Week 36 Check-Up: Almost Considered Full Term

So lil Pistachio and I are just getting back from our 36 week check-up, another great bill of health! In one week, I'll be considered full-term and then it's just a matter of time before lil Pistachio becomes an actual little person who will be cradled in our arms! That idea still seems so surreal to me. According to the doctor's descriptions, I was correct in that I have been experiencing some braxton hicks over the last week or so. She described it as random tightening/contracting that has no rhythmic pattern. That about sums it up. It's been interesting experiencing braxton hicks contractions. One day, I'll feel fine and the next day, I'm sore and crampy. This past weekend, Saturday was rough as we packed the hospital bags and shopped for a take-home outfit for Pistachio, and then Sunday felt great. The weekend before that, it was the complete opposite, Saturday felt great and Sunday was in pain. According to the doctor's measurements, Pistachio has dropped a bit. All signs that point to our nearing due date. For all you gender predictors out there, Pistachio's heart beat was in the upper 140s to low 150s today. The doctor didn't reveal the gender, but did state that the baby's heart beat is not looking favorable for anyone who is following Jason's lead and predicting a baby boy. I guess only time will tell on that one! My weight and blood pressure continue to be healthy and the doctor didn't notice any swelling in my hands or feet. She advised me to drink plenty of fluid especially with our recent heat wave. So, from here on out, I have weekly doctor's appointments scheduled all the way up until my due date of Aug. 10th. And tomorrow we have our last baby class (baby CPR) in Hartford.

I still feel like we are going through the motion of being ready for Pistachio's arrival (all the baby laundry is cleaned, folded, and hung up. The room is prepared and all the furniture is put together), but some how the idea of a little baby living in our home, being dependent on us still does not seem real. I'm sure as the weeks go by, this idea will seem more and more real, and then one day it will be real. But for now, it still seems surreal and dream-like to me. Pregnancy truly is a miracle of sorts.

Me at week 36...only 4 weeks left to go!!!