Wellington Watch, 36 weeks

36wks (9 months out of 10 months)

Weight gain so far: 29.5lbs

Symptoms/Feelings/Etc:

1) I am really short of breath these days.

2) I am craving sweets LIKE NOBODY'S BUSINESS.

3) I am making lots of lists.

Birth Classes:

1) We completed our homework from last week, which was to 'plan out' what types of things we will do in the early stages of labor, before we go to the hospital, to keep us busy and relaxed while I work through mild (hah!) contractions. Our plan included (among other things) watching some Ricky Gervais stand-up, updating our Facebook status, and walking to the mall for a Yogen Fruz.

2) This week's class was the infamous 'Video' class, where we got to watch first hand several 'normal' births, from DOWN THERE. To be honest, there wasn't a lot in the video that I didn't expect, but it was still somewhat horrifying. When it was over, Warren said 'that wasn't so bad'. I replied with, 'Well, not for you. You don't have to push a baby out your bum'.

For me, the worst parts were near the end of the pushing stage, when the women would start crying and saying they couldn't do it. I felt so bad for them.

New favorite pregnancy item:

Our friend Troy brought me a six pack of 'Worsteiner' de-alcoholised beer. It's a true 0% alcohol beer, not the sketchy 0.5% kind (although O'douls is delicious!). And, I like the taste. It satisfies me. I actually feel like I can relax with a brewsky on a Friday night. It's been a loooooooong time.

Things that make me feel optimistic:

1) I was telling Warren that lately I've been having a roller coaster of emotions when it comes to thinking about the impending birth of Wellington. I was telling him how I often think 'Am I ready for this?', but I also have moments of pure excitement and my anxiety disappears for a while. His response was, 'Hmph. I'm pretty much just excited'. So, either that is reason to be really optimistic, or it's reason to think that maybe he hasn't thought this through and is living in a naive state of denial.

Things that make me feel guilty:

2) One evening I decided to learn how to use the specialty swaddling blankets we got from Erin (the miracle blanket and the kidopottamus blanket). So I looked up the instructions on line and practiced on Wellington (Wellington is also the name given to the stuffed teddy that Shawna made for us at Build-a-Bear. He has a birth certificate and everything). After practicing, I decided this was a good opportunity to carry 'Wellington' around the house with me, while I did other things, to see what it was like to have a baby attached at my hip. This was fun for a while, and the highlight was when I wanted to fold some towels so I handed him to Warren to hold, and Warren actually played along (my heart melted seeing him hold that swaddled bear, especially the care he took to support his 'head').

Now, here is where I feel guilty.

When it became too inconvenient to carry him everywhere, I decided 'it was his bedtime' and I placed him in the bassinet for the rest of the evening.

Seeking Advice:

1) Cord Blood Banking. Anyone?

2) Breast pump? Did you buy/rent one? What kind? Electric vs. Manual?

Let's finish 'er off with some belly pics: