37 weeks.

How Far Along: 37 weeks: Layla is considered full term and could be born safely at this point. So crazy. She will continue to gain weight until she decides she's ready for her big debut! We have a growth/position ultrasound on Friday so we will get a weight estimate and also check in to see whether she decided to flip to the head down position.

How I'm Feeling: In disbelief that we are at this point! I spent so much time praying that Layla wouldn't come early because we had so much still to do. At this point, her nursery is ready and waiting, the car seat is installed, we waved goodbye to our 2-door Accord and now have a 2014 Jetta for our second car...things that all seemed like they were never going to happen in time! It's surreal to know that if I were to go into labor it would be okay. I am so anxious to meet her!

Physically, I'm really starting to get uncomfortable. My back is so tight and sore when I wake up every morning and getting up and down is challenging. I feel like my energy is still high considering how close we are to her due date. She must have "dropped" because I went from downing Tums after every meal to not needing them as often. Whew...holy acid reflux/heartburn! 

My bellybutton fought the good fight but it has finally accepted defeat and my innie is an outtie for now. 

As of this past Friday my cervix has begun to thin, no dilation at that time, and based on a physical exam my midwife believes that Layla may have flipped and is no longer breech. Ultrasound this week will confirm.

Weight Gain/Loss: This past weigh in was interesting. I was shocked when the scale was +7lbs at my appointment! I told Dylan, something has to be going on..because I knew Layla didn't gain that much weight and I certainly didn't feel like I would have packed on 7lbs in 2 weeks. (Warning: TMI ahead). Lets go with, constipation has been no friend of mine over the past few weeks which I knew was a common symptom. Apparently, it was more severe than I realized. While my midwife was checking for dialation/effacement she immediately asked if I was having bathroom issues. Apparently I truly am full of shit (no pun intended..ok, maybe a little intended.) But, for real..it's severe. So..the extra weight "gain" was explained. Lets all cross our fingers this next weigh in reflects all of my Miralax, Colace, and enema (yes, an enema..yikes!) efforts. The joys of late pregnancy...

Cravings: If it's edible, chances are I want it. My appetite has increased for sure. I feel like I need to eat as healthy as I can to give Layla as many nutrients in these final days, not to mention I've tried to really up my fiber intake.  

Gender: Girl ...we are so close to meeting her, I can't wait! 

What I Miss: Not much...

What I'm Looking Forward To: We have a maternity photo session this Saturday and I'm really excited to have professional photos made! We haven't had actual pictures since our wedding and I absolutely want to remember this time in our life. 

Weekly Wisdom: Even though I feel huge, I do recognize that I am smaller than some women at this stage. (Everyone carries their baby differently!)It never fails when a stranger asks when I'm due, I say the 25th, and with jaws practically dragging the floor they say, "of this month!?!/you don't look like it, honey" and part of me is still so annoyed by it. I think part of me assumes they are probably thinking "something must be wrong with the baby's size" and although I know that she is perfectly healthy and normal, it still bugs me to see people's reaction. It's been my advice in the past, but you really just have to let people's comments roll off your back. Pregnancy is really the only time people feel like they can comment on your size and it's just bizarre. I've just learned to smile and say something like, yup she likes to hide out in there but she's doing great! And mentally roll my eyes.