Word of the Day: Striae

Striae is the fancy medical term for stretch marks. For a long time during the pregnancy, I had no stretch marks. However, in the past 6 weeks, I have quite a few marks across my stomach. I can't lie: I was so sad when I saw how much my skin had changed. I moisturized regularly, but still fell victim to these ugly marks across my abdomen. I try to keep it all in the proper perspective: my body is changing. My body is creating and nourishing a life: if I have a few scars, it's worthwhile. You can't change without a few growing pains and a some battle scars.

Word of the Day: Pediatrician

So cute! (Corbis Images)

I selected a pediatrician today :) At the advisement of several of my good friends, I decided to use a pediatric center: I can use any doctor there, though I prefer to use one doctor in particular. The good thing about this center is that they have several locations in town, so if I decide to move, I can still be close to a center. All I have to do is fill out my little one's paperwork and have it ready for the doctors when I do her first well-care appointment.

Speaking of paperwork, I have to update my insurance as soon as the little one is born. I have to put that on my "in hospital" to do list. I think my in-hospital recovery time will be one of the last times I'll be able to take care of any business :/ So much to do before she gets here ...

Word of the Day: Popsicles

I asked my OB if I could bring popsicles with me to the hospital. She said yes :) It beats the heck out of ice chips! 

Word of the Day: Leave

I am officially on maternity leave. I am far more relaxed, since I've been able to rest whenever I overdo it (and I overdo it a lot.) I still have SO much to do:painting the nursery, organizing and cleaning the baby's clothes, hosting the baby shower, buying more thank you cards, packing my bag for the hospital, completing all of my pre-registration stuff, applying for the leave sharing program at work, and the list goes on and on ... Thank goodness for this handy-dandy list on TheBump.com. When you register and input your due date, they organize to-do lists for you, from the beginning to the end of the pregnancy. I am so thankful for it: it's helping me to stay organized (which, as a pregnant lady, I need desperately LOL!)

I am ready for the baby to get here, but, according to the due date, I have 5 more weeks. Do I believe I'm going to be pregnant for 5 more weeks? No, actually, I don't. I think I'll be delivering this baby within the next 2-3 weeks. I could be wrong, of course-most first time mothers deliver late rather than early. This baby is very active and I think she'll be here early. I'll be keeping you all posted. Look for pictures later today/early tomorrow. I need some photos for Week 35.

Word of the Day: Swelling

Today, my feet are more swollen than they have been during the entire pregnancy. My shoes are all too tight and it actually hurts to walk. Thank goodness for flip flops: hurtin' feet are for the birds!

Word of the Day: Contractions

I've been having mini-contractions all day today. I've had several since I've been pregnant, but today I had more than normal. I really feel that my little one wiill be here before her due date, but hopefully not too soon.

If you aren't familiar with some of the ins and outs of pregnancy, then you may not know that most pregnant women get "practice" contractions, better known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions prepare your body for childbirth. These get more intense as your due date approaches. I'll be keeping an eye on it-one of these days, the contractions may be true labor, instead of just practice.

My Latest Video: All About Carbuncles (AKA Boils)

My video, all about my experience with boils, MRSA, and antibiotics to treat it. It's important to at least keep an eye on ANYTHING that happens with your body while you're pregnant. Little things (even something as small as a boil) could be a serious condition that needs treatment before your little one gets here.

Word of the Day: Headache

My headaches have become more frequent as I get closer to my due date. It isn't the worst that could happen-I previously had a kidney infection a few months ago, and that was an ordeal.

Other than Braxton-Hicks contractions, round ligament pain, clumsiness, forgetfulness, and now headaches, everything else is going well LOL!