Pregnancy Update

Well, I am 37 weeks and 2 days!  This is getting real folks (even though I don't feel like it is...it still feels as if I am pretending)

As of yesterday at 10am I am on partial bed rest due to high blood pressure and a little protein in my urine.  I have not been diagnosed with anything yet, waiting on some lab results.  However, I feel great.  I have no pain, I am not tired, I couldn't feel better!

I am going to give a few words of advice I that I thought of during this pregnancy.

*this might be a no brainer-but don't procrastinate.  I am 2 weeks and 5 days until d-day (maybe earlier) and I am all prepared and it feels good.  His room is done, he has clothes, bags packed, etc, etc and they have been done for awhile.  I really don't have anything to do and I am so happy about that.

*if you think you might buy a pregnancy pillow to sleep buy it early.  They are so expensive so you might as well get some use out of it.  I bought the boppy brand bean shaped pillow and I have had it since like June I think and I use it every night!  I think I paid close to $50 or $60 dollars for it...(I did have a 20% coupon) I really don't remember because it has been so long. I have had several friends buy pregnancy pillow more expensive then mine in like their 8th or 9th month.  Just buy it early if you think you will get it.

*Pamper yourself-If you can start maternity leave early or if you plan to quit anyways...quit early.  I quit 4 weeks early.  I did that for myself and I also have a zillion dr. appointments so I would have to take several days off each week anyways (I have 2 nst tests and 1 dr appointment per week...I also had lab appointments, one last sono...and I am squeezing in a dentist appointment) (most people probably wouldn't have so many).  But get a pedicure, shop, have lunch with friends, really anything...this is your last chance to be alone.

*Don't buy the belly butter...it is so greasy!  I still have so much left because I hate to be all greasy and it gets on your clothes or sheets.  I haven't tried the lotion.  (however the butter seems to work alright, but you will probably get a few stretch marks anyways...so if you don't mind the greasyness???)

*This one is in honor of two friends and me (for the 3 years it took me to get pregnant)-Don't complain!  Complaining doesn't do anyone any good.  When I was trying to get pregnant and knew I had no money for adoption or treatments every time a preggo said "I am so big" "gross..my stretch marks" "I look like a whale" etc etc etc etc...It killed me inside.  I have close friends who have been trying for 10plus years and I know they would kill to be 'as big as a whale'.  You are lucky to be pregnant!  Don't take it for granted...your fertility is precious! You never know what struggles the person you are talking to has.

*buy yourself cute maternity clothes.  Don't live in your husband's sweats!  You will feel better.  You deserve it!  My cousin lived in her husband's clothes and when she was done being pregnant she said she wished she would have had nice clothes.  I took her advice and invested in maternity clothes.  I will wear them again in my next pregnancy (lets hope...it took 3 years for this one)

*if you plan on being pregnant again...buy the big stuff in gender neutral.  My pack and play, stroller, swing, etc could be used for a girl too.  (why buy pink and then have to re-buy everything in blue???)

*second hand shopping- In my opinion only!!!!!!!!!!!-I choose to only buy second hand anything I could wash in hot soapy water or wipe down with a Clorox wipe.
       -clothes are fine
       -wooden or plastic toys (plastic toys can also be soaked in a sink of hot water and bleach...day cares do this...rinse...and air dry)
       -books are OK?? (they will go in mouth though)
     

anything cloth that can't be washed is gross....for example-I wouldn't get a second hand boppy (thick pillow)  I just imagine them swimming in germs.