Bumpdate: 36 Weeks

How I'm Feeling 

I'm feeling well, but I did learn that I can't physically do everything I typically do.  For example, standing up for 5 hours will result in extremely swollen ankles.  Also, crawling around in small spaces and sitting on stools for extended periods of time will result in a sore back.  Unfortunately, I learned all this is a period of a couple days, and it took me an entire weekend to recover.  Oops.

Weight Gain/Measurements

I've gained 23 lbs, and my body is definitely feeling it.  I recognize that I'm on the lower end of the pregnancy weight gain scale, but the extra weight is challenging to deal with on a daily basis.  It's basically like walking around with dumbbells strapped to your stomach.  I can't imagine gaining an extra 10, 20 or 50 lbs, and I'm so impressed that other women can withstand the extra weight.  If that's you, I admire your strength so much.

Sleep

Sleeping for a long period of time has been a little more difficult for me during the third trimester.  However, I've been taking naps at every opportunity and have actually been sleeping more overall.  

Food Cravings

I've been gravitating towards salty foods my entire pregnancy, but suddenly all I want is sugar.  If I could have a dessert at every meal and still call myself healthy, I would at this point.  Cookies, donuts, and cakes taunt me in my dreams...literally.  It doesn't help that fall has finally arrived and that one of my favorite flavors, pumpkin, is suddenly available absolutely everywhere I go.

Other Symptoms

I'm getting Braxton Hicks!  It took me a week or two to decide that I was, in fact, having Braxton Hicks because it is quite a strange sensation.  My entire uterus would tighten up, but there was absolutely no pain involved.  I imagined them being more painful and disruptive. 

Heartburn has continued to plague me this month.  Although, I know what foods trigger my heartburn now (peppers, onions, and spicy foods), and I can control it.  If I'm about to eat something that has one of those ingredients in it, I can make a decision if eating that food is worth the pain that will inevitably ensue.  For me, the answer is almost always "no," unless I'm eating pad thai.

Best Moment of the Month

Finishing decorating and organizing the nursery was my favorite moment of the month.  I'm going to admit it; the nursery has been a disaster for months.  Our nursery is quite tiny, and we've been slowly accumulating gifts and necessities for months without a real storage solution.  Thus, everything was sitting on the floor, underneath the crib, or in the closet haphazardly.  The mess was getting to me, and my poor husband can attest to that.  When I finally sorted everything out, I had a wonderful moment of inner peace.  Obviously, nesting syndrome hit me hard.

Looking Forward To...

I'm looking forward to finally meeting our little one!  I'm hoping that I don't have to do a 40 week bumpdate!  Cross your fingers!