Gazelles On Crack

I am officially 37 weeks & 2 days pregnant. That means that if Alvie were born today (don’t be born today, Alvie – even if that would mean that John would win the baby pool), everything would be AOK.

Baby size: Alvie is the size of swiss chard! He likely measures between 18.9 to 20.9 inches and weighs between 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. He’s gaining about 1/2 ounce each day.

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I’m feeling: Tired with weird bursts of energy that cause me to do things I shouldn’t be doing, followed by exhaustion. Also, sore. 

Physical changes: Stretch marks are finally appearing in the center of my abdomen, in a creepy halo around my belly button (which is stubbornly continuing to be an innie). I’m also starting to have a few spider veins in my legs. My hips are still REALLY sore, especially at night, and various body parts fall asleep under the weight of the enormity of me.

Baby stuff: Alvie Bean is full term. According to recent studies, though (I work with a bunch of doctors who LOVE telling me about recent studies – it’s a combination of maddening and awesome), the difference between 37 weeks and 38 weeks can be huge, so I should try to hold on until next week.

Body Image: Mostly okay. I feel a bit of concern about dropping the ell-bees after Alvie is born, but mostly the way I feel about my body is “why don’t you work the way I want you to?” and not “why don’t you look the way you used to?” Also, last night, I was walking to the bathroom & noticed my silhouette shadow, and it was kind of awesome.

Food stuff: Juice. Fruit. Juice made out of fruit. Juicy fruits. Oranges, peaches, plums, nectarines, and my all-time favorite, bananas. I love you fruit.

Things I miss: Running, biking, exercise. I am starting to feel a homicidal rage when I see people running and having fun. And this is maybe where the body image issues are coming into play, because I keep wondering what I did wrong that I can’t do anything anymore (except swim! Can’t wait for tonight’s swim!). I miss being active. I miss walking without feeling like my pelvis could shatter into a million pieces.

Labor Signs: Lots of Braxton Hicks, some more contraction-y like contractions, low back ache, digestive issues…

Prep Work (Things to do between now & Alvie Bean Day)

January: Find a pediatrician, lock down a daycare (one last tour scheduled!), recycle all the old electronics in the office, get the carpet cleaning appointment made, find a maid service for quarterly deep cleans, finalize shower list for shower giver! Find a new doula!

February: Attend childbirth class, take babymoon (canceled SAD), make sure all essentials are purchased (diapers and carseat at this point!), pack hospital bag

March: Attend breastfeeding & newborn care class; install carseat, finish getting less essential essentials (rocking chair, crib, changing table, other random stuff), make a plan for freezer meals, finish getting nursery ready, sign up for FMLA

In conclusion: So close! I should be 90% wrapped up with the essentials at work by the end of the day tomorrow, and I believe everyone could carry on without me if I should not come back next week. I am trying to keep 4/5/12 as my anticipated delivery date (I’d rather be pleasantly surprised by an early baby than bitterly disappointed when 4/2 hits and Alvie is still an inside baby).

I know I said that I was keeping the due date contest open until 3/24/12, but I LIED! It is officially closed at midnight tonight (Pacific time), so if you haven’t entered & you still have a guess, you’d better get on that NOW! There are a whole range of dates open in March yet! 3/15 – 3/21 & 3/23 – 3/27 as well as 3/29.