36 Weeks and Bumpdate

How many weeks:
36 Weeks

How big is Ellie:
The size of a honeydew melon.

She feels SO much bigger than a honeydew!  I look like I'm trying to hide a beach ball under my shirt most of the time.

Maternity Clothes:
Whoever invented maternity clothes was a genius.  I'd love to wear dresses more, but my tummy rests on my lap and then sticks to my legs.  It's a strange feeling.
Large t-shirts look just about ridiculous on me, but I wear them when I'm around the house.  A lot of my maternity shirts are now super tight and barely cover my tummy.  I'm definitely ALL belly.

Weight Gain Alert!
I've finally seen a change on the scale for the first time in about a month!
163 lbs
Gained this week:  3lbs
Total weight gain:  40 lbs

Movement:
She continues to "bungee jump" and has been lying on my sciatic nerve which causes me MUCH pain.  Sometimes I look down at my stomach and see her moving but don't actually feel it.  If I start talking to her or poking my belly she responds and moves.  She also still loves hearing her Daddy talk to her.

Food Cravings:
Sugary and fruity stuff.  I absolutely love my vanilla yogurt with fresh strawberries and granola!
I cannot drink enough ice water.  If I add lemons, OMG!  I've never drank so much water in my whole life as I am now.
Sunkist is the most amazing drink ever!
I'm proud to say that I've just about cut regular caffeinated Dr. Pepper back out of my routine.  I needed the energy boost while I was caring for the kiddos, but I wanted to go ahead and stop drinking it to prepare for breastfeeding (since newborn's don't metabolize caffeine).

Food Aversions:
Hmmm.  I can't think of something that repulses me, but I'm sticking to light and healthy foods right now.  Big meals make me feel like crapola and I'm finally over wanting fried pickles.

My Current Eating Pattern:
I'm all about snacking now.  Eating meals slows me down and makes me tired so I prefer to snack all day long.  When I do have a big meal I feel miserable.

Symptoms:
fatigue, carpal tunnel syndrome is killer, acid reflux, indigestion, tingly feet and hands, swollen feet and hands, vision changes, lethargic feeling all day long,  heavy feeling in my entire body, my hemorrhoids are not fun right now, increase in colostrum leakage, FREQUENT potty trips, bladder leakage, weepiness, anxiety about Elliana's arrival, excitement about Elliana's arrival, nesting urges, nostalgic frame of mind

Sleep:
It's hard to get comfortable once I lay in bed at night because of my belly and how Elliana positions herself.  I'm also averaging around 6-10 trips to the potty during the night (and that's with trying to limit drinking before bedtime).  The last three nights have been miserable between the trips to the bathroom, insane thirstiness, and growing and achy belly and body.

What do I miss:
Having energy to complete small tasks.  Doing the laundry is now an exhausting chore.  My growing belly impedes me from accomplishing the smallest tasks with ease- like leaning over the washer to get the clean clothes out.

Best moment of the week:
Preparing for our baby shower on Sunday, spending time with Liz, helping Miss Wendy at church, and getting some much needed rest.

Worst moment of the week:
Having sciatic pain and being so exhausted.

What am I looking forward to:
We have our first cervical check next week on Wednesday.  I won't be disappointed if there's no progress there, but it's exciting nonetheless.

Milestones:
We are NINE months pregnant!  Where has the time gone?!?

"Elliana is continuing to grow each and every day.  Her soft bones and cartilage make birth a safer journey.  Most of her body systems are ready to go, and her digestive system will start truly functioning once she makes her grand entrance and starts breastfeeding."
from What to Expect When You're Expecting

Bumpdate