I began week 34 with a check-up. I always get excited when I get to have an ultrasound because I can see how much baby has grown. And grown he has! And you know what else is fascintating? Seeing his face on the screen! This time around, Y & I talked about how he looks like he has my nose!
I don't mean for my posts to sound complainy or whiny. Pregnancy has truly been the most miraculous thing this said body has done and experienced. But in the past few weeks, the symptoms have just been coming at me at top speed.
And as of late? Rib pain! My rib cage hurts in the front, back, sides.
I had a short bout of it earlier on in the pregnancy but now it's full on. I feel like I've had a good beating in a UFC ring (I hate UFC... Ask the husband.) I've tried massages, stretching, surrounding myself in a cloud of pillows. I'm guessing it's because my body is expanding and baby is the size of a pineapple and it sure feels like it. His movements are no longer flutters or pitter patters; they are full-blown long stretches, jabs, and kicks. I play this guessing game of what he must be doing, what body part he's moving. Sometimes I put my hand against my belly and rub and I swear he reacts. It warms my heart.
My baby app tells me that if baby were to be born anytime now, it would be okay. Babies born between 34 and 37 weeks with no other health issues tend to do fine after a short stay in the NICU so I can breathe a huge sigh of relief. But baby, you can stay in there a few weeks longer and grow healthier and stronger. Mama's not in a hurry to evict you, just yet.
During week 34, Y & I set aside a night to work on our pregnancy scrapbook. We got all our art supplies out on our dining table and got to brainstorming, sketching, drawing, cutting, pasting, writing. Mix in a few tears from feeling so thankful that baby will be here soon, it was a sweet time.
Baby,
Daddy and I have been intentional about this season we are in. We are both eagerly awaiting your arrival while maxing out on enjoying this time together. Tuesday nights have become "Scrapbooking Night" in this household and it's become a time of reflecting, recording and anticipating, a time of prayer, thanksgiving and praise. We can't wait for you to see this scrapbook one day, full of remnants of this journey, notes and photos, prayers and wishes.