Pregnancy Update: 34 Weeks

How Far Along: 34 weeksWhat is Baby G Up To?: Baby G is the size of a butternut squash, so basically huge. Baby G is still moving a great deal, but I can tell it's getting tight in there because the movements tend to be poking out of my stomach in weird ways. People always talk about the baby kicking, but the repositioning and wiggling around are even crazier! Baby G is a big hiccup-er as well.How I’m Feeling: Still feeling exhausted, but I'm trying to enjoy the last few weeks of "freedom". As much as I'm looking forward to meeting Baby G and to not be pregnant, I realize that the days of just David, Juneau and I are quickly coming to a close. It's been the three of us for the past five years, and we've gone on some crazy adventures together. It's going to be quite the adjustment to have Baby G become part of our little team. So yes, I'm feeling nostalgic.What I’m Wearing: Emily sent me a bunch of her maternity clothes, and I gotta say, they came right at the perfect time. I was getting so bored with the same old things circulating through my closet. I think the hardest part is having to find maternity work clothes. All I want to do is wear maxi dresses and oversized t-shirts.What’s On My Mind Lately: Pregnancy has been a long journey and my mindset has changed with the trimesters. In the first trimester, I was just trying to feel human. In the early second trimester, I was feeling overwhelmed with the thought of being pregnant. A growing belly? No wine? Those thoughts turned to absolute fear in regards to labor in the early third trimester. Our birthing classes didn't help. I was having nightmares about labor pains and absolutely grilled my sister about every feeling. But lately, I have been thinking about being a mom.There was a couple in my birthing class that was so prepared for everything. They knew all the best brands, the best gadgets, the best sleeping aids. The mom had been taking water aerobics and yoga throughout her pregnancy. Every question they asked, she knew the answer to. They even drove a mini-van! Already! The baby wasn't even here yet! They were clearly parents before ever having a baby. I started crying because I will never be that person. I just don't work that way. And then I realized I'm going to be parenting my baby alongside of Super Moms like her. More tears.Then David said something that made me feel better: yes, we are going to become parents, but that's not the only thing we are going to be. I still want my career, and my creativity, and to travel and David still wants a truck, and to go fishing on the weekends. Yes, our lives are going to be different, but I know by looking at the women in my family that it's possible to be a mom and to be Erica as well.What I’m Craving: Still on my unsweet iced tea kick! The caffeine is saving me!What I’m Looking Forward To: This weekend my mom is flying down and we are heading to DC on Saturday to visit my cousins. On Sunday we will be back in Charlottesville because David's mom is throwing me a baby shower.Best Moment of the Week: I have a few: first, David and I were able to tour the hospital we are going to deliver in. I had never spent much time in the hospital, and I was floored at how gorgeous it is. Everything was so accessible and everyone was so friendly. While we were there, we were able to visit David's newest cousin who was born that same day!Later in the week, my co-workers through me a baby shower. It was so sweet of everyone to come to celebrate Baby G!On Sunday evening, my neighbors knocked on the door. There are four generations of people living together and they are the sweetest people in the world! The great-grandmother had handmade Baby G a blanket and they were so excited to give it to us. In the card they wrote "we have 124 years of collective parenting experience, so don't hesitate to ask for help!" It was exactly the spark I needed to get through these last few weeks! I am so grateful.