The End is Near

Ever since last Monday when my doctor gave me a time and date for this baby to come, I have been nesting like crazy!  Last week I had a huge knot in my stomach, thinking about all the things I want to get done before he arrives.  After working long days and staying up late, the knot is gone and I am feeling much better this week.  I still have lots to do, but most of the important things are done and I have this whole week to tie up any loose ends that I can.  I have been thinking about things I will and will not miss as I come to the close of this pregnancy.  Here we go:

Miss:

~Getting special treatment because I'm pregnant.  People don't expect much out of you and it's a nice excuse to get out of things I'd rather not do.  I know my own personal expectations are higher than anyone elses' so it's probably more for me, that I don't expect too much out of myself.  It's easier to let things go.

~Feeling this kid move around inside of me.  Although lately it's been pretty uncomfortable as he pushes into not so nice places.  I will miss the ease of going out to run errands or simply catch lunch with a loved one.  It's much easier to do these things with baby inside rather than with baby in tow.

~Getting up every 2-3 hours to only use the bathroom.  Now it will be for feedings, which take much longer than a quick trip to the bathroom!

~Sleep

Happy To:

~Meeting this little guy, seeing what he looks like, introducing him to his brothers, seeing how excited they get, the new baby in the home feeling..it's just a special time.

~Bid adieu to maternity clothes.  I'm down to 2 pair of jeans and maybe a handful of shirts that fit.  Since the baby dropped, my belly has been hanging out the bottom of my shirts.  I look forward to wearing some of my old clothes and having jeans that actually stay up on their own.

~Have my body back..in a way.  I'm going to try & breastfeed this time around, so it won't be completely back for a while, but I will at least have the use of my stomach back and it won't be getting in the way (as much).  It is getting difficult to get up and down, especially while laying down.  I feel like a walrus trying to maneuver my body into a sitting up position.  It will be nice to be able to bound up and not have to strategize my next move.
~Be able to venture away from the Tums bottle.  I need those things at least once a day.  When I'm out running around and I've run out of my stash in my purse, it is not a nice feeling.

~Sleep on my back again!  My hips are so sore every morning when I wake up!!!

~Have a reason to slow down.  I am planning on hanging out at home more and not putting so much on my plate for a while.  My mom has told me that having a baby is mother nature's way of telling you to slow down.  I think I'm going to embrace that motto for a while and do as little as possible!

I went in for my last doctor's visit today.  I am dialated to almost a 2.  Looks like things are progressing nicely.  I should be all ready for Monday morning at 3 a.m. when I am supposed to check into the hospital.  I thought that was a really crazy time, but she said it was the best time.  It puts me as first in line and I won't get pushed back if other deliveries & inductions take longer than planned.  It'd be nice to be able to get a good night's rest before heading in for the first of many sleepless nights to come, but I guess I'm used to it.  I started labor with both Jacob & Hunter during the night while I was trying to sleep.  I guess that's just what my body likes to do!