preparation update

Tomorrow, I hit 37 weeks, which means I will be full-term. How can that be possible? I don't think I have quite accepted it yet. I don't imagine I will be super early. On Friday at my appt., I had a cervix check (my favorite thing) and I am still closed. But, my Dr. said she could feel the little head right over the cervix, so he's in place. I never heard that with Coranelle as she was floating up in my ribs. The Dr. also says it looks like another small baby- 6 1/2 pounds or so. She watched Sheldon squirm around inside me and commented that it looked pretty painful- I admitted that it is. She also measured and couldn't get a very accurate reading because my ribs are so flared- also painful. Then, she asks me why I never complain to her. Well, what can be done? I have a small torso and there isn't much room.

I admitted to Ryan that I was a bit worried that I am not more excited for Sheldon's birth. I think remembering Coranelle's colic makes me nervous about the upcoming newborn stage. I am trying to figure out the logistics of breastfeeding, pumping, coordinating two kids' naps, getting chores done, feeding a family of four, and making sure each kid gets some quality attention and I feel overwhelmed. I promised Ryan that I would talk to the dr. this week about getting a name of someone I can talk to if I experience postpartum depression again. I know that this go around, I need to be more honest about how I am feeling and coping and be smart enough to ask for and receive help. To be entirely honest, I pray every day that Sheldon will be a calm baby that loves to eat. We'll see.

Meanwhile, today Coranelle and I packed our bags for when the time comes. She helped me pick out books, outfits, socks, and toys to put in her backpack. I think she has some idea about what is going to happen because of all the books we've been reading. When I ask here where she will be when I am having baby Sheldon, she says "Grams.. PopPops for a while". I talk to her about how she can come visit us in the hospital and meet her brother. We continued our preparations by going to Target and buying newborn diapers and a few extra bottles for Sheldon. Coranelle got to pick out stickers, books and coloring books from the dollar section that she can take with her when she stays with her grandparents. I have also purchased a breast pump, a new nursing tank top, a bottle warmer, and a used double stroller. Wow- how do you need so much stuff for the second baby?! I have received mountains of hand-me-down boy clothes and have been sorting through and getting Sheldon's drawers and closets organized and ready. His room is adorable and we love how it turned out. Now we just need the baby to complete it.

Until then, I am battling another cold. Wow. But, Coranelle seems almost totally over hers and two of her big molars have come through this past week. The pain of the molars coming through has made her play with her ears and occasionally tug at her hair again. Yikes! So, we are trying to stay on top of using the oragel and Tylenol to avoid any more hair pulling disasters. She is doing so much better when being dropped off places and has moved out of the "up" stage for now. She is also doing much better at playing on her own in the evenings when I am cooking. (I cheat now and then and turn on "Cars" and that helps immensely.) She seems to be getting anxious to meet this brother she keeps hearing about and sometimes squeezes my stomach and shouts "Sheldon... Out Out now". I think that she'll go through a phase after he arrives that she wants him to go back IN. But, she'll be a great big sister.

So, while we wait for Sheldon to come out, I'll try to stay as comfortable as possible. I have to admit that I am not loving being pregnant right now. Everything aches and I wake up 5 or 6 times a night to pee and then cannot go back to sleep! I cannot wait to sleep on my tummy again! And I cannot wait to wash dishes without having to lean over my big belly. Ohhhh, and I really cannot wait to have a margarita!

That's all of the update I've got for now. I hope you're all doing well! Stay tuned for some recent photos. I can't seem to get access to them on the new computer right now.