Waiting for Baby V: Thirty-Eight Elated Weeks!

My first day of maternity leave! Or if you count last week, the start to my second week. Today was kind of a strange day...I felt like it was the first day of my "babies" going to daycare or school, and I found myself being sad that I couldn't be with them. And it's a strange and bittersweet feeling that they will be okay without me. I am sure there will be more of this as time continues, but soon I will have a tiny girl in my arms that will make my staying home actually meaningful. This actually might be my last blog entry, if she decides to come even earlier! CRAZY!

Spring Break this past week was a wonderful week of sleeping in, relaxing, eating good food, and spending lots of time with friends and family. We got a lot of items checked off our pre-Ellie checklist too! The weekend ended with a little blood pressure scare though, and a trip to the hospital. My doctor told me on Friday that since my blood pressure has been creeping up, to start taking my medication twice a day and to come in again on Tuesday. He also said to watch for headaches, and go to the hospital if I had one. So, I took my blood pressure several times last night, even after laying on my left side and taking my medication, and it was still high. I wasn't feeling really bad, but we decided to go ahead and go in anyways. Just in case, we packed the car and gave each other some "Ellie gifts" that we had planned to give just before we left for the hospital. I loved mine and I think Chris did too! We also took a few last pictures, including one with my board and a few of my belly. This is why I look so sleepy in this week's board picture!

My favorite Easter treats, Gatorade, Burt Bee's and necklaces from Chris!

Two necklaces: The one on the left is an antique from Chris,
and the owl one Chris says is from Ellie. :)
Us three together on a tree branch, with both March and April birthstones, just in case.
I love these both so much... such a sweet idea!

Thankfully though, they sent us home with good news about both Ellie and myself, and to just continue to drink water and rest. So that's what I did today, as well as get the long awaited and much need pedicure and manicure. And it was as glorious as I thought it would be! So thank you, Ellie, from your Momma, for letting me get one before you decide to show up!

1. Total weight gain: +44 lbs. (+1 lb. this week again)

2. Maternity clothes?: Yes, and I don't even care about what looks good any more. Just what fits and is comfortable.

3. Stretch marks?: Nopey! My mom said if I don't have them yet, I probably won't. So YAY!

4. Sleep?: Still sleeping with a pillow under my tummy, which helps sleeping a lot, but getting up even more to go to the bathroom. It's so nice to be able to sleep longer too now, so in case I don't get enough sleep, I can sleep in! 

5. Best moment this week?: I am not sure if this counts, but last night, when they told us we could go home and that we weren't going to have a baby so early!

6. Miss anything?: Still being able to do whatever I want, when I want. With my blood pressure creeping up though, I have had to cut my to do list each day to just one big "to do" and a lot of sitting or laying down. Sounds easy right? But I don't like it! I want to do stuff!

7. Movement?: She's still moving, and with the little amount of space in there, her stretches kind of hurt sometimes! Silly baby

8. Food cravings?: Still dairy and dessert, and of course anything salty, since I know I really shouldn't. Gah.

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: Nope!

10. Gender?: GIRL! Excited to meet her!

11. Labor signs?: I think I might have had a contraction the other night, but not sure. Things are starting to feel different though, which is good I think!

12. Symptoms?: I feel tired easily and at night feel like my tummy muscles are being stretched in strange ways. I am getting to the uncomfortable stage, where I will just be glad to have her here when it's time. 

13. Belly button in or out?: Still in!

14. Wedding rings on or off?: Off now. :( They are just too tight to wear.

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: Happy overall this week, because I got to do several of my favorite things, spend time with my favorite people, and eat my favorite food. But I am also somewhat worried/stressed, not knowing when Ellie will make her arrival! I am sure me worrying really helps the situation. I just want to fast forward a week or so, have her here, and know that we both are okay!

16. Looking forward to most?: Well, I am mostly taking it a day at a time. Each day we make it through is another taking she gets to grow a little more, and I get to relax and be selfish. 

So maybe I'll see you next week with my for sure last blog at 39 weeks, or maybe the next time I post will be with a tiny baby Ellie in my arms! I guess we will see! But most of all, thank you so much for reading and following along with me as I become a momma for the first time. I would not be here without all your support, and I know I will still need you! Please, keep reading! :) Much love to each of you!