36 weeks and counting

The holidays came and went very quickly and here I am at 36 weeks! Time seemed to pick up as soon as we had Thanksgiving and it hasn't slowed down yet. We also celebrated both of our birthdays in December...last birthdays before we're mom and dad! Jonathan and I enjoyed visiting with both families and overindulging in some delicious food :) We were so thankful to make one last quick trip to Florida to see Grammy and Popa Tom. Grammy fell right before Thanksgiving which really scared me and I knew she probably wouldn't be able to make it to Birmingham until after Denson is born. The trip was relaxing and we had a good time with mom & Don too. My pregnancy has been pretty moderate but I need to give more credit to Jonathan for being so supportive and truly making everything more comfortable. He has been rubbing my back and feet even before they were really uncomfortable (and even before I was pregnant :)). He's been so calm and excited and I have such joy to anticipate the incredible father he is going to be. Love him so much and can't wait to meet our little man!

Symptoms:
-Sleeping has been more challenging just because it's difficult to get comfortable and I am up using the bathroom at least five times throughout the night

-Slight contractions have started which don't really hurt but are just uncomfortable

-Pressure in the pelvic area and sometimes painful walking or getting up

-Swelling a little bit in legs and hands; I can no longer wear my wedding rings which makes me sad

-Cravings have been cereal, milk, ice cream...I craved pears over the holidays which was great; we made pears with goat cheese and pecans- delish!

I am so ready to meet Denson, to hold him and have him here! My big appointment went well and he looks and sounds great. He is head down and seems to be dropping. I have not started progressing yet which is normal for first babies but that doesn't mean things can't happen at any moment so we are ready. Car seats are installed, hospital bag is halfway packed and everything else is pretty close to ready. My baby shower is this weekend which I'm really anxious to have because I am getting so close to the due date. I am so thankful for my sister and friends who have worked hard to put it together...I know it will be beautiful and Denson is already blessed with so much love from all these sweet people.

My to-do list for the next weeks:
-deep clean the house (windows, baseboards)
-organize his dresser, wash his clothes
-get baskets for his changing table
-hang the rest of the pictures in nursery
-put bedding on the crib and cradle
-finish packing our hospital bag
-update his baby book
-read my books
-prepare frozen casseroles with mom

It's a new year, a new phase of life for us and we are so thankful for each day. I am humbled that God has chosen Jonathan and I to be parents and bring a sweet baby boy into this world. At small group last night, we discussed New Years resolutions and the paths we are headed on. This is a verse we shared that is the theme for our growing family this year.

Romans 12:2
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know to learn God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."