baby #4: 39 weeks

Full term!!! Honestly, I kind of can’t believe we have made it this far. I was never this pregnant with my last two babies… so in a way, it feels like I’m “overdue”, although I know technically that isn’t true.

Baby’s size: Between 19-21 inches long and possibly around 7 pounds, which is the size of a cat, a mini pumpkin, or a mini skateboard! If she stays in there much longer, I’m a little nervous that she’ll be our biggest baby.

Maternity clothes?: Always… and even some of Michael’s t-shirts are starting to be too small now that my belly seems to be sitting so much lower. I’m mostly wearing the same few shirts on repeat these days.

Gender: Sweet baby girl.

Symptoms: It’s just feeling really hard to move around in general. This little lady has definitely dropped, and I feel so much pelvic pressure when I’m standing.

Labor signs: I’ve had cramps and contraction-like things happening all week… but it always just stops! I guess this is what might be called prodromal labor. I have no idea if I have any cervical change because my doctor’s office didn’t have any openings for my regular weekly appointment (which seems kind of crazy to me).

Sleep: Sleep has been difficult. I feel like even when I lie down, I’m not getting much actual rest. I wake up super early (sometimes even around 4 am) to use the bathroom and then have a hard time falling back asleep, if I ever do. I’ve been super lucky to still have an afternoon nap every day, though!

Movement: She’s still hiccuping, pushing her feet into me on the right, and flailing her hands around low on my left side. I feel like maybe she’s been a little less crazy than usual, but she’s probably running out of space.

Cravings: I’ve had ice cream just about every day, and it’s been amazing. Coldstone Creamery sounds pretty good!

What I miss: I feel like I’ve completely put everyone’s lives on hold waiting for this princess to arrive… I just want her here so I don’t have to wonder which day will be the one!

Anything making you queasy or sick?: I’ve had my moments… although the nausea definitely hasn’t lasted all day, and I’ve actually been eating really well. My Mom-in-law is here, and we’ve enjoyed her homemade pizza this week, as well as tacos! It’s been awhile since I’ve had a grilled cheese, and I’m not complaining about that. I do tend to get some motion sickness in the car, though.

Belly Button in or out?: Out and weird!

Exercising?: Ran 14.4 miles (longest run was 3.16 miles). Best average pace this week was 11:19 min/mile. Fitbit total steps: 66,184. It’s feeling really hard to run now that she’s so much lower, and I’m usually not pushing myself too much because I want to have energy left just in case I go into labor later in the day. It’s mentally hard to cut back on the miles, but I really don’t want to exhaust myself.

Mood: Am I allowed to say I’m feeling super impatient? I know she’ll come when she’s ready, and waiting is only making her healthier and stronger, but I’m just so ready to be done. I’ve been really emotional and tearing up over everything this week.

Best moment this week: Having both my Mom-in-law and Dad-in-law up here for the weekend! Also having my Mom-in-law’s help has been amazing.

Looking forward to: Seeing her sweet face in person, holding her, and feeling less uncomfortable. We’re so close to having her here!

Big sisters: Kaya still asks, “When is she coming out? She’s taking a long time…” They also still hug my belly a lot and always ask if she’s kicking me. Nella has been extra cuddly and very aware of where I am and what I’m doing at all times. She’ll say “Baba!” if she sees an ultrasound picture, but I think she’s still going to be very surprised here soon.

Comparison: The only comparison I have is at 39 weeks with Kaya! If I get to do a 40-week post next week, that will be a first!

Come on Baby!!!