35 Weeks

First things first: My appointment this week went really well. I'm not dilated or anything, which is good. I think it was a little surprising, though, because everyone has seemed so convinced that I'm dilating and that the baby's coming any time now. My doctor said that she needs to incubate for at least another 3 weeks for him to be happy, so he doesn't agree with the common prediction that she'll make her debut on Christmas. He said "not before the first of the year." He also said he thinks she will be no more than about 7 pounds. My weight is good, and blood pressure is good, though rising a little (as can be expected). I've been seeing some "sparkles" in my peripheral vision at times, which my doctor said is due simply to changes in my blood pressure and suggested that I drink more water. (He said this just seconds after he told me I'll be using the bathroom a lot more now that she's down so low. As if I hadn't noticed.....) I see him again on the 23rd.

My joints are going crazy. My hips are popping all over the place and even feel a little disconnected. My back has been popping a little, too, which is welcome.....but it's not nearly enough to relieve the ache that's been coming more often. Even other random joints are popping a lot: knuckles, elbows, and ankles.

The pressure is still here (duh) and getting worse. I'm also understanding more and more why it's always suggested for people to put their feet up. It feels DIVINE to have my feet and legs up. I don't have any swelling, but goodness. It feels so good to get them up.

I'm getting anxious to get the nursery finished, and we're getting closer to that end. I packed my hospital suitcase today, too, which was a relief. It wasn't urgent, really, but it was on my mind...and now it's one more thing I don't have to worry about.

I've been having a lot of dreams again, and they're getting more disturbing. They're not baby-related, but they are strange and upsetting. I think my general level of anxiety is going up.

All in all, I'm doing well. I'm really feeling a lot better than I would have expected to feel at this point, so I have no complaints. As my doctor told me this week, I've had a great pregnancy and we should expect nothing different for these last few weeks.