Esther Pending: 35 weeks

"What we learn from experience depends on the kind of philosophy we bring to the experience." C.S. Lewis

Had an OB appointment this morning. Everything still looks great. Blood pressure was 102/61, uterus is measuring on track, and weight gain was good. My urine was a little concentrated and they told me to drink more water, but I already drink between 92 and 115oz a day. I feel like I'm drinking all day long so adding another bottle or two a day doesn't sound like fun, especially since I'm peeing all the time already too.

My appointments are now weekly! Next week I'm being tested for GBS and my cervix checks will begin. I might also be having another ultrasound, but that's still up in the air. I am so excited to be having weekly appointments now because it will help the time pass more quickly.

I know babies come when they're ready, but I'm still scared of going past the due date I was given. I'm not worried about things going wrong if she comes past that date, I'm just impatient. I want to hold my baby NOW.
I have been doing a lot of hiking and walking in hopes of helping things along. Yesterday, Kevin and I took a nice six mile hike after church, and if the weather cooperates, I plan on going on another one today. If nothing else, at least the exercise makes me feel happy.

Not all of these were taken yesterday, but here are some photos of where we like to go:

On the way up.

View from trail.

View from trail, heading back home.

View from trail.

I decided to put the jogging stroller together and test it out. I love it! I've taken it on several hikes and a jogging session and I'm quite impressed with how smooth it is. It does great on the road and on the dirt trails (no sidewalks around here). I'm sure it will be a lot different with an actual baby in it, but I'm enjoying the practice. To make it a little more real, I have a couple two liter bottles of water wrapped in a towel strapped into it (my water babies). I added a dog a couple days ago too.
During my second test drive it started pouring rain. I was almost to the top so I decided not to turn back right away (luckily the stroller is also waterproof). I had to explain to one persistent old man that I didn't need a ride home and that it was only water bottles, and let several other people know I wasn't pushing a real baby around in that weather. Other than the old man, who still seemed very concerned for my child, everyone laughed about it and shared some parenting jokes.

Jogging stroller packed and ready to go :)

My mom, who has lived in Washington and Florida for a few years, is moving to Denver! She left Florida yesterday, will spend a couple days with my sister and her family in Texas, and be in Denver by Wednesday evening. I'm so excited to have her closer! When we lived together we were jogging/hiking buddies, and we both love to bake so it will be nice to have someone around to do those things with again.

Since we'll be so close, she'll also get to be around when the baby is born. She was really upset that she wasn't able to make it out for the baby shower, but I think being here for the birth will make up for it :)

I'm still working on my first quilt. I haven't gotten very far. I'm having serious tension problems with my sewing machine and have had terrible luck in fixing it. I will get it done though. I must.

At 34+6 weeks along, Kevin and I made our first purchase on Saturday. We bought a baby monitor and a safety/grooming kit. We have a ton of baby stuff, but this was our first official baby purchase. My heart was pounding the entire time. It was a bizarre and wonderful experience. I didn't cry, but I sure wanted to.

We also put the car seat in the car this week! Life is getting real around here.

***A note to all those who sent us a gift, I wanted to let you know that we're still in the process of writing our thank you cards. They should all be sent out this week. We have not forgotten you or your generosity. We love you and greatly appreciate what you have done for us.

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How far along: 35+1 weeks and, if I don't go past my due date, only 34 days left!

Maternity clothes: I wear the three maternity shirts I have, but they're a size or two too big so they're used for exercise and sleep. They are super comfy though. Stretchy skirts and my sweat pants are my best friend.

Wedding ring on or off: On, which I'm very grateful for.

Sleep: I still sleep a lot, but I'm not as tired as I have been which is wonderful. I finally feel like I'm being productive.

Movement: She likes to move it, move it.

Cravings: Tums and stool softeners. Not because they taste good, but because I need them.

Symptoms: Did my previous answer not give it away? Heartburn and constipation. I had my first experience with leg cramps this week too, which was not fun.

Belly button in or out: It's fighting to stay in, but I'm afraid I'm losing it.

Signs of labor: Nothing more than BH contractions here and there.

Worst moment of the week: Getting leg cramps. I was unable to fall asleep until 8:00am because they hurt so much. I'm grateful that has only happened once and that I was still able to get good sleep in that day. Leg cramps are no joke.

Best moment of the week: Listening to music with our little miss. I placed the speaker on my belly and we watched her dance for a while. She might have been annoyed and trying to tell us to turn it down, but we still enjoyed it.

What I'm looking forward to: Having this baby.

Victories of the week: Still putting on my own socks and shoes. Still able to shave my legs. I have not peed my pants this week. Not even a little.

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Size of baby: Our little miss is 18-20 inches long and weighs almost 5.5lbs! The internet says she's currently a honeydew.

We can't wait to meet this honeydew of ours.

Milestones: Her kidneys should be fully developed and her liver can now process some waste products. Apparently, she now has full-length fingernails and toenails now. Most of her basic physical development is now complete. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are almost fully developed. For the next several weeks, she will be working on gaining weight, getting plump, and being awesome.