Week 36

Week 36... one week away from full term. She really could come at any time! Neil is still convinced we're about 2 weeks away from the big show. I am not as certain. I feel no rush to get the car seat in, to finish packing the hospital bag or to nest. I just don't think it's going to happen that soon. Although I really should get the hospital bag packed, just to be safe. There is yet another doctor's appointment on Monday, and then I can find out more about what my body is doing.

And I am now on maternity leave. Well, technically I am on vacation for the next 2 weeks and then I start my maternity leave on the 18th. There are so many forms to fill out, to get my benefits etc. And then so many more when Sprout comes, to make sure that everyone knows she's alive. I have a little list typed up, because I am pretty sure I won't remember otherwise. And I have everything in the daytimer on the counter. Memory (or my lack of one) is still such an issue!

I think the fact I am done working is what makes it the baby coming feel real and imminent. There is no turning back. I am going to be someone's mother. Days like yesterday, where I stay in my pjs and watch TV and chat with Neil and surf the net while snuggling with the dogs... they won't happen anymore. There will be a person who needs to be fed and dressed and washed and entertained. I'll be responsible for someone!

And that someone is almost fully baked. Her lungs are the last thing to develop and they will be ready to breathe any day (week) now. Depends on which book you reference, but one said she's as much as 5.5lbs and 20 inches long! No wonder I feel so distended *grin*.

The last few days have been easier, after she's given me lung room back. Although this is still hard. I am heavier than I have ever been, moving all this weight takes real effort, my joints hurt, my fingers and feet are so swollen, I am tried all the time, sleeping solidly is a distant memory, Sprout is running out of room and she lets me know. But in a few days/weeks we are going to get to meet the person that we created...