38 weeks
20 November 2017
38 weeks, 6 days
We’re getting closer… I’m finally and very slowly packing the hospital bag and finishing up baby girl’s room. I took these photos at the very last possible second, but I really wanted to capture week 38, so I cranked up the ISO. As I am writing this, it’s my last day of week 38. I really wished that I had captured more photos of my pregnancy with Ruby, so I’m glad that I’ve kept up with it this time around. I can’t wait to put them all together to see the whole pregnancy.
So, this week was overall much better than last week. Jordan’s schedule lightened up a bit, a little stress went away and he had an entire weekend off for the first time in a long time! It’s amazing what having two days off in a row can do for your productivity. I finally knocked off some of the remaining items on the to-do list and am feeling so much more prepared, even if there’s still a few more things to do.
baby is the size of a…
half baking sheet of meringues
how i’m feeling
Overall I can’t really complain (though I do) for being 38 weeks pregnant I’m doing just fine. I still have the normal pregnancy symptoms, but with Jordan home more often and being in good health, I’m feeling so much better! A little anxiety lifted this weekend when we got a chance to play catch up from this month. It feels like we’re finally out of survival mode. I’m hoping baby waits at least until the due date to breathe a bit.
At my last appointment, baby girl was head down which was such a relief. We had talked about a possible early induction if she hadn’t flipped, which I thought would convince me to get ready (again, survival mode). Alas, here I am almost 39 weeks and packing a hospital bag and folding baby clothes.
In all of this, I’m learning to give myself lots of grace. I often forget that our life looks different than others. It’s easier when we’re on the other side of it, I can see clearer and realize that I needed more grace, to stress less and just be ok with leaving things undone for a bit.
Please remind me of this in a month when Jordan’s working and I’m still trying to do it all. My mantra lately is to slow down. Which, if I’m being truthful, is mostly because I’m not ready for this baby to come yet. But, also, I need to savor and not rush.
Hospital Bag
I’m really struggling packing my hospital bag, but I’m there for the most part. I have a good idea of what I need to bring, I’m just wearing most of it on a daily basis. I had the same thing happen with Ruby and IÂ ended up bringing a terrible outfit to wear home. I need to suck it up and go ahead an pack my favorite cozy outfit so that I can have it when I need it.
I did grab a few luxury items for the hospital and postpartum this time around. Like this Pinkblush robe I’m wearing, a dwell + slumber gown, and some Blanqi Postpartum leggings. If I get around to it, I hope to share what all I finally decide to pack, just because I know all is mamas love those.
maternity clothing
I’ve been wearing the same outfit every day now, leggings, a cozy maternity t-shirt, and a cardigan.
I’ve transitioned to gathering postpartum clothing, like this PinkBlush robe, which is incredibly beautiful. I’ve been looking for pieces that are practical, but make me feel a little put together. Packing a hospital bag for delivery and postpartum are two great reasons to refresh your lounge and sleepwear. I also refreshed my jogger collection and grabbed a couple pairs of my favorites from old navy for $12. I’m not much of a pajama person, but I ordered this nightshirt because it finally went on sale. I’m still on the hunt for the perfect pair.
Pregnancy symptoms
Restless leg is still what bothers me the most these days. I take a salt bath most evenings with eucalyptus and spearmint to fall asleep, which I’m not mad about.
My skin is crazy dry, but I’ve fully converted to using face and body oils, I have a post in the works to convince you too.
My eyes are still causing some trouble, I picked up some new cheap glasses from here and it makes a world of difference. I can typically get by without wearing glasses, I wore them more when I taught and drove more. I find myself grabbing them most days.
I hate to admit this one, but I’ve been more irritable this week. I’ve had to apologize to Jordan a couple times. He brought me flowers home after work today, I think he knows I’m struggling a little.
appointment update
I mentioned earlier, baby is head down!! I was glad that Jordan was able to be there this time. He’s been able to be at a lot of my appointments, or at least stop by… or the very least be in the same building. My doctor has been doing an ultrasound each time, so it made it more fun that he was there.
Things are looking pretty good, so it’s all waiting for baby at this point! I have another appointment tomorrow already!
Weight gain & self image
I weighed the exact same (+33 pounds) at my last appointment. I’m a little surprised and not at the same time. My weight evened out like this with ruby. Yet, I also have been eating out and picked up some peppermint ice cream this week. Moderation though, I guess?
As for self image, I’m feeling rather large and starting to think about postpartum. I’m preparing by picking up some postpartum pieces here and there. Remembering again to give myself grace and lots of it.
I’m feeling extra big as this baby drops down lower. And I’m just covered in stretch marks, it’s crazy.
In it all, I actually don’t mind the way I look at 38 weeks pregnant this time around. I guess I can thank the winter for not swelling as much this time.
How I’m nesting
This week it’s making this nursery look pretty, sorting through clothes, and putting away the lost big sister hand-me-downs.
We also did a big clean of our home after we hosted a Friendsgiving with our community group. We finally cleaned the sofa and did a big clean this weekend.
It’s a mess again after putting up our Christmas tree. I know, were totally those people.
name: undecided
We still don’t have a name for this little one. Jordan asked me the other day what we are going to name her. I think he’s realizing that her coming is sneaking up on us too. We have a few strong contestants, and some new ones we throw in every now and then. I am pretty sure I’m just waiting for something to come to me, but we have maybe a week or two left, so I’m running out of time.
If you have any name ideas I’d love to hear them!
My bag may be half packed, but I did make a detailed list of things I need to bring. So, I’m mostly there and hopefully won’t forget anything.
I also kind of know that I’ll baby probably will wait a little longer. I keep telling her that those last few days in November will make a great birthday.
I’m looking forward to 39 weeks, so I hope that we can enjoy this upcoming 4 day weekend with our favorite papa. Oh, and it’s thanksgiving?
