Week 41 Pregnancy Journal

How Far Along? 41 Weeks ... let's go ahead and file this one under "posts I really didn't think I'd be writing"!

Size of Baby: A pumpkin (20 inches)! Our baby weighs approximately 8 lbs now according to the BabyBump app (just for a point of reference, I was 7.1 when I was born ... Ian was 7.11)

Gender: All pink!

Weight Gain: Down three pounds from last week's weigh in (apparently this is common before you give birth?) so up a total of 20lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight.

Maternity Clothes: All the time. I'll be so happy to put them away at the end of this pregnancy!

Nursery: Loving it. It's ready for a baby.

Movement: She's running out of room -- besides the occasional stretch where I feel her heels stick out in my upper right abdomen, she is not moving as freely as she once did.

Symptoms: Crying during shows or commercials with babies, especially if they are crying themselves (thanks hormones). Increased dexterity with picking up fallen items from the floor with my toes. Also, some labor symptoms -- light contractions throughout the day that I've been tracking on my iPhone when I can.

Sleep: Sleeping pretty well on my left side, but I can't WAIT to have the freedom again to sleep however I want. Also, waking up every morning feeling pretty incredulous that we made it through another night.

Cravings: Fresh fruit, especially pineapple.

What I Miss: Toned arms. They are quite smooshy now.

Best Moment This Week: A few things! Working with the doula to prepare for labor. I even had my first ever (and second) trip to an acupuncturist to try to encourage the labor. I also had an awesome breakfast on Friday with Rachel and Katie!

Also, Mother's Day on Sunday. I received so many calls and texts wishing me a Happy Mothers Day (which is a pretty awesome feeling). I'd previously said that if I didn't have a baby in my arms on Sunday that I'd cry, and I honestly didn't even think that this was an option. But it did happen, and I did cry, but you know what? I got over it. Because I still got to labor through the day and know that I am taking care of her. And Ian, who surprised me with tulips, cupcakes, and a sweet card, assured me that whatever day she arrives will be my Mothers Day.

Looking Forward To: (You know.)