35, 35, 35!

35 down, 5 to go!

When friends ask me how I'm feeling these days, I just smile wide and exclaim how great I am!  Sure there are many nights that I toss and turn in bed, evenings when I just can't get comfortable on the couch, days when my hips are so sore and mornings that make me not want to get out of bed!  Yes, all that exists.  However, just 3 months ago I was the sickest I have ever been in my entire life, and for a really long time.  Anything is great compared to that!

Last night at dinner I was reminded just how terrible it could be.  A good friend of mine is newly pregnant and experiencing all the same early pregnancy symptoms I felt.  I had little encouragement for her.  I know just how bad it can be.  And telling a woman that it will only be a few more weeks really just doesn't help.  I handed over all my anti-nausea tricks in hopes that it may work for her, and I pray for her, and that's about all I can do. 

But it makes me so grateful for where I am today.  I am no longer sick.  The heartburn sucks, but I can function each and every day.  I can get out of bed, eat breakfast, do my job, clean my house, do laundry, etc.  Those small tasks were once giant hurdles in my day.  So today I am grateful that I can do all these things! 

Nevertheless, I am beginning to see why so many mommas-to-be begin a gentle eviction plan as the weeks continue.  I am beginning to feel more uncomfortable.  Putting on socks and shoes is increasingly difficult, painfully so. 

At this stage we could deliver (ideally) in 2 weeks or 8 weeks.  It is such a large span of time that it is hard to settle down.  I have always stuck 41 weeks in my head just to keep me sane, and I am still convinced that I will not deliver until after Thanksgiving.  But with full-term looming closer and closer, I can't help but be anxious about her arrival.  If she decided to make her entrance in October I would not be disappointed at all.  It would be a little difficult with work, but I am ok with an October birthday!

So, finally it is Friday, and with one more week down, we are one more closer to her arrival, whenever that will be.  It is so exciting to think that she will be here with us soon.  And as odd as it is to imagine life with Eleanor, I know shortly after she arrives I will be commenting how I can remember life without her.  So for that reason, I bound forward, excited for these last few weeks with just Alex and excited for lots of time with friends.