38 weeks

How Far along: 38 weeks, 4 days.

Total weight gain: Slowing down. For once I didn't gain anything in between doctor's appointments. Although apparently I have gained more weight than I should have these past 9 months. Did my doctor say anything to me about it? NO. I am rather perturbed and boarder line mad about that. I mean, yes I know its my responsibility to monitor my weight, and eat healthy. But thats just it. I HAVE been eating healthy. I am just eating the same amount I would have been if I were still running 25+ miles per week. But from what I read that calorie intake should be increased by 300 cal during the second and third trimesters, so I figured that if I didn't change the amount I eat I would be ok. I guess what I'm saying is that it would have been nice for my doctor to caution me about my weight gain at around 20 weeks when I gained 12 lbs in 4 weeks. /end vent.

Maternity clothes: Yes, and I am starting to hate them. I want to wear something different than the same 4 pairs of pants.

Sleep: Its... ok. Definitely getting more uncomfortable. Between the pelvic pain and carpal tunnel that is now in both hands, I have a hard time getting settled, but once I fall asleep I'm usually out for the count. Except for my 1:11 AM pee break (I kid you not, 1:11 AM every morning).

Best moment this week: I don't have a whole lot on this topic. I have had a pretty rough past 10 days. Between finding out that we have a heavy weight champ on the way (she is measuring at about 8.5 lbs already), and all the side effects of giving birth to a large baby (shoulder distocia for her, extreme tearing for me), I have been a little on edge and have had more than a few break downs with trying to decide what to do in the next 2 weeks (be induced, c-section, etc).

Movement: Yup. She doesn't know her down from up either. Or she is going toward the sound of my voice rather than toward the light. She has also succeeded in totally moving up and out of my pelvis.

Gender: Stubborn and difficult baby girl.

Labor signs: Nothing. No increased Braxton Hicks, no dropping, no contractions. Like I said before, she is out of my pelvis, so she has yet to engage or get low enough to cause any progress.

Belly button: Flat. I thought it was starting to stick out, but it was just the hard scar tissue from my belly button piercing that I was seeing.

Stretch Marks: No new ones, but I think I may have started to see the start of one on my side. Could it be because I am carrying a Sumo wrestler? Perhaps.

Cravings: Progress. I don't want food, I want progress. I am over being pregnant. Its not that I'm that miserable (I mean sure, it would be nice to be able to tie my shoes or paint my toe nails without having to take 5 breathing breaks), I am just sick and tired of stressing out about her weight and my weight, and how and when she is going to make an entrance. I am starting to get to the end of my rope.

What I am looking forward to: Progress. My next appointment is this Wednesday. If I am still high and locked up tight, my doctor is going to talk to us about our options. At this point and with her weight, she doesn't want me to go past my due date. I see my desire for a med free birth slowly fading away.

Milestones: I don't know if I'd call this a milestone or not, but Jonathan could notice an obvious difference in the size of my belly since last week. I could too. I think Claire is approaching the 9 lb mark. Someone hold me.