On the Homestretch

I thought I would publish this photo of me today, not because it marks a week mile stone, but just because I feel huge and have officially seen stretchmarks on my belly. The baby likes to lay lop-sided and the right side of my belly tends to pop-out much further and therefore since it is growing, it is pushing and creating stretchmarks. I am not very pleased with this action, but what am I going to do about it? It is quite amusing when you watch the movement and see it stick out, though. So I will continue to lather on the Burt's Bee's Momma Bee belly butter and wish for the best. 

This week has been a challenge keeping up the pace at work and at home. I have had a busy week at work, with meetings almost all day on site and at City Hall and my body is speaking to me to take a break. Thank goodness next week is a short three day week, otherwise, I think I would need to take tomorrow off. But, with today's meetings over, and not too much scheduled for tomorrow, I think I can handle it - TGIF!! 

Kris and I finally listened to the Lamaze CD tonight to "practice" breathing techniques for the different type of contractions. It was quite technical, and in no way do I expect Kris to "coach" me with all the lingo and counting, though it was helpful to get an idea of the breathing patterns for early labor up to when you push. I actually think that my Yoga breathing will be more helpful, but we shall see. So now I just need to actually pack a bag and put a pillow in the car - because I know we will forget one, and check a few more things off the list. 

As excited as I am for the baby to be here, I am also a little sad to think that all the experiences from the last 38 weeks are about to end. I know with the baby here and a million other things to worry about in the future, I will miss this phase. I hope this blog helps me remember all the fun moments and learning experiences I've had in the process. Plus, Kris and I have done some cool things since the baby was conceived - everything from visiting AZ for baseball spring training to New York and Boston, to Sarah & Charlie's wedding in July and Carrie and Matt's wedding in September. As they say, life will never be the same, but it changes for the better! Only 25 +/- days to go!!