39 week retrospect

I haven't blogged since 33 weeks which now seems like forever ago! I don't remember things too well (it's like the whole pregnancy never happened!), but I'll try to summarize weeks 33-39 which is exactly when I went into labor...

34 Weeks

37 Weeks!

I know those last 6 weeks involved more weight gain (total of 34 at one point then 32.5 the day my water broke) and I'm pretty sure it was mostly fluid and maybe a bit more belly. I also know the carpal tunnel didn't let up except the pain at night wasn't near as consistent. I clearly remember having a minor breakdown at 35 weeks, as I was getting ready for church one morning, because I genuinely felt I COULD NOT DO THIS for 5 more weeks! It seemed so close yet so far away. I remember it was the morning stiffness and pain and numbness in the fingers that sent me over the edge. Alas, I did make it :)

I worked my regular hours as charge nurse until 38 weeks and then I went in a few hours here and  there up to 39 weeks. I was SOOOOO thankful to not be working near as much or a hard that last week! Heartburn continued, Livi-Lou continued head down and feet in ribs as much as ever and she continued hiccuping like a mad woman (she still does! hehe).

39 Weeks, just a couple days before labor started!

There were some more showers given by such sweet friends. Olivia, you are loved before you even entered the world! I was given five showers: work, church, childhood BFFs, Atlanta group and Rocky's family. They were all different and personal and wonderful. We feel overwhelmed with love and gifts. I can honestly say, this child lacks NOTHING!

I also remember praying and asking other to pray that I would have her specifically on May 12 or 13 b/c that would give me the maximum time with Rocky home after the birth. I realized this specific request may seem a bit arrogant or the such but I felt God was saying, "yes, I'll do that." The day before I went into labor, which "happened" to be the 13th, I did have a moment of surrendering that date and realizing God could and would and should do this when He saw best. I was still very hopeful he would see those dates best and, apparently, he did! :)

Oh, yeah, my mom came up the weekend before that and helped us organize some stuff, etc. I was nursing yet another respiratory infection and didn't feel like doing anything! Looking back, I really don't think I ever got hit with the "nesting" stage though I'm pretty sure Rocky did...he had my Mom taking all kinds of stuff to goodwill, the Holland compound, her attic, etc. I started to get really angry but was just too tired to really care!