35 weeks and 1 day

Well I officially made it to 8 months and boy am I ready! It has been a great journey so far but I am anxiously waiting the day I go into labor! New Years was really fun. We went to Area 31 and met up with Ashley and her bf. It was weird being pregnant at a bar but I figured it was out last outting before baby. Technically tonight is because Taylor has a show and I am going. This past week has been really good. I have gotten a lot of sleep and have been taking it easy. At first I was trying to get a lot of stuff done everyday because I was bored but now I am doing a little at a time to enjoy these last few weeks of not being a mom. I mean I know I am already a mom but he's not here yet. This past week we met with the first pediatrician. Her name is Dr. Sneed and she was really nice. She has a smaller practice in Stone Oak and seemed to have a good connection with her patients. I liked her fine but Taylor and I decided to meet with at least one other doctor to make sure we have a choice. So I made an appointment for next week with Dr. Fischer who is at ABCD Pediatrics, also in Stone Oak. I know we will find a good doctor, so I am not worried. Yesterday I went to Dr. Serrano's office for a check up. I weight a whopping 147 pounds!! Its only 14 pounds more than my pre-pregnancy weight, but its still 147 pounds... And I know I am supposed to gain weight, and I havent gained anywhere else, and I know its all in my belly... but still, its really hard to be okay with gaining so much weight. And for my height, its even harder to be in the late 140s, because that means I could possibly reach 150! I have definitely noticed an increase in my appetite. I eat a lot more and a lot more frequently. Taylor has noticed too. Hes been getting more craving that I have though! Its weird because I havent had a steady craving.. Maybe like dairy prodicts.. Milk, Ice-cream, cheese, COOKIES... I have a big sweet tooth but thats not much different than before I was pregnant. I guess now I just dont feel as guilty because my pants are always stretchy, oh yeah!

Anyway, we were at the doctor for a really long time yesterday. I had a sonogram with the technician and Tara was able to go and see the baby which was really neat. He has big lips like Jenna and Taylors nose I think. We tried to do a 3D sono but he looked weird and like he was black in some of the pictures. I am posting the best one she got but it still makes him look funky. The 2 D one is of his face. Its kinda shadowy but you can still tell. Right now he weighs 5 pounds and 3 ounces which, according to the books, is right on target for this week. The technician also measured his legs and said they were short like his mommas. I hope he grows more! I dont want him to be short like me! There is still some fluid in his kidneys and they also saw that his has a shorter small intestine. These things will just be monitored and they said they will let the pediatrician know. Dr. Serrano said there is nothing to worry about unless things change, like the amount of fluid in the kidneys or the amount of amniotic fluid because thats an indicator that its a more serious problem. Right now my fluid levels are good so everything seems to be running smoothly. Baby is still breeched. Most have turned by now but it is no surprise that he hasnt yet. He still has time and some babies dont turn until the last minute, but Dr and I have already discussed the liklihood of him being breeched. This just means I have a more chance of c-section if he doesnt turn. I also got checked to see if I was dialated, which I am not. It kind of hurt actually and I started bleeding a little bit, which really really freaked me out. They said it was okay because some women bleed. I have still been getting irregular BH contractions. In fact, I am having one now as I am writing. It just feels tight in my belly. Sometimes I get period like cramps and bad back pain but it usually goes away. If I were in real labor if would not go away. I really hope that when I go to the hospital I am in real labor because I dont wanna be the girl who cried baby and have to be sent home a zillion times. I was put on a fetal monitoring system while at the doctor as well (like I said, we were there pretty much all day!). They strap these two things around your belly and listen to heart beating, and monitor changes. Not sure how long its really supposed to be but I was being monitored for like 30 minutes. They had me drink some water and change positions a few times. He said it all looked good so I didnt worry about anything. I think they were checking for contractions but I dont think I had any while I was there. I will be seeing him every week now. I think just for an exam and fetal monitoring. I wonder if anything will change by next week.

I am 36 weeks on Thursday... Its so close now! I have started to pack my bag. I still need a few things in there, which I will get done this week. Ive sent directions to the hospital to all my friends and everyone is prepared to come see me when I am in labor! I would really like to be 37 weeks when I have him so I am considered full term. And I have a baby shower that my awesome BFFs are putting on for me this next weekend. So I dont want to have to cancel that! I am still having dreams about Landon. Most of them are about me not remembering giving birth and I am confused as to what has happened. Last night, I woke up (in my dream) and went to Landons room and he was standing in his crib and saying hi to me. He was only supposed to be 10 days old but I couldnt remember giving birth! Then I was trying to feed him but he kept saying he wasnt hungry. Weird!

So this week I want to get my hair done and get a massage. Taylor and I are taking some pictures with his friend on Friday, then its the baby shower on Saturday. I need to pick up my contacts and meet with the pediatrician. And another Dr. Serrano appt, finish packing for the hospital, get the diapers ready and the book shelves up in Landons room. Just a few things... then I will be ready!!! I mean I am already ready, Ill just be more ready! I am so excited!

Love,
A, T, and L