Tuesday, November 8, 2011

November Already

Brian spent all of last weekend finishing the nursery. Primer, paint, install new crown molding, paint new molding and existing trim, repaint closet door. He was a very busy guy, but he got it all done and it looks fabulous. By that Sunday night we were able to move the crib, and all of the items we had received from the family shower into the room. When I picked up the first bag of consolidated goodies a little sting of a tear hit my eye. And by the third bag, it had turned into uncontrollable weeping. I cried because I couldn’t believe we were moving things in to the room that had caused me so much pain for so long, just by simply existing. I cried because we have a reason to move things into that room. I cried because I thought of all the deserving people who are still waiting to have a reason to fill their spare room. And I cried because I feel so fucking lucky that our time has almost come. Brian didn’t say a word, he just hugged me. He knew exactly why I was crying. 

The room is slowly coming together. I have been progressively taking pictures of each step, and am working on a slide show to post for when we have it mostly ready/done. I wanted to wait for this last shower before I started putting things together. We need to do an inventory of clothes and necessities to find out what else we still need, which I’m incredibly humbled to say, probably won’t be much. Everyone has been very generous. The other shower was this weekend, and holy crow do we feel spoiled. This was mostly just girlfriends, and it was really lovely, and easy and fun. 98% of the ladies had met or known each other before so, it just felt like a gathering and not a production. No games (again), just food, chatting, and gifts. All I could have wanted and more.

Pregnancy wise, things are going well. I have to say I think the third trimester is WAY harder than the first. I’m so much more tired and slow, and it seems like regular errands take me twice as long as they should. The Friday before Halloween I was picking up groceries and a few pumpkins, I was so tired that I actually asked a store bagging clerk for help out to my car... that was a reality check.  I always have big plans for the weekend to kick ass around the house, but I inevitably get a late start, (due to being in bed) and end up taking a nap or at least have to sit down for a bit more than a few times. And also lately we’ve just had so much going on. Showers for me (and to other friends) And just various other activities. But I’ve blocked out two weekends this month so we won’t have ANY plans. I just can’t do it all anymore! 

How far along? 34 Weeks, 3 days

How big is the baby? Enormous. Okay probably about only 5 - 5.5 pounds.

Weight gain? 34 lbs. and still six weeks to go. Part of me doesn’t really care how much I gain, the other part of me says my Post-partum self won't feel quite as unerstanding.

Maternity Clothes? Maternity clothes are fine, but if I had my way I would forgo wearing pants or a bra for the next 40+/- days.

Sleep? Sleep sort of blows. My hips and back are getting pretty sore. If I’m not up peeing, or walking off a hip cramp, I’m rearranging the eleven pillows that help keep me comfortable for 7-9 minutes at a time. The good news is that because one night I’ll sleep ridiculously awful, the next night I’m usually so exhausted that I’ll sleep semi decent.

Gender? Let you know next month {next. month. (!)}

Movement? Lots. Break dancing, Yoga and handstands are my guesses, because holy crap there is a ruckus going on in there, almost to the point of it being a little painful. It pinches. But it’s still super fun watching my belly move.

Food? Food is GREAT. I LOVE FOOD. I eat it. A LOT. I have a snack between breakfast and lunch and one between lunch and dinner. And occasionally a small bowl of cereal before bed. I’m trying to keep my snacks relatively healthy (fruit or yogurt), but I will say my sweet tooth is very much in full effect the rest of the day.

What I miss? Not a damn thing.

What I’m looking forward too? HAVING A BABY.

Milestones? Being 34 weeks, 3 days. Having been thrown two beautiful showers.

Symptoms? Heartburn, fatigue, muscle cramps, little bit of swelling in the hands (I can’t wear my wedding rings anymore). Oh and I think I’m starting to get the cliché “pregnancy brain”, though I hate that saying and would rather attribute it to my lack of sleep.  But yeah, I’m pretty foggy and forgetful. Not fun. Still wouldn't trade it for the world though. 

13 comments:

Jos said...

How exciting that you're getting so much accomplished in the nursery! We definitely need to get going on that soon.... yikes.

I feel the same way regarding sleep and baby movements. Break dancing or something is going on, and I sleep in one position for just a few minutes at a time before my hips are killing me, my hands are numb, and/or my back is so sore I cant stand it. It's obviously worth every ache and pain, but whoa...such a reality check, isn't it?

Every time you eat an extra meal, take comfort in that I'm 99% sure to be eating a meal at the same time. I can't get enough lately. LOL

Jill said...

Sounds like the nursery looks great, I'm excited to see. I always love seeing peoples' decorating. Not too long after 34 weeks I started sleeping on the couch. My hips couldn't take my firm matress anymore. Normally I don't like sleeping on the couch but it was perfect. Cushy enough to support my belly, not hurt my hips and I didn't need to move except once during the night to flip. Hang in there, almost done!

S said...

Wow, you're getting so close! How exciting. :-)

Lisa said...

It's really good to hear your update, M-Sis! So wonderful that everything is coming together...can't wait for next month!!

foxy said...

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one with so many emotions sitting right on the surface these days :) and with gratitude being at the top of the list as well.

My ML has been working so hard on our small remodel. I think it is giving him a purpose these final weeks, and when it is done he will feel ready for the baby. It all feels so significant.

Take it easy my dear!

Carli said...

I teared up while reading your reaction to moving things into the nursery. I remember feeling THAT. EXACT. WAY.

Enjoy these next couple of weeks. And then the fun really starts. Can't wait to see baby G!

Francie said...

So, so excited for you!!

MyTwoLines said...

Can't wait to see the nursery--it sounds super! Hang in there, you are getting so close!

Cory and Molly said...

Can't wait for nursery pics! So exciting!

Jessica White said...

So exciting! Glad you're doing well...can't wait to see pictures of the room!

Jem said...

Can't wait to see pictures of the nursery. You must be so happy to have made it so long.

Clare said...

I cried too when you wrote about the nursery. Sigh. It's almost too good to believe... even now I stare at her thinking is she really mine?? So happy for you Melissa and definitely agree with you about starting to take things slow. Relax now as when baby comes you'll be doing 10 things all at once! xx

Jamie said...

So many happy tears for you right now after reading the first part of your post. I am so happy that you and Brian have been preparing that room and bringing all of the baby stuff into that space. It is so great that you are so reflective and recognizing the past and more importantly what it means to you now, moving forward, and embracing this moment to its fullest. And I love Brian's response and that you shared that together. Happy, happy tears and thinking of you during this last month. :)