Full Term.

This baby is full term, and it's very surreal to know that if he doesn't decide to come early, in a little less than three weeks he'll be here. It's been an odd sensation, knowing so much more this time around; and not even as far as birthdate and exactly what time we'll have this baby, but being more comfortable with the idea of pregnancy. It's been said here numerous times, and basically on every blog ever written on second pregnancies- it's just a lot different doing it this time around. And it's not like I didn't savor that first time (hello, if you didn't know, my pregnancy was the most important thing going on in the world at the time), but this time it's more relaxed, with more room to just enjoy, and be at peace with all of it.

So here we are, at 37 weeks. My c-section date is looming closer and closer, and it's really odd not to have those same worries and wonders. Instead, I'll be going in at 6:45am on August 16th, and into the OR at 8:45am. You can set your watch, people! Just kidding. But talk about a change. With Henry I was days late, trying to walk him out, bounce him out, get him out before my doctor began the dreaded induction talk with me. A whole new world this time around.

Charlie is a whole different baby in utero too. He is so high, and has firmly wedged himself up into my right-side ribs, and has been there for a couple of months. It's uncomfortable to sit up in certain positions, which I didn't experience with Henry too much, as he was pretty low to begin with. Another difference is that for the past couple of weeks I've been feeling sick to my stomach, and have had major sensitivities to certain foods. At first I thought it was food poisoning, then when it didn't go away I thought it was a stomach bug, but now I'm pretty sure it's been my body's way of cleaning itself out before labor, which my nurse friend filled me in on. I've been fine the past few days though, so cross your fingers I don't go into labor now that it's out of my system!

A few random things:

The nursery is about 75% complete.  I never did a nursery tour with Henry, but I think it will be fun this time around and I'm excited to share Charlie's corner of our home.

A few of you have asked if I'll be sharing a birth story this time around, and that is a no. I just feel like that has a place in the baby book, rather than on this blog. A few years ago I was eager to share every bit here with Henry's story, but I don't feel that way anymore. I think some things are meant just for us, and like the "Dear Henry" letters I used to share here, I do write Charlie every week, but this time they're kept just for him.

I'm still working out regularly, although it's definitely become more challenging the past few weeks. Last night we went on an hour+ long walk in our hilly neighborhood. This morning I woke up as usual to go to the gym, but my body definitely let me know that that would not be happening, and instead I got an extra hour of sleep. That's been my biggest thing with working out while pregnant- just always listening to my body.

I've been thinking about my favorite foods this time around, and although I didn't really experience cravings, the same things have sounded good the entire time: grapes, nectarines, apples, salt & vinegar baked chips, and cheese! Lots of cheese.

Still haven't taken too many photos during this pregnancy, and still don't have any desire too. Hats off to anyone who is able to do weekly or monthly belly photos, or heck, even every other month. The best I've done is those silly, in-the-mirror/reminiscent-of-Myspace photos, but that's about it. To be honest I pretty much wear the same thing every day, just different versions of it, and if it were socially acceptable I would wear this pair of yoga/pajama pants I have on right now out of the house and everywhere I went. Maybe that would be a great maternity style post- Look How I've Styled this Awesome Pair of PJ Pants for 9 Months Straight! After this my blogger card should be revoked. ;)

And finally, I've been thinking so, so much about what it will feel like to have my heart double in size, so soon. I can't even imagine loving someone else as much as I love Henry, but I know I will, and I can't even begin to explain the excitement I feel over this.

And that's about it. This is me at 37-weeks, full term and ready to meet Charlie. 2 weeks, 4 days to go. Excited, nervous, happy that this bit of the journey ends and the real fun is about to begin. Here we go...

xoxo