Tick Tock

It seems like time is both flying and slooooooooooooowly crawling by at the same time.  Things seem to be flying in the respect that I can't believe it's just a matter of weeks until Jeff & I become parents and get to meet our baby girl!  Trying to keep up with the amount of work at my job while preparing for maternity leave has also kept me pretty occupied.  It's the discomforts of pregnancy that makes time seem to be at a standstill.

Don't get me wrong...it is a wonderful, miraculous experience no doubt.  In the beginning, the extreme hyperemesis was the sickest I'd ever been in my life.  But that seems like such a long time ago.  I'd say the 2nd half of the 2nd trimester has been my favorite time of pregnancy.  I was finally over being sick and hadn't yet hit the discomforts that come later on.  Feeling the little first movements was absolutely amazing.  Finding out we are having a girl, seeing her growth with each ultrasound...those are priceless moments we will never forget.

Can't say I'll miss the huge belly (that is always getting in my way and making it really hard to tie my shoes), the near constant hip pain, lack of sleep, etc.  She's totally worth it though.  I've read that as babies get bigger, you often feel less movement because they get cramped for space.  I think it's been the opposite with baby Shay.  The less space she has, the more she pushes, shoves, kicks & punches me as if she's trying to MAKE more room for herself.  And she does it for long periods at a time...I don't think this little person sleeps much!  And for being under 6 lbs., she sure is strong!  My whole stomach literally moves all over the place when she's active.  Sometimes it looks like a marble or roll of quarters is rolling across my tummy.  Weirdest.  Feeling.  Ever.

I'm 36 1/2 weeks along at this point (or almost 8 1/2 months pregnant).  I really hope Shay doesn't decide to come late.  Maternity leave from work begins 2 weeks from today and I am really looking forward to it.  In the meantime, we've been preparing for the big day, getting our paperwork lined up, chores done around the house, cars serviced, packing the hospital bag, etc.  We're almost done with all of our classes.  This Saturday is the last lamaze class (which we've found really informative and would highly recommend in case anyone is ever interested).  Jeff's sister & mom threw us a baby shower last Saturday.  More on that in a future blog.  So we're feeling more and more ready.  Still have to get a few more items but the outpouring of love & support from friends and family has been such a blessing!

We had a bit of a scare a couple of weeks ago when the OB ordered an ultrasound and said that the amniotic fluid was low and that they would need to monitor it.  Thankfully, it's gone back up and everything appears to be healthy.  We had an appointment a couple of days ago and another ultrasound showed the fluid at optimal levels and they estimated baby Shay's weight at 5lbs., 12 oz.  No cute pictures to post though...she had her face all smooshed up against the placenta and her feet up near her head.  She seems to really like hanging around in a pike position...I think she may have some gymnast in her!  Either that or maybe UFC fighter based on how much and how hard she pushes.  Can't wait to tickle her little feet instead of feeling them in my ribs!

Okay time to end this disjointed blog entry and try to get some sleep.  Hopefully I'll be able to update this more in the coming weeks leading up to baby's arrival!