36 weeks, baby 5

36 weeks... 4 more weeks to my due date... less than an actual month until my due date... onto weekly OB appts.  I always feel like 36 weeks is the beginning of the end.  It's the point where baby gear can start to be washed and brought out.  The belly is undeniably huge.  The hospital bag could be packed.  I actually don't have any of that stuff done, but I'm at the point where I could do those things and I wouldn't be crazy.

I have baby girl's crib set up and her clothes hung and ready.  I have the baby blankets readily available.  I still have my baby-gear-box in the attic and I plan to bring out the bouncy seats and a pack and play for the livingroom.  Also, my hospital bag needs to be assembled.  The car seat is unpacked from it's box (new car seat... YAY, thank you Aunt Tammy!!!), but it won't go into the car for a few weeks.  So while there is some things done for her, and there are others that will come in the next few weeks.  To be completely honest, one thing I have learned is that although it seems like babies come with lots of STUFF, all they really need is a place to sleep, a few pieces of clothing, car seat, milk, and diapers.  I've got that done... the rest is filler fluff.  She's close, but there are still the finishing touches that will come in time.

My other focus has become the house.  I did my "big" renovations in June when I painted the master bedroom and re-did the master bath.  That's been on my mental to-do list for the almost-5 years we have owned this house and now it's DONE!  I don't think I will tackle any other big projects before baby.  Now I am in "keep up with laundry and keep the house clean clean" all.of.the.time mode.  Monday the house was spotless top to bottom.  If you don't have 4 small children you might now know what a feat that is, but usually one floor of my house can stay clean at one time.  We have three floors.  I can feel the itch of staying on top of things... normal nesting.

What about baby?

She weighs about 6+ pounds and is 18 ish inches.  In other words, she's beefing up!  She's at the point where she's gaining an ounce a day which equates to about a half pound a week.  Aaaaaand I can tell she's getting bigger.  She feels BIG.  She's not engaged yet so she still sticks her butt into my ribs and rubs her feet along the side of my belly.  When you are 6 pounds and inside of another human those things become a bit uncomfortable.  This all leads into...

What about mommy?

I'm still feeling good, all things considering.  I'm getting glimpses of  the "ugh end" feeling... there are times where I can't get comfortable at night.  Jim now resides on the couch because a full bed and a full belly don't allow room for husbands.  He's awesome and just does it, I haven't even had to ask.  In another life I will own a King bed.  ::nods nods::  I'm also getting waves of tiredness, which I kinda have to fight through to get back to feeling normal and those times where she sticks her bum in my ribs, it just feels like she's 15 pounds and won't fit for another instance.  She also has the ability to move in such a way that it feels like she's simultaneously busting out as well as also shooting a lightening bolt down my leg.  That's fun. ;) This week I have had headaches again too, but... but but BUT I really can't complain and I'm not.  And I won't.  These are so minor and I know to count my blessings that I'm healthy and she's healthy.  I have known a few people recently whose babies had Hydrocephalus... the one little girl was due a day after me.  Her mama delivered her at 34 weeks.  She has already said hello and goodbye to that little angel.  I have the privilege of carrying my girl still and knowing that as far as we know, she's perfect and I get to take her home and enjoy her once she's out of my belly.  So those minor third trimester inconveniences is nothing compared to what I gain from going through them.

And the kids... they are so excited to meet her which makes it worth the baking process as well. :)

I especially can't wait to give Emily her very own baby. :)  She spots babies on any packaging (on diaper boxes, on wipes cases, ads) or in photos or actual live babies... she's obsessed.  It started a few months ago where the interest came, but she was quite, uh, forceful with them.  "Baby!!! ::fists in baby's face::" Wonderful.  Natural progression though.  She's still kind of a baby herself and is slowly learning boundaries.  We've worked on being gentle to babies and she's getting more and more aware.  When her sister comes and she has day-to-day experience the final piece of the puzzle will fit.  I think she will be over the moon to realize she has a baby here to keep.

Today we got out to the park and had a picnic lunch and played.  I love that this area has community parks nestled in most neighborhoods.  It's awesome.  We had this park to ourselves and the kids had a blast.  I'll put some re-cap photos below.  :)

I will have an OB appt every week at this point and I'll try to remember to throw a post here after my appointments, because I know how awesomely interesting it is to read about what resides in my stomach.  Captivating.  Until 37...