but I often think about when I’ll be pregnant next, and I know I’ll still have those questions and concerns. My husband and I talk about when we have another baby and how it almost makes us sad to think our Ginny won’t be our only baby, but I know that your heart just grows with each one.
Being on the delivery side please don’t worry about anything! The main objective is getting that baby out healthy, I’m sure you won’t have any #2 issues, I’ve literally only seen it once and it was no biggie. You look amazing and I can’t wait to see that beautiful baby!
Aww you look so great, Tiffany! I feel like i just saw you when you weren’t showing and now he’s almost here! Ahhhh! I obviously don’t have any experience with labor, but I’ve heard that everyone poops 🙂 But now reading those comments above, who knows…haha…either way, just get that boy out of you! I’ll be praying for your fears to go away and that you’ll connect with him immediately. Can’t wait to see Little A as a big sister!
So exciting! I can’t believe how close you are now! You look great although I’m sure it’s not fun feeling so uncomfortable! Can’t wait to see your sweet little boy!
It’s nearly time! Yay.
I think everyone has those fears. I know my sister does. You already know this, but everything will work out. Hugs!!
You look SO good! I’ll be 36 with number 2 on Sunday and I totally get the being scared of your water breaking at an inconvenient time! My first son came super quick – about 1.5 hours after my water broke – and I wasn’t even sure if I WAS in labor before that. Our hospital is 45 minutes to an hour away and my husband works about 40 minutes from the house, so I’m really hoping it all magically aligns and works out – good luck to you!