Full term and Full of Love

Whew! I can breathe now. I am officially on leave from work and Baby has dropped so I can breathe both physically (Baby isn't pushing my lungs up anymore) and figuratively (No more stressing about work!). I chose to take off about 4 weeks off before my due date, which sounds a little bit early, but I am so glad I did because I feel like I need to prepare for Baby both physically and mentally. I've been nesting like a crazy pregnant woman, cleaning every nook and cranny in this place AND I've been taking my classes and reading up on everything Baby related. It feels really great.

It's all been feeling more "REAL" since I've had all my baby showers. Receiving all the love and support, as well as everything that is cute in this world for Baby has shook me into reality. "Joanna, you're about to have a baby soon!!"  Say WHAAAT?

Baby Shower #1- Baby and I were showered by my Bunco Babes. We played (and I won!), we ate, they drank... oh boy did they DRANK!...and we opened amazing presents. I love my Bunco Babes so much!

Baby Shower #2- The Grandmothers-to-be threw this one and it was lovely. All of our families and a few of our friends were there to eat and celebrate Baby V. It was so much fun and I ended the night feeling so blessed to have so much support around us.

Baby Shower #3- My amazing co-workers really outdid themselves throwing an amazing shower in the library for me and Tonya (another teacher who is due a few days before me). They decorated everything so cute and planned out a yummy menu to feed my growing belly. I feel so loved by all of them!



Check out my swollen ankles. HUGE!

Mini-Shower #4- Can't really show pictures of the next one but it was by far the sweetest. My students all pitched in a dollar and bought Baby a bag full of goodies. They also wrote notes for the Baby and we had a smoothie party on my last day of work. To make my day even better, my students from last year all came to visit me at the end of the day. My heart was so full that day. 

I have one more shower this Friday which Hubby's co-workers will be throwing. I can't even believe all the love we have surrounding us. I'm just dumbfounded that Baby isn't born yet but he/she is already spoiled rotten. 

How far along? 37 weeks. Full term now, which means if Baby were to be born now, everything would be A-OK!

Maternity clothes? Since I am at home all day now I'm rocking PJs and workout clothes. So comfy!

Stretch marks? Still have a few only on my left hip.

Sleep: Oh how I miss sleeping on my back!! I am sleeping pretty well through the night, but I wake up with terrible kinks all over. I should've invested in that Snoogle.

Best moment this week: Celebrating our 2 year wedding anniversary and just enjoying my time off from work.

Miss Anything? Sleeping on my back, moving around, reaching my feet, rolling over, yadda yadda yadda.

Movement: Baby is making those weird alien type movements since it's so tight in there now. I feel bad saying this but sometimes it's so painful that I cry for Baby to calm down.

Food cravings: Burger King Chicken Sandwiches with extra mayo and a chocolate chip cookie to chase it.

Weight Gain: I decided to bring this back once more....It's shameful but it has to be said....48 lbs. Yes, I've gained almost 50 pounds!!! HOLY SHIT. Excuse my french but...wow.

Anything making you queasy or sick: I feel sick after lunch each day, yet it doesn't stop me from eating.

Gender predictions: I still feel like it's a girl.

Labor Signs: So many braxton hicks! My hubby is starting to get nervous.

Symptoms: Yes. Having soooo many symptoms!! Over it.

Belly Button in or out? Out

Wedding rings on or off? I miss my rings!

Happy or Moody most of the time: I am happier now with work being out of the way.

Looking forward to: Holding and kissing Baby.