Thumbs Up for Divine Intervention

I'm a week late to share this one, but I didn't want to miss the opportunity altogether, so here it is... The lovely Stephanie is on maternity leave, but still churning out good stuff, so head over to visit her at Captive the Heart.  This round, Stephanie asked some of her married friends to share about prayer with their spouse.  ...Because when you're silly, there can be fun rewards involved (in addition to the spiritual ones, haha).

Photo credit:  Katie Hoffpauir Photography

Check back regularly to visit with Stephanie, as she will be sharing more from "Brides Who've Been There" during this Wedding Q & A series!

Is it Time Yet? (Bumpdate, 36+ Weeks)

Bump Update - 1/27/16 

1/21/16 - 35w6d
Blurry...it was too cold for a retake!

How far along? 36 weeks. (Technically 36w5d now, but who's counting?!)

Total weight gain:  I think I'm right around 15 pounds now.  It just depends on if you look at my highest point, or lowest point or whatever.  Last appointment, I got in trouble for gaining something like 7 pounds in two weeks, but I'm totally blaming the boots I had on because this week I didn't gain at all.  Stupid weight fluctuations.  

Maternity clothes? Same as last time...Other than elastic-waisted bottoms (think sweatpants/shorts/capris), it's all maternity.  I can still wearing some regular shirts.  

Stretch marks? Maybe around my hips, but I really don't care so I never pay attention to this.

Sleep: Still, some days are better than others.  I get up 4-5 times a night, and have to turn often due to aches and pains.  However, I'm thankful my brain isn't battling insomnia like so many others do.

Best moment this week:  Being productive!!  The last few weekends have been insanely productive and that makes me sooooo happy.  I'm hoping this will be the last weekend with major tasks and then I can start relaxing...maybe?

Miss anything?  Still looking forward to not sharing the bod.  I read a quote a few weeks ago that went something like, "Pregnancy is like a 9 month hostage situation where you're both the hostage and the building." SO ACCURATE.  Also, drinking is such a social thing here that I do feel like I'm missing out there. 

Food cravings: A few weeks ago, an incling for all things sweet came over me and it hasn't really gone away.  That's also related to the 5 pounds I gained in 2 weeks.  I'm trying (!) not to go too crazy with it. ...However, If we get to Mardi Gras and no baby, you can BET this girl will be indulging then!

Anything making you queasy or sick?  Not too much these days.   

Gender: With every passing day we become more confident that this little one is all boy!  We'll see soon, won't we?!  Side note:  If you want in on our baby pool, comment below and I'll send you the link to add your "hunches."  Winner will receive a $25 gift card!! 

Labor signs:  Definitely feeling the aches and tightness that comes along with this stage of pregnancy.  On Monday I started my weekly appointments and doc says there is NO progress, so it doesn't look like the little one is coming in any hurry.  Given its projected size, I am not giving up on the possibility of a slightly early arrival, though. 

Symptoms: Still no need for kick counts - this kid doesn't stop!  It's really annoying and sometimes painful or nauseating.  I'm large...measuring two weeks ahead and hoping we don't end up with a 9 pounder!

Belly button in or out? Ya know, it's kind of an outie these days.  I totally didn't expect that to happen!

Wedding rings on or off:  On...and please let it stay that way. 

Happy or moody most of the time:  Productivity makes me happy!  And for that reason, this blog has been neglected.  There is SO much to do at work and at home that we literally haven't stopped since we got back from our 2 week trip.  Maybe I'll get around to writing a real blog about that sometime. 

Looking forward to:  (Short term) Weekly appointments to see how/if we are progressing.  Next week, we're doing another (!!) ultrasound, which ought to be fun.  (Long term) Not working for a while!!!  

Hows Dad doing? "Dad is ready to see his offspring. With he/she being just two days away from 37 weeks, I know everything is good so far, so whenever he/she comes I am ready to join #TeamNoSleep."  

12/25/15 - 32 weeks
Christmas!

There you have it...there may or may not be additional posts in this series, depending on what the little one does over these next few weeks.  Eeek!! Thanks for sticking around and hopefully it won't be too long before I share something a little more substantial.  :)
-Lauren

You might also enjoy:
A First (Bumpdate, 16 Weeks)
Halfway, Baby (Bumpdate, 20 Weeks)
It's Getting Real (Bumpdate, 24+ Weeks)
Hello, 3rd Trimester!  (Bumpdate, 28+ Weeks)
Ready to Open Our Gift! (Bumpdate, 32 Weeks)
Is it Time Yet?  (Bumpdate, 36+ Weeks)

P.S.  I know for some this type of post can be uncomfortable, difficult, or just plain painful.  Please know that we recognize this and pray for those of you who may struggle with infertility (any variation thereof) and/or infant loss.  Our hearts go out to families affected by these struggles each and every day.