37 1/2 week update

I had planned to post pictures today of my last two showers, but I forgot the cord for the camera to upload the photos. Maybe sometime before Natalie gets here I'll be able to do that.

Just a quick update on the last few weeks of pregnancy!
At the doctor last week he said I was 50% effaced but no dilation.
This week was the same. NO changes.
I am actually relieved that there weren't any changes this week since we plan on traveling for Christmas, just an hour away, and I don't want to be paranoid or preoccupied wondering if I'm about to go into labor. So now, NO WORRIES! I still haven't had any contractions, not even Braxton Hicks.

It has been interesting to get the question, "So, are you over being pregnant yet"? To which I say, "No. Actually I'm not." I still feel pretty good and comfortable and am able to be active. I'm really thankful the pregnancy as been so easy and low key, but I'm aware that at any point I could become, 'over it'. I don't think its wrong when pregnant women feel that way, I just haven't experienced it, yet and hopefully I won't.

I have developed, however, carpal tunnel in my hands. SO RANDOM! It is the weirdest feeling for your fingertips to be numb and your finger joints sore. Gives me more compassion on those who deal with arthritis, though what I'm experiencing is very mild and will go away after Natalie is born. I also have had mild swelling in my ankles but only if I've been on my feet all day. And last, I experienced heartburn over the weekend for the first time ever-or at least in a REALLY REALLY long time! It was the weirdest thing, but I think it is mostly diet related with pregnancy effecting it some. It's just SO hard to stay away from cheese!

Please know I'm not complaining, but just sharing about where I'm at in the pregnancy. These small discomforts have been a good opportunity for me to choose to not complain out loud or in my heart, but choose joy and contentment away from my circumstances. It is such a good opportunity for me to grow in the Lord and I don't want to miss it!

I hope everyone has a joyous Christmas celebrating Christ!
I'll keep you updated unless Natalie comes while we are out of town!

Glucose and Local Celebrities

Yesterday I had a bizarre encounter at the doctor's office.
First, I was there for 3 hours because I failed my glucose test on Monday. I had to go in and drink this sugary drink and then they drew blood on the hour for 3 hours. I had passed the very first test a few months ago, but failed the second test on Monday which is why they did the 3 hour yesterday. I've heard HORRIBLE things about the glucose test, but honestly I really didn't mind. The drink wasn't that bad and I was able to get my 'Thank You' cards done from my baby showers. I really do believe that it was the Lord who would give me contentment for that time. It could be easy for me to fall into the temptation to complain because most everyone else I've talked to that has had to do the test gave it such a negative light. By God's grace it was never a big deal to me and I was able to enjoy the time I had, although I'll say I'm still not a fan of giving blood samples.

Anyway, my bizarre encounter:
I was waiting the final 5-10 minutes of my 3 hours before giving my last blood sample, when a mom, at least upper high school age daughter, and husband walk in. The mom is a middle aged pregnant mom and is pretty far along in her pregnancy. Okay, no big deal. WELL, then behind them comes this CAMERA CREW in with some small cameras! I notice then that the mom has a microphone and battery pack on her and they are all talking excitedly about what is going on. I'm thinking- WHAT IS GOING ON!? Is this some piece for the local news? Why? I'm trying NOT to listen, but that is impossible when you are the only other person in the waiting room with all this commotion! The camera guy starts filming the family's interactions and the daughter is excited to be a the appointment with them because she hopes to find out the gender of the baby since he/she will be the 19th baby!

WAIT, WHAT!?

Well, the nurse calls them back into the office just as it's time for me to go give my final blood sample. They are ahead of me filming this whole interaction as they walk back into the office and they see the doctor in the hallway. They proceed to talk with him about how things are going, meanwhile I'm stuck behind them and can't get to the lab to do my final blood sample! And it is a time sensitive blood drawing so they have to take a sample on the hour for the 3 hours. I DID NOT want to have to get stuck more than necessary because I couldn't get through! It was SO bizarre to be stuck waiting and watching this interaction and filming, but I really wasn't trying to be nosy at all! I was just trying to do my thing and leave! The nurse could see me through the crowd, but neither of us could get to each other! She was able to come to the window and tell me about a back door I could come through. Okay, great. I meet the nurse at the back door and she said, "You know who that is don't you?" Nope, not a clue. She said, "The Bates family, you haven't heard of them." Nope. To which she gave me the 'WHAT? YOU HAVEN'T HEARD OF THE BATES FAMILY!?' look. She said, "You of the Dugger's don't you?" Oh yeah, I know about them. "Well, the Bates' are a local family and they are pregnant with their 19th child and they are starting a show about them!" OH, WOW, that's cool.

Well, I was done with my test but needed to use the restroom before I left. There was someone in the restroom, but as I approached she came out. It was the MOM! She was SO sweet and funny as commented on my belly and how small and cute I was pregnant. I asked her how far along she was and she said, "Well, I look like I'm 5 weeks past due, but I have 9 weeks left." To which I thought, sweet lady you are pregnant with your 19th I think its okay if you look bigger than me. (which she really didn't look that big to me.) And then we parted ways.

It was SO bizarre! But I was encouraged by their excitement and eagerness over any life that the Lord would bless them to carry. Of course, I googled them and I was encouraged by their blog which I've (hopefully) linked above.

Just wanted to share about my recent adventures!