33 weeks

How far along? 33 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 15 lbs. (Although there is some controversy over this number, I think I got weighed in at a bad time and their scale is off)
Maternity clothes? My maternity clothes (mostly the tops)aren't fitting well. The shirts are becoming too short, but I don't want to buy more stuff this close to D-day.
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Cruel and unusual punishment. I need to sleep now because I won't when the baby comes and I can't because I am so uncomfortable.
Best moment this week: Finishing my last day of contract work at the clinic! Now just doing the one job.
Movement: He is a mover and a shaker.
Food cravings: Appetite not so good now. I feel stuffed all the time. So mission "Force Snacking" is underway.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks contractions have surely increased over night it seems.
Belly Button in or out? Out.
What I miss: Sleep.
What I am looking forward to: Fridays weigh in so I can prove to everyone that the last one was a fluke.
Weekly Wisdom: DO NOT WATCH SOMEONE ELSE GIVE BIRTH RIGHT BEFORE YOU DO!

Three classes down and one more to go. Mike did the daddy bootcamp class, which he enjoyed. I did the breastfeeding class, which caused me to hold my nipples for a good two days. The hosiptal tour and registration is what we did yesterday. I never realized how much paper work went into having a baby. The birth certificate is filled out and ready to go. The last class is Babies, Booties, and Baths.

Work is really getting tough now. Three twelve hour shifts in a row is going to be hard. The only good thing about it is that I will have four days off in a row, if I make it. Turned in maternity leave info to my employer. So I guess stuff is getting done. It's weird to say, but I will full term in a little more than three weeks!

???????

I don't know what to call this post so the question marks is what it gets til I think of one.

Welcome James Matthew Fincham to the family. 7lbs 15 ounces and 20 inches long! Born 8/20/09. Dark blond hair and cute as can be! You may be thinking what a great experience for me to see my nephew born right before my own! I say "FALSE", no really it was an interesting experience, I am just a little emotional right now. I cried a few times, mostly when my sister did and when she was crowning or the shoulders were coming out and she screamed a little (I don't know which part since I was looking out the window the whole time). If you don't know by now I am so scared to give birth. I realize I have a low tolerance for pain and to know that you are about to experience the most painful event a human can go through and still survive, freaks me out! I also know it will be worth it when I see my baby for the first time.

The debate around the house is who will be in the room during delivery (why Mike even has a say is beyond me, considering it is not even his body). While in the delivery of my nephew I realized how exposed you are, and no matter how hard I tried not to look, I still saw stuff. Also, I am a pretty shy person and have a little phobia about being naked (that has improved since I do what I do for a living, at least seeing others naked). So the thought of having other people in the room is also weighing heavy on my mind. If my mother wasn't a labor and delivery nurse, I'm not sure I would have her in the room. Now my sister is tempting me with great candid shots she got of my other sister, my monther in-law expressed how badly she wants to be in the room, and all I can think of is AHHHHH what do I do. As of right now it will just be my mom and Mike. But I don't want to hurt any ones feelings or regret not capturing the moment either. All I can do is try not to think about it right now.
************************Vent Over***************************
On a lighter note. I just wanted to jot down some good things about being pregnant since I do talk a lot about the crappy parts. So here goes...

1. When you first find out, but you can't believe it and you take multiple tests. Keeping it a secret between the two of us before we told people was fun.
2. Telling family
3. Feeling and seeing it kick for the first time.
4. Hearing the heart beat for the first time/everytime
5. New clothes
6. Seeing your baby start to look human
7. When people first start noticing your pregnant and not just chunky.

31 WEEKS UPDATE

How far along? 31 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +12 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Found some great cargo capris pants at Old Navy that fit now and will fit later! Score.
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Far and few between.
Best moment this week: Hanging out with Mike for his birthday. Just the two of us, probably for the last time!
Movement: All the time! He has found my ribs...ouch!
Food cravings: Anything good.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Just the occasional Braxton Hicks contractions
Belly Button in or out? Out! Boo Hoo!
What I miss: Getting my massages while lying on my stomach.
What I am looking forward to: Holding him!
Weekly Wisdom: Keep drinking water or else the leg cramp devil pays a visit to you in the middle of the night.

Pop goes the wiesel (or the belly button in this case)

Let the truth be told, my belly button is out! I hope it returns when this pregnancy is over. My linea negra is very dark, according to Mike, I can't see it without a mirror. We are struggling with this dresser we (Mike) are trying to refurbish. He re-stained it and then but a coat of varnish on it and it is not turning out the way we want it to. So now he is in the garage re-doing the whole thing. I am just anxious to get it in the room and start putting away all the stuff we have for B so far. Now we must wait longer. I just want to be done with the room already and just add baby to it. We are also busy with getting invitations made for the baby shower. Add that to fact that I am trying to organize and clean the whole house and this creates little time for rest.

Mike and his brother Scott came to visit me at the hospital the other day. Of course we took a look at B, and it was funny to see Mike try and explain all the parts to Scott. He almost is a Pro I guess. I am not sleeping very well now and the sad part about it is that I won't for many many months. Once B gets here, I still won't be sleeping. I have always needed and loved a lot of sleep, so I am basically screwed.

We are also waiting on Sarah to call us and tell us she is in labor. I haven't decided if I wanted to be in the room for the birth or not. I am afraid it will create more anxiety. Mike and I will be practicing on this little guy though, such as, changing his diaper, clothes and caring for the umbilical cord area. Mandie needs to prove herself with birth pictures because if they turn out good, then she will do our also. I'm sure they will, I am just concerned with having a lot of people in the room.

Next appointment is Aug 21st and I will be 32 weeks by then. I am large and in charge and I don't know how there will be any more room for B. I will keep you updated.

30 weeks (for the real this time)!

Let the count down begin, 10...9...8... next thing we know we will be holding our little bundle of joy. We have started adding things to the nursery and we have been so blessed to receive things from family and friends. The baby shower is set for the 12th of September (moms birthday). Now time to design the invites (that is Mikes job). I am feeling very large lately and I officially have hydronephrosis (a kidney draining problem that 90% of pregnant women get), my back and tail bone hurt most of the time, and work is really irritating for no particular reason. I am stressed about our dirty house and have been experiencing braxton hicks contractions more lately. All and all a normal pregnant woman here. This pregnancy thing has taught me something...in life there are two types of women, some are tough and made to have kids, others are me. It will all be worth it in the end and can't wait to feel that love only a mother knows!