Week 36 Update!

I know, I know...Long time, no blog.  My family and friends have reminded me all too frequently of my inexcusable absence on the blog!  To say that life has been a little hectic in the past several months would be the understatement of the century!!!  Besides the obvious - getting ready for the baby! - we are completely renovating our kitchen and one of our bathrooms in our house.  And, I survived another year of IEPs and end of school craziness.  And completed a doozy of a semester in graduate school. And started a whole new semester of graduate school.  AND, did flowers for a wedding (pictures coming soon!)  Yes, every minute of every day is full with activity in the Powell household!  I have joked that maybe when the baby comes, we can get some rest! HA!! :)

So, PRAISE THE LORD, we have made it to the last 4 weeks of the pregnancy!!!  Everyone talked about how long 9 months of pregnancy is, especially going through the summer.  I'm here to tell ya - it has FLOWN by!!!!!  I can not believe we are soooo very close to meeting our baby girl!

Here I am at 36 weeks in FULL BLOOM! :)

I'm spending the day with 3 of the Favorites today, and the youngest wanted her picture made with my belly! 

Pregnancy Highlights: 

How Far Along: 36 Weeks 

Size of Baby: about 17.2 - 18.7 inches long, and 4.2 - 5.8 pounds, about the size of a honeydew

Maternity Clothes: For sure!  And, I can say I am so very thankful to be going through my most pregnant time during summer when I'm not having to worry about maternity clothes for work!  I mostly live in tshirts and shorts, and just have to worry about clothes for church and going out.  Very thankful for that!

Gender: It's a GIRL!!!!!!

Movement: She is a mover for sure!  She has been head down since our first 4D Ultrasound at 28 weeks, and has stayed that way.  However, she loves to kick (mainly in my ribs!) and throw a few punches every hour!  I think this is the one thing I will miss the most about pregnancy - it truly is an amazing feeling!!!

Sleep: Sleep has actually gotten better throughout pregnancy.  I have started going to the bathroom more during the night, but that comes with the territory I suppose.  But, when I'm in the bed I sleep great!

What I miss:  I do miss my walking/running time, and am ready to get back on my exercise routine!

Cravings:  Still anything sugary - sweets, candy, ice cream, and fruit!

Symptoms: I feel really good, I really can't complain!  I have unfortunately been one of the lucky people that has experienced morning sickness at the end of pregnancy.  But, I've been sick free for the past few mornings, so hopefully (fingers crossed) it has passed!  I also have "cankles" now - you know, where your calves and ankles are so swollen they just become one body part instead of two :)

Crazy Dreams:  I have dreamed a lot about the baby's hair - sometimes it's long and black, sometime's Afro style...sometimes bald.  Is this a sign of something?!

Things People Say:  I haven't had anyone to say anything but super sweet things!  Everyone has been so supportive, kind, and excited!  

Weekly Wisdom:  Enjoy this time!  It truly has went by so quickly, and I have tried to savor every moment.  I have kept a journal for the baby to remember specifics - I want her to know about this journey we had together, and the miracle she is!

Best Moment(s) This Week: Going to the doctor and hearing our sweet girl is still head down! YAY!  And, I have not dilated any...this is a huge relief right now because of trying to get our house completed!