Emotional:
I can't believe this nine-month journey is almost over... this makes me both excited and sad. Excited because it means soon I will get to hold my precious daughter in my arms, and sad because it means I wont get to be pregnant anymore. Despite the aches and pains, it really is a wonderful experience knowing that within your womb, you are creating a life! So with 3 weeks to go, I'm diving into all the tasks that need to be completed before Harmony arrives. Last weekend, I finally finished painting her room. I also went over to my grandmother's with all my laundry, including many baby clothes that needed to be washed. My shower on Sunday went well- I got a lot of really nice things that the baby and I can definetely use. I think my favorite gifts were the stroller from my parents, the diaper pail from my Aunt Liz, and the really nice diaper bag from Chris' mother. My grandmother had a friend make curtains and a comforter, so those are now here, and the crib will be dropped off soon (I'm getting one second-hand from someone in the family). The nursery isn't completely ready yet, but there is enough to cover the basics. And most importantly, I feel ready to take the plunge into parenthood! And even though I know it means a lot of dirty diapers, sleepless nights, and not to mention many moments of sheer exhaustion, I'm looking forward to it. I'm getting more and more excited about meeting my daughter! :)
As for my labour bag, it's getting there, but still not completely packed- I'm determined to finish by next week!
Physical:
The pregnancy is going well, despite a few discomforts. Sleeping is still a challenge, but I've got a nest of pillows that help a little. It seems like my back gets achier every day, but it's still bearable. Maybe it's just been so sore recently because of all the painting last weekend- getting up and down off of a chair a billion times isn't my idea of rest and relaxation! Speaking of rest, I find myself needing a lot more rest during the day than I have previously. I'm trying to spend more time at home, since now the only things I go out for are "Buns in Oven" program on Tuesdays and Drop-In on Wednesdays (and babysitting Bailey on Wednesday). At home, between chores and getting the baby's room ready, I've needed quite a few rests, just lying on my bed or sitting down with my feet up for a while with my cross-stitch. I'm so glad I don't have anything like school or work that prevents me from taking time out when I need it. I'm almost completely done work now (I at least don't have to go anywhere else) so now I wont be straining myself.
Harmony's movements are getting more noticeable- I can tell she's starting to feel crowded! Now when she flexes a foot, stretches a knee, turns or wiggles, I can feel and see distinct parts of her. I almost caught hold of a little foot once; I could definetely feel the rough shape of it- and that one little portion of my belly stuck up farther than the rest of it breifly. Sometimes when she's tossing and turning, I can see my whole stomach bulge out on one side and then return to it's regularly round shape. It's sometimes uncomfortable, but it's just so fascinating, I don't mind at all.