32 Weeks and the Rings are Gone

Today marks 32 weeks for this little (or should I say BIG mama). According to thebump.com, this is the last week of month SEVEN and the last week that baby is the size of a squash. Let me tell you, though ... I sure feel like the Little Monkey is bigger than a squash! As you can see in the photo below, the babe is surely taking up a great deal of room in there. My cami just barely covers the bottom of my belly and I have been noticing some of my maternity tops seeming smaller and smaller each time I wear them. You will currently most often find me sporting the Dude's apparel - shorts and a big t-shirt.

There were some significant happenings that occurred this week. For starters, I had to say goodbye to my beloved wedding rings. Sadness. They would still fit on if I tried really hard, but getting them on and off was getting very very difficult and I do not want to risk having to get them cut off. So, they are tucked away for safe keeping right now. In fact, I think I will find a way to make some good come out of not being able to wear them by taking them in to get re-plated. Then they will look shiny and perfect when I can wear them again. In the meantime, I plan on buying a cheapy ring to wear for the next few months - I do not want people thinking I'm an unwed teenage mother! Ha! My feet are also starting to look pretty swollen by the end of the day, but I haven't had any trouble getting shoes on or off yet, so hopefully that's the worst it will get. Hopefully. Ahem.

Over the past week, I had fun playing on kiddy slides and I had my first baby shower which you can read about here.

I've been having some trouble sleeping because I have to get up to pee 36 times every night and some nights, I've just been wide awake and restless. Apparently this is what some might call third trimester insomnia. Perhaps just preparation for what's coming my way.

I've had a burst of energy lately which has been wonderful as it's allowed me to accomplish some of my tasks. Earlier this week, I tackled the laundry room. I didn't do a before/after photo post, because, well, it still looks yucky because it's a yucky room, but it looks much cleaner and more organized than it was in the past. Someday, I hope to have a beautiful laundry room. Until then, I will settle for a washer and dryer that work.

I've been out picking and weeding in the garden almost every day and have been definitely enjoying our bounty. So far, we've had 3-4 completely homegrown meals. Love it! Watch for an update tomorrow.

I have also started into some freezer cooking so that I can be sure the Dude and I won't starve in the early postpartum days when cooking might not be my number one priority. I will likely dedicate a post or two to freezer cooking but so far I've made two dozen spinach and bacon twice baked potatoes, a pot of lentil rice soup, and three batches of beans and rice. I've got a number of other things on the list to make and I will hopefully be spending a few more days on it.

The Little Monkey makes sure I always know that he/she is in there - camping out in my rib cage. The movements are increasing in frequency every day but changing in the way they feel. Much more roly poly movements rather than jabbing, stabbing kicks and punches. The bum is usually sticking out just under my ribs and sometimes it makes the shape of my belly look super funny. I wish it was something I could capture on the camera, but I don't think I can.

I had my 32 week appointment yesterday. Of my three midwives, the one I saw yesterday is my favorite. Although I know I will receive excellent care no matter which of the three is on call the week I go into labour, I am secretly hoping that it's her. I really feel much more connected to her than to the others. I will have to find out their schedules for the weeks surrounding my due date and then have a little chat with the Monkey about when he/she can arrive :)

I have my 34 week appointment booked and then after that, I will start booking weekly appointments. I cannot believe how fast time flies. I know I say that every week, but it's true. My babe will be in my arms before I know it and I can hardly wait.