Happy Bump Day (1 day late)!

I had another good doctor's appointment today at 35 weeks, 1 day pregnant!  We are getting close!  After today I start going to the doctor every week (oh joy), and my check ups become a little different (more joy).  I gotta say I'm a little tired of the doc.  It has been the same for the last few months, and I know they want to be thorough, careful and cautious, and this is all standard but... sometimes I wish I could adopt a "don't call me, I'll call you" policy. 

Still, good reports are always nice.  My blood pressure was 98/60 and Eloise's heartbeat was around 130.  As soon as they touched the monitor to my belly, there she was.  That sound always makes me grin.  I measured 35 weeks and gained 1 pound.  That puts me around 22-23 pounds for this pregnancy so far and I think that is right on track.  They always ask me if she is moving and I give them a wide-eyed, emphatic YES!  Because this kid is a true wiggle worm.  I sure wish I knew what was going on in there.  It makes me laugh, especially when she packs a good wallop right in my side.  She's had the hiccups a few times too, and that is always a strange sensation.  While some days it seems that she quite literally moves constantly, I don't mind one bit. It reminds me that she is doing well and growing strong (with a powerful right hook...or is it a left kick?). 

This precious little girl could be here within a month!  That is so soon and I am so excited!  I cannot wait to hold her in my arms and look at her!  I cannot wait to kiss those cheeks and smell that little head (a smell I was recently told was the sweetest in the world).  Jason is excited as well and has expressed many times how he looks forward to holding her.  I know that moment will be a big deal and just imagining it makes my heart full to bursting.

Okay, enough cheese.  You'll be happy to know I've made PROGRESS in getting ready for this little bundle of wiggly joy. 

My pack and play/bassinet has shipped!  I also ordered a glider so I can rock and nurse her comfortably, and a small pillow sham that will go with her bedding (because you can't have a baby pillow and no sham, now can you!).  It was the only thing missing from her bedding (and yes, I know it is purely decorative).  My wonderful mom and sister came over on Tuesday and helped me sort through the piles of baby gifts and clothes.  My "to wash" pile grew exponentially and they helped me figure out what to take back.  The nursery is infinitely more organized than it was (whew!), and I took everything back yesterday, receiving some very useful gift cards.  The guest bathroom (now Eloise's bathroom) is all clean and well stocked with baby shampoos, lotions, diaper rash creams, sweet little wash cloths and towels, and a little baby bathtub, thanks to some dear mom friends and my own mom for the supplies!

Eloise also has a doctor now who will come when she is born and take care of her throughout her growing up years.  I chose the doctor my sister uses and loves for her kids, and I feel good about the choice!

There is one tiny hiccup...maybe a big one but this mama has decided not to stress...mostly.  I called the store from which I ordered my baby furniture the lady said the ship date for most of it was August 13.  (Eloise is due the 8th and that is if she doesn't come a day early!)  I told her that was sort of okay because Eloise will sleep in our room in her bassinet for a while, but...I could really use a dresser with some drawers!  Well, the ship date for that is July 12, so there is hope... she is supposed to call me today and let me know if the supplier will ship it separately.  My hilarious spitfire of a mom called her later that day to say that a good motivating factor could be that if they CAN'T or WON'T ship it, we will ask for a full refund and shop elsewhere.  I have yet to hear... and I must admit I'd really like a place to put her clothes, baby things, and her changing table.  I mean we ordered this stuff in April!

Okay, so it is a tiny bit annoying and concerning but as a tiny baby Eloise will not need much other than a sleeping place, diapers, wipes and me so... we can make due.  But wow.  Jason has kindly agreed to get her bookcase painted tomorrow so I can put away her books and toys, which will help to ease my mind just a little too.

Other than that, I am feeling a little more prepared and like things are falling into place.  On the exercise front, I am walking, swimming, doing my weights and pilates.  I'm not sure but I think running may very well be shelved for the pregnancy.  I tried a little bit on Tuesday morning and it just wasn't comfortable.  I have a belly band for support, but who wants to wear extra tight clothing when it is so hot outside?  Walking feels great, however, and gives me a good workout.  Swimming is heavenly, and the weights and pilates keep me feeling strong and loose.  My running tops (and all tops for that matter) are getting a little snug around the ole belly, and sometimes a little belly peaks out down below.  I'm still wearing my original running shorts but they are getting lower and lower so that...um... well, they won't be so G-rated if Eloise keeps growing like this!  Yoga shorts save the day, but again, in this heat I don't really want to wear all that much.

So that, my friends, is your 35 week bump day report!  And a big hello to Samantha and Joan!