Today is the last day of week 36 of my pregnancy, which means starting tomorrow, if Bubbles decides to make her entrance earlier than March 30, she'll still be considered full-term. That is MIND-BOGGLING!!! She could literally come any day now!
Overall, I have truly loved being pregnant. I've been doing a LOT of nesting lately, and her nursery is ALMOST done. Just a couple of items to add to make it perfect. I also have a name sign to add to her wall, but that'll have to wait until she's here because I don't want there to be any spoilers. ; ) I've been enjoying my big belly as well. I constantly forget just how big I am until I look sideways in a mirror, and then I realize I'm HUGE. As I grow, I'm very aware that Bubbles is also growing, and I'm feeling her more prominently than ever before. It's so wonderful when she responds to my voice, and I appreciate every little bump, nudge, and hiccup (she's been doing a lot of that lately!) that I feel from her. In some ways, I'll miss having this little sidekick with me all the time, but I also cannot WAIT to meet her, so when the time comes, giving birth to her will be bittersweet.
The past few weeks have been extremely challenging, though, not going to lie, which is why I've been a bit radio silent. I've been struggling with a lot of hip pain, and I've been sleeping less comfortably as a result. I guess it's God's way of gently preparing me for the lack of sleep that's coming lol. I started seeing a chiropractor on a weekly basis, which has definitely helped. Peter has also been a huge help when it comes to getting out of bed or off of the couch or even out of the car. I've been periodically doing some exercises on a birthing ball too. Basically, I'm coping, but I certainly wouldn't be opposed to the baby arriving early hehe.
Peter and I have both experienced so much generosity from the people around us recently. It's so humbling to know just how much people want to support our little family. The women at my church threw me a baby shower that was just wonderful, and the ladies in my Bible study have showered me with gifts and an abundance of kindness as well. Even my mom never fails to give me something new for the baby every time I see her...and she usually has a little something for me too. ; ) I love that we have a community of people rooting for us and joining us in the anticipation and excitement. What a true blessing it is!
People sometimes ask me if Peter and I are taking advantage of the little time we have left just being a family of two. To be honest, I don't think we've necessarily been doing things differently, with the exception of our January trip to Disney (though we've already started talking about the possibility of going back while Bubbles can enter for free haha). I think we've always relished time together as best as we can, and that hasn't changed since I became pregnant. I'm confident we'll find ways to continue doing that even after the baby comes. If anything, her presence will simply be a daily reminder of what we created out of our love for each other. What a beautiful reminder that will be!
I'm pretty nervous about the actual birth itself, but I think that's natural for anyone giving birth for the first time. It's a combination of not knowing what to expect while also having a complete lack of control over the process. I get really uncomfortable in situations where I have no control whatsoever, so this time of simply waiting and wondering has really pushed me to remember I can rely on Him when I can't rely on myself, and I can know true peace while resting in that truth.
Baby girl, you've been cooking in there for 36 weeks now, and it's almost time for you to make your grand entrance! You've been so good to me (seriously, no keeping me up at night or kicking my ribs or anything!). Mama is so excited to finally meet you, Bubbles, and she wants you to know that she and your daddy already love you something fierce. See you soon!
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