Baby Bump: 34 Weeks!

I have to say, I feel pretty enormous at this point!

The last few weeks have definitely grown more and more uncomfortable, and at this point, I am seriously looking forward to this baby's arrival for many reasons. And one reason on the top of that list is so that he will stop kicking me in the lungs.

I know, I know. It's a good problem to have -- a little discomfort in exchange for a healthy baby who's nearly full term and generally has been a pleasure to carry around for the last eight months. I remind myself of that every day.

And then his foot gets wedged into the gap between my ribs and my lung, and ... ouch.

Still, though, I'm very grateful that we've gotten as far as we have -- for some reason, I've been very concerned about preterm labor, and each passing week has given me more and more relief. And now that we're almost at the finish line, I'm trying to remind myself to slow down, to savor these last few weeks of pre-baby life, and not to rush into things moving forward.

Because (and this is a little scary to think about) despite all the kicks to the lungs, back pain and heartburn, the fact remains: He is infinitely easier to take care of right now than he will be in a few weeks. Right now, he's warm and happy and fed, all the time, without me lifting a finger. If I want to run to the grocery store or the post office, I don't need a car seat or a stroller or a diaper bag.

In a few weeks, that won't be true. But right now, at least for a little bit longer, it is. And I'm trying to remind myself to enjoy it while I still can!

How far along? 34 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 22.5 pounds (Weight gain has definitely slowed down in the third trimester, although I think I'll be between 25 and 30 lbs total by the end.)

Maternity clothes? There are about four things in my closet that I still fit into, although not all of them are maternity.

Stretch marks? Still no! As the end gets near and the baby gets bigger, I'm using Earth Mama Angel Baby stretch mark oil almost every night! Best $12 I've spent so far -- I'm still on my first bottle!

Symptoms: Back pain, heartburn, general discomfort in my body.

Sleep: This is somewhat new: I know wake up to pee about every 2-3 hours all night. It used to be once or twice, and now it's more like 4-5 times over the course of the night.

Best moment this week: A fabulous dinner with the team from Escada when they were in Houston!

Worst moment of the week: I'm still having trouble wrapping my head around all the impending changes in our lives, and sometimes I let it stress me out more than I should.

Have you told family and friends: Yes!

Miss Anything? Champagne! I generally haven't missed alcohol much during the last eight months (I've had a sip or two on occasion, after the first trimester) but lately, now that spring is rolling in, I would really love a glass of champagne every once in a while! (Not long to wait now though!)

Movement: Still quite a bit, although it's getting much more cramped for him as the weeks go on.

Food cravings: Peanut butter (straight from the jar with a spoon), sugary cereal, chocolate. (Instagram can vouch for this one!)

Anything making you queasy or sick: I'm getting some queasiness that feels a little like morning sickness lately, but I gather that can happen towards the end. I'm thinking about taking B6 supplements for the last few weeks if it continues.

Have you started to show yet: I am *definitely* very visibly pregnant at this point.

Labor Signs: I've had a few moments where I've worried I was potentially going into labor, but they've all passed and my doctor isn't worried about so far.

Belly Button in or out? In! (I seriously can't believe it!)

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Totally honestly... moody, lately, a lot of the time. I'm trying to enjoy these last few weeks, but I'm also getting impatient with the physical discomfort and the stress of not knowing what life with a baby is going to be like.

Looking forward to: Hitting 37 weeks so I can start eating pineapple and going for long walks! Just kidding... mostly...