Waiting

I went through another bout of crazy cleaning, and Aaron was able to get some things accomplished around the house that we desperately needed done before Jonah made his grand entrance (fixing the ceiling fan and the dryer). His room is finished now too, except that his walls are bare and I am still looking for the perfect things to put on them. Aaron got his daddy diaper bag, and now they are both filled and ready. His clothes are all washed. Now all I have to do is wash his bottles (which he won't need for almost a month after I deliver since I will exclusively breastfeed for about 3 weeks) and put his carseat in. We also need to find a pediatrician. But I'd say we're doing pretty well compared to how we were around the holidays.

After a few days of cleaning, I became incredibly exhausted again. Every time I try to do school work I fall asleep. I sleep well at night too, so I guess it is just my body tiring from helping him grow so much. I've also been experiencing relentless heartburn. I can't go a minute without it, and it is really starting to upset me. If Jonah wants a sibling, he should consider cutting the crap. It is so painful and bothersome. This morning I woke up with some spotting as well as terrible cramps and back ache, but when I called the doctor, she said to just take it easy and see what happens. I'm feeling worse as the day progresses, but haven't felt anything I would think is a contraction. Then again, I don't know what they feel like, so who knows. Maybe it'll be soon?

We don't have to teach labs this week due to MLK day today. Yay! I'm so glad, because I already feel behind in my school work. It is starting to get warm in Athens. I am so happy for the sun and to not need to bundle up every time I go out, but I'm also sad because I bought Jonah the cutest outfit to come home in because I thought it'd be really cold. Ohwell!

I had a dental appointment today, and the dentist said I have perfect oral hygiene, which he said it actually really unusual for pregnant women. He said it means my immune system is great and things must be going well. That's awesome!

I need to get back to school work, but I thought I'd plug the new blog I started. It's going to chronicle our journey through raising a child eco-consciously. www.seedlinghugger.com

Dropping

Everything went well at my doctor's appointment. I have gained only about 23 pounds, which I am so happy about. My blood pressure was great, the baby is measuring on track, and his heart beat was good. I talked to my doctor about the things I've been experiencing, and he said that if the baby comes now, there is nothing they will do to stop it. He didn't seem to think that he'd be coming this weekend or anything, but I am definitely experiencing pre-labor symptoms.

Then last night I threw up. I don't throw up much just in general, and only threw up once my first trimester when I had morning sickness, so this is not something that I find exciting. I hope it doesn't happen again.

Aaron mentioned yesterday that my stomach looked smaller. I was checking it out in the mirror, and its shape has definitely changed. I'm not sure exactly what it should be like if he's dropped, but it almost makes sense for it to be smaller since he'd be settled into my pelvis. But either way, it is definitely a different shape. Today I noticed that I can eat more than I have been able to and I'm breathing a little bit better, so I think he's definitely dropped. I've read that this means I have about 2-4 weeks. I hope he does come early!

Discomfort

I thought I would write a quick update about the change in how my body has been feeling the last few days. Last time I wrote, I was in full cleaning mode. I scrubbed the refrigerator, the shower, the dishwasher. I dusted, did tons of laundry (whether it needed done or not), cleaned the kitchen, vacuumed like crazy, etc. Then about two days ago I woke up just completely and utterly exhausted. I am so drained. It is so difficult to get out of bed and even more difficult to find the motivation to do anything. Despite my body's inability to function properly due to this exhaustion, I can't sleep very well because all I do when I lay down is think of all the things I still need to do before Jonah is born. His swing still needs to be put together, and I have to vacuum his floor. I still have no idea how to put in his car seat. I've also had quite a bit of nausea the last two days, and increased Braxton Hicks contractions. I'm getting pains here and there, and I am definitely experiencing some steady cramping that feels like menstrual cramps. In addition to a few other (more graphic and personal) details, I am starting to wonder if I was right about little Jonah making his grand entry (or rather, exit) early. I looked in What to Expect When You're Expecting, and some of these things are listed under "pre labor." We're just 34 weeks pregnant now, so I am nervous about him coming early. I really don't want him to come early if it means he'll be in NICU. I am so ready to not be pregnant anymore though, especially now that things are starting to get incredibly uncomfortable and painful. My mom is still on her cruise. I'm wondering if I should ask her to head down shortly after she returns. Any other moms out there that might read this have an opinion on this? I don't think he's dropped yet, because I still find it hard to breathe. Some women never drop though, so I don't know how reliable this is for me.

I have a doctor appointment tomorrow, so I'll post more if there is any news.

On another note, the other day I was commenting to Aaron about how convenient it is that Jonah will be born in 2010 because it'll be easy for everyone to know how old he is. Then I thought about the fact that he'll be 21 in 2031. We became so depressed after that. We're going to be almost 50 then, and somehow that is more depressing than the looming 30 that is approaching in the next few years. Not because 50 is really old, but because it'll be 2031 then! How crazy is that?!

Sophie is right now barking in her sleep. How funny!

So this is the New Year...

Happy New Year!

Our holidays were so busy! We were able to spend a lot of time with Aaron's family and our Columbia friends over the holidays. We had a nice Christmas in with his parents. We went to Christmas Eve Eve at Mike and Beth's, which was nice because we haven't spent time with them in so long. We also got to see Clare, who is so big now! It's crazy how fast kids grow up! It makes me realize that I have to cherish every moment with Jonah when he comes. It seems like we haven't seen Ben and Jeanette in ages either. It's so nice to be able to hang out with our friends from Columbia, and I wish we lived closer. We went to see Avatar 3D with BJ and Megan. We loved it! I liked it so much I kind of want to go see it at the IMAX still. We've been lucky enough to see BJ and Megan a lot lately, and that has been really nice. I hope it keeps up!

While we were in Columbia, I barely slept. It was awful, and I feel bad, because when I don't sleep much, I am not the nicest to be around. I just couldn't get comfortable and my heartburn was out of control. As soon as we got back to Athens though, I can't sleep enough. I have been so exhausted. I have been forcing myself to get up at 8 every morning so that I can get things done around the house, but I ended up taking a nap a few times just because I can't wait until night to sleep. Our bed is so comfortable too, that it is very difficult to get out of bed in the morning. I guess right now I feel really lucky because I know a lot of women have trouble sleeping in their last trimester up until the end. I hope it doesn't hit me again, because it was AWFUL.

When we came home, Aaron was still on vacation for a few days so we got to spend a lot of time together. It was amazing. I wish we were always home together. I am so lucky to have him.

On New Years Eve, we went to dinner and then just spent the night in. We watched the ball drop and cheered the new year with a beer and a glass of sparkling apple cider. Pretty untraditional, but it was nice to just relax and enjoy it together. We watched The Hangover again after, which I love. He made three resolutions: work more for himself, get "sweet" abs, and read more books. I made a few myself: successfully give birth to a healthy baby boy, be a good mom and always put my family first, keep a clean house, and weigh less and/or be more toned than I was before I gave birth. I have a few other personal goals, but I'm going to keep them to myself. I hope I can keep them all!

Over the weekend we went to Alabama to visit with Katie and Justin and go to the USC Bowl game with them and BJ and co. It was amazing catching up with Katie and Justin. I had so much fun with them. I hate that it is always so long between trips to visit with them. The Bowl game was awful. Aaron and I dressed in so many layers, including long underwear, and we were still freezing! I actually went to the bathroom just to stand in a heated room for a few times, which is sad. USC played horribly, and we left early in the 4th quarter, right before they scored their first touchdown. We went to three games this year, and they lost each one. I hope if we make it to a game next year they actually win!

I have a doctor appointment on Friday. Tomorrow we'll be 34 weeks pregnant. I can't believe that he will be here within a month and a half. I personally think he will come early, but since I think that, he probably won't. I have been cleaning like a crazy woman! Scrubbing the refrigerator, the dishwasher, the shower. Aaron and I even cleaned behind the stove and scrubbed the walls! Aaron thinks I am just going crazy cleaning like this because I have time and I'm home, not because I'm nesting. He might be right, even though I typically don't clean that much, but a few people have told me to pack my bags for the hospital. I hope he doesn't come before week 37, but I would actually be glad if he came in three weeks. I am so ready to not be pregnant anymore and to see my beautiful boy.

My family Caribbean now. I'm so sad I missed the vacation, and especially that I am missing my grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary and my grandma's surprise 80th birthday party. I hope they know I am with them in spirit and I love them. In the meantime, we are here in Athens, freezing. It is supposed to snow tomorrow. We'll see.