34 weeks

Photographer: Owen Webb

July 4th, 2013

Hilarious! 

With 6 weeks to go, I felt like I should document my pregnancy progress.

I will officially be 34 weeks tomorrow.

I am finally starting to feel a wee bit miserable...or a lot miserable depending on the day or hour of the day.  It is hot and the heat makes me feel just plain bad.  The air conditioning in my car is turned down as far as it will go, blowing as high as it can and it just does not cool me off....maybe it is broken.  At work, people complain that it is cold while I am sweating profusely!

I now see the doctor every two weeks.

As of my last appointment, I have gained 18 pounds....dislike!  I was extremely swollen at that appointment, so I like to think a few pounds was water.  The baby is measuring right on track now.  He had been consistently measuring a week ahead.  Everything else is great....even my blood pressure!  YAY!

My feet and ankles are definitely swollen.  They hurt.  My shoes are tight.  My rings are tight.

I have been having contractions...a lot of them.  No progress so they are just braxton hicks contractions.  They are strong and uncomfortable.  I do my best to sit down when I have one.

I am uncomfortable at night and have started getting up many times to pee.  I am tired.

At the doctor on Monday, she asked if I was having more contractions when I was at work...the short answer is no, not at work.  They happen at home...especially while cleaning out closets, washing clothes, etc.  Her advice is to sit down as much as possible (actually, she said when I am not at work she wants me to be sitting down.....funny, right!?!?).  So, since I only work about 14 hours a week, I have been doing a lot of sitting....or not.  She knows that I have 2 boys and she is realistic.  I have been doing my best to sit. sit. sit....sit my butt on the couch!  Let's face it, when I am not at work, I am at home with P & O....who aren't the easiest kids in the world.  So, outside of helping them with snacks, potty, etc, I have been doing my best to sit.  This causes a dirty house with dog hair on the floor, a dirty kitchen with random things on the counters, a pile of mail that may never be sorted, laundry waiting to be washed, clean laundry to be put away, baby items to be organized...you get the picture....and, finally, one text message to a friend to get the number of the lady who cleans her house, 'cause really, I can't skip out on cleaning for the next 6 weeks (or can I?).

I am still working two days per week and while I did have some contractions at work, they weren't terrible. I did come home and sit...and my swelling went away.  The contractions go away when I sleep....I think.

Now, don't get in a panic....it is important to remember that with both Payton and Owen I had early contractions and was put on bed rest, taken out of work and even briefly admitted to the hospital (with Payton).  Pretty sure I was on bed-rest at 30 weeks and at 35 weeks - up to 37 weeks.  So, actually, this is better than any other pregnancy.  I do not think this kid will come early.  My bags certainly are not packed and the car seat is not ready.

This kid moves A LOT and my entire belly moves with him.  It hurts when he moves and sometimes I think he is going to just pop right through!

I think we have decided on a name....the options are at least narrowed down....fortunately, our name does not match the recent Prince - HRH George Alexander Louis....I would hate to steal the royal name!

I have spent a lot of time researching a new camera.  I think I have found what I want and hope to have it in time for baby.

I will be back at the doctor in two weeks and will update with progress.