36 Weeks

Well the good news is...Vivian stuck it out and she made it to 36 weeks! We did another fibronectin test  at my 34 week appointment and it came back negative as well, which meant at least 2 more weeks of pregnancy (I was around 2-3cm and 60% effaced at that point). The doctor had me on "modified-activity" until I reached 36 weeks just in case because I kept progressing. At my appointment today at 36 weeks, the doctor checked me and I am 4cm and 60% effaced. The doctor predicts she may come within the next week or so, which is very exciting. I am just happy Vivian decided not to come TOO early. I am not having true contractions at this point, so they sent me home to wait it out. The only pains I feel are probably ligament pains, but I definitely have the Braxton Hicks contractions (sometimes painful, sometimes not...but they aren't consistent so I know they aren't real ones). I was told to call the doctor as soon as I feel strong TRUE contractions. With baby being 4cm, the baby COULD come faster than most, so I have to be ready to call!

By Friday, I will be full term! :) yay! Michael says knowing she's coming is like having Christmas every day but not being able to open the BIG GIFT. I guess knowing I am already 4cm is a huge tease to us...I am SO ready now. Obviously, I know she will stay in until she's ready, but we are definitely getting EXCITED! Some people are saying because I am already 4cm, I may have a fast labor...but who knows :)

Recently, one thing I was sad about was that I had to cancel my baby shower in Memphis on June 23rd. My doctor didn't want me risking it and traveling 3 hours away with the progression she had made the previous weeks. It was a bummer because I wasn't able to see my friends who live in Memphis, and I also hated canceling on Kristen (my good friend hosting the shower). However, we agreed it was in the baby's best interest to stay put in Nashville. Hopefully, we will have a "Sip N See" party at my mommas house after Vivian arrives. :)

I've been off work for almost 3 weeks now...every day I sleep in, do laundry, and catch up on Netflix...my life is so exciting, I know. I caught myself bored the other day and had to remind myself that I need to soak up this relaxation because once my little girl comes, I will be BUSY BUSY BUSY!!!! The house stays clean, which is a change from previously having to work Mon-Fri and barely having time for laundry or dishes. Now, the house is DEFINITELY ready for our little girl. The nursery is done, the toys are set up, the car seat is in the car...we even have our hospital bag FULLY packed. I'd say we are READY! Our family is told to be ready for a phone call at any time...I know it's hard when they are 3 hours away and technically the doctor says she could come any day now. However, I have heard of some people staying at 4cm till term, but it is very rare. The fact that I keep progressing is a good sign she's getting ready to make an appearance! :)

I forgot to mention that we had maternity photos done at around 34 1/2 weeks with an amazing photographer, Marissa French, who is with Rylan's Riches Photography. We haven't gotten all the shots back yet, but we got to see a preview and we are VERY excited. Here are some of those photos!

I've been trying to get a little bit of sun (safely of course) during my relaxing time off of work...one of my good friends, Vanessa, has been joining me by the pool and it has felt SO nice. Here are some pictures she took around 34 1/2 weeks...I can't believe I can still fit in my bikini...I feel like a WHALE!

One day, when we weren't able to go to a real pool, we used a small baby pool to cool off. Vanessa got an "excellent" shot of me haha. This picture will be hilarious to show Vivian one day...

And last but not least, here is my 36 week belly shot...I may be posting a 40 week shot in 4 weeks...I HAVE NO IDEA!!!! Little Miss Vivi may decide to wait that long haha :) With this heat though, I really hope she decides to come soon!

Things I've Been Experiencing This Month:

• "Modified-Activity" ordered by the doctor
• The baby "dropped" at around 32-34 weeks...and she feels like she keeps getting LOWER AND LOWER
• I've been eating a lot of pizza...not sure if it's a craving though...because I have ALWAYS loved pizza...no weird cravings though
• Maternity Shoot at 34 1/2 weeks with Ryland's Riches Photography
• Insomnia starting at 36 weeks...not sure if it's the heat, the anxiety/excitement of her arrival, or just being UNCOMFORTABLE
• Continuing to eat Raisin Bran every day (doctor's orders) to get my Iron level up :)--did you know Total Raisin Bran has around 100% of your daily intake of Iron--who knew?!?!
• Nala (our sweet dog) has decided she likes Vivian's small toys...we have to watch her closely because she likes to steal them out her room
• Michael has been amazed that he has no dirty laundry when he gets home...it's the running joke...laundry is ALWAYS done since I have nothing else to do around the house...that will change soon though haha
• I put together a "labor playlist"...who knows if I'll be up for listening to it while in labor...but at least I'm prepared :)
• 4cm and 60% effaced...COME ON LITTLE VIVI :)

Facts About Baby at Week 36:

• At 36 weeks pregnant, your baby is almost ready and most likely, so are you! The only organ still to mature is the lungs. While certainly you are both growing anxious to meet, remember that each day (up to 42 weeks), that your little one stays within your womb will multiply her chances to breathe on her own.
• If she hasn't already, this week your baby may drop into the birth canal. While breathing for mom becomes easier, walking may be the exact opposite! 
• In week 36 of pregnancy, fat is dimpling your baby's elbows and knees, and forming creases in the neck and wrists.
• Her skin is growing smooth and, shall we say it, "baby" soft.
• Her gums are very rigid at week 36 of your pregnancy. It won't be many months before you'll see her teeth.
• She has a fully developed pair of kidneys and her liver has begun processing some waste products.
• After 36 weeks of pregnancy, your child's average size is now 18.66 inches (47.4cm) and 5.78 pounds (2622 g). Between now and birth she will gain about an ounce a day!