36 weeks

This is my 36 week 2 day photo.

Babycenter.com says he's almost 6 lbs and 18.5"

There have been a lot of emotions this week with all the braxton hicks contractions that I've had.  I am now feeling really excited and much less scared or nervous.  I cannot wait to meet this little one, but would prefer for him to cook a little longer.

Sunday I had pitting edema in my ankles for the first time.  I drank a lot of water and put on my support hose, which helped.

I went to a 2.5 hour breast feeding class on Monday and it was amazing!  I learned so much.  Boys who are born earlier don't feed as well.  Babies who sleep "well" are actually not feeding appropriately, so it's good when your baby is feeding every 1.5-2 hrs.  I learned so much about skin to skin contact with feeding and a neutral position if the baby gets disorganized and can't latch.  There are so many resources here in Bloomington too that if I have any trouble, I will have a lot of help.  One group is called "nurse and chat" just for new moms to get out and converse with others like them.  Bloomington Area Birthing Services (BABS), Le Leche League, and the pediatrician's office, all have lactation consultants and a friend of mine is one as well.

Tomorrow I have my appointment with a doctor who did her undergraduate at Wheaton College, so that will be nice to meet another "wheaty".  I will refuse to be checked since they do not tell you if you're going to deliver soon or not, but I am curious if I have dilated with all these contractions that I've been having.