The things I'll miss the most.

The days seem to be passing so much slower. I've felt like my weekends have been extra long. I still don't feel as though I'm in a hurry to meet this little guy, but I think that's because of the things I'll miss the most.

21 weeks ago I felt him move for the first time, knowing it was really him. It's been incredible experiencing him grow and the change in his movement over the months.

Not that I want to be selfish, but I love having him all to myself. I like "taking him to work" and feeling like all I have to do is poke at him and he wakes up and keeps me company.

A soapy belly. As weird as it sounds, I love washing my belly in the shower. It's like it tickles him, and as I swirl the loofah around in circles it's like he's stirring in my belly.

A dang good excuse for a pedicure. Since I can't reach and all!

Relaxing. I may not always be comfortable, but I'm a relaxing pro.

Preparation and anticipation. I think that's going to be replaced with worry to an extent. Who doesn't worry about their children?

In turn there are things I won't miss. Growing out of the biggest maternity clothes I have. Horrid heart burn. Swollen hands and feet. The round puffy face. Having to pee every hour! Hearing how huge I've gotten. The sore back.

But all those things have are minimal compared to the entire experience. I love pregnancy and will venture this road again. Just not too soon.

38 Weeks

I'm 9 days away from my due date as I write this. I don't know where the time has gone over this last year. It's been the best year of my life, with just a few months left that will give even better moments.

Coming in to this week of pregnancy was rough. I was exhausted, my blood pressure was high at my last appointment and I'm experiencing major fluid retention. In the prior weeks I'd simply overdone it. I was told to stop pretending I'm not pregnant and to restrict my activities. It's hard, but I'm making it work. No sign of our handsome man as of now, but that's ok. I'm huge and uncomfortable, but he's been asked not to come early (we had a talk!). I'm finishing up last minute nesting and trying to enjoy work as much as I can in these last couple weeks. It's going to be great having a long maternity leave, but I'll miss the job.

I don't know what this whole parenting thing will be like, but I'm sure looking forward to the challenge.

To my fellow blog friends expecting, I hope you're all well. Kate, I hope the new baby girl is just wonderful. Leah, I'm hoping your little man makes his appearance soon. Care, I'm hoping all is well with you and you're feeling good! December isn't far away for you!

Weeks 34 - 37

I hit 37 weeks yesterday and I have to say, I think I'm done. My little body has expanded to it's limits and I feel like my belly is going to pop every time that baby boy moves around. I still love the movement, and I know I'll miss it, but I'm also getting anxious to shed a little weight and feel lighter and more flexible.

34 weeks

35 weeks

36 weeks

37 weeks

It truly amazes me how big one's belly can actually get once I put all the pictures together in order. It's too weird. I have started to feel this week like I don't know how I got here. I feel like I literally just found out I was pregnant. Now my little boy is full term and will be just fine making his entrance from here on out. Oh baby boy, please spare mommy and don't get too much bigger! I'm getting tired!

In other news, we've finally completed the master remodel enough to move in. It's an amazing space! So much larger, it has a bathroom of it's own and the laundry is right there. We still have some finish work to do in the bathroom and a sink to plumb, as well as the last of the trim and beadboard in the laundry. Two more days of work maximum at the rate we're able to work together right now. My husband has been a complete joy to spend time with and he's worked so hard. The guy definitely deserves something special for creating me such a great space! I always mention how I'll share "after" photos when my projects are done (who remembers the kitchen that's never been seen?), but I do fully promise on this one. I'm far too excited not to share.

Just 20 days until my due date. I'm still working on the last minute stuff like installing the carseat, packing the hospital bag and finishing up the baby laundry. Wish me luck and this whole journey starts coming to a close!