34 weeks

Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I am getting so close.  It seems almost surreal that I am 34 weeks already.  Well, yesterday I had another ultrasound and me and baby are doing well.  Baby isn’t quite so huge as before, about 55th percentile, or 5.5 lbs (this is a good thing).  Although I have been having some contractions, my cervix hasn’t opened at all.  In fact, the doctor is hoping that it starts shortening/opening soon, so she thinks the contractions are a good thing, even if uncomfy.  She did an exam to rule out other problems that might cause pain like contractions (placenta issues or uterus problems).  She agreed with my decision to up my prednisone to 8 mg (which I did 3 days ago) and if that doesn’t work, after 5 days I will go a bit higher.  I am also going to start meet with a diabetes consultant about managing my blood sugar because it has been a little more difficult and they might have some insights (first appointment Friday).  I still don’t need any drug therapy though, since I am doing so well at controlling with diet.

Today I am feeling a little better than I have for a week or so.  I love these days because I feel like 10 minutes of a good day can wipe out the exhaustion from a whole bad day.  I feel really recharged and rejuvenated.  I think maybe the 8 mg of prednisone is working and it seems to make everything better (stomach, arthritis, blood sugar, contraction pain).  I also can sit back and enjoy the pregnancy on days like today.  My days are numbered of being able to feel my baby all the time.  In many ways that is good, but I am sure I will miss it too, so I am enjoying the time I have now!

Yesterday our favorite gingerbread elves (Meghan Wright and Mo Diehl) came over to bake the gingerbread for the party.  We are SOOOO grateful for their help.  We baked over 80 pieces of gingerbread, enough for 12 houses (with some spare pieces for breakage).  It would have taken Charles and me forever (especially because I need to rest from time to time).  It was good fun and really helpful.  We also got the first part of our new living room furniture set (coffee and end tables) yesterday.  It looks beautiful and we can’t wait to get the rest! 

This week is still going to be a bit busy.  We need to get the house ready, buy some more candy, assemble the dresser, and decorate our own gingerbread house before Saturday at 3.  We have recruited some more help to make this possible, so I think we are all set and Charles and I are taking Friday off, which should help. 

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers from everyone.  Although it was a rough week, I think I am through the worst of it and if nothing else, will get to charge my emotional and spiritual battery this week between feeling better and our favorite Christmas party!

Attaching a picture of me tonight.  I still haven't really popped out too much (although my belly is bigger than it looks if you move the boobs).  Thanks to Charles for taking the photo; no thanks for not telling me my pants were tucked into my socks :P.