In the Words of James Brown, "I Feel Good!"

Now I know why I remember enjoying my pregnancy with Nate...I feel great! She must have moved off of my sciatic when she got into position, I have nesting energy and she's really active so I'm getting excited to meet her. The only downside? With this nesting energy comes insomnia. When I wake up, my mind is spinning. I can't shut off my brain to fall back asleep. I'm averaging about 6-hours a night--which is quite manageable (but not my usual call for 8.5 hours for my body & mind to be fully rested). This might have happened with Nate, too; although I don't recall it. I think this time it's bothering me more because I know what I'm in for! I'm really going to want those extra hours when the baby gets here. Those first few weeks, er, months of sleep deprivation are HARD.

I started my weekly OB appointments today (blood pressure 112/78 and the magical 35-pound mark for weight gain). Of course, the errand I ran beforehand didn't take nearly as long as I anticipated, so I arrived 20 minutes early. Then, Dr. Kuhl was running an HOUR behind. Nate and I entertained ourselves with the stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, tape measure, stirrups, lights, gloves, and ultrasound gel (because naturally I left his diaper bag/entertainment in the car for my routine 5-minute appointment!) It was actually pretty cute--after putting the gloves on, listening to my heart with the stethoscope, measuring my belly and pretending to pour gel on my belly; he was ready to assist Dr. Kuhl. After listening to Baby Girl's heartbeat, Nate stands on the step of the exam table with his gloves and a kleenex and tells Dr. Kuhl, "I want to help!" And he did. He wiped off the gel and threw both his tissue and Dr. Kuhl's away. After waiting 1 hour and 20 minutes, I was literally in the exam room with Dr. Kuhl for 3 minutes ("everything's normal...you're term, get ready"). I was so hungry (how can you leave a 37-week pregnant lady waiting for an hour at lunch time?!), I was in no mood for small talk. The extra questions will have to wait until next week. I needed to get some food in my belly before I passed out (that's what I felt like anyway). I understand life happens, but at least validate my parking when you're running so far behind (and bring me a bagel)!

In the miscellaneous category, I'm still keeping up with yoga. It's more of a beginner's class, so she's not working me too hard aerobically. I'm able to modify as-needed quite easily. I'm craving everything--food in general is good. I've eaten a lot of sweets between baby showers and birthdays. I'm really, really trying to cut back on my sugar again and reach for those cherry tomatoes, carrots, grapes, and yogurt when I need a quick bite of something. I've been eating a lot of scrambled egg sandwiches with chipotle cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, flavored gourmet popcorn (a gift from a friend), oatmeal and cereal (bien sur!)--especially Life, Oatmeal Squares, and Total Raisin Bran. I'm trying to use Frosted Mini Wheats to fill my sweet cravings these days. I'm still having Braxton Hicks contractions daily; and, yes, they are getting longer, more frequent and more intense!