40 weeks. Can you believe it?

So this is it!! My very last weekly update on this growing belly of mine.  I thought I would do this final one differently than all the rest because there is so much more to say than just a few sentences to answer those weekly questions I posed myself.

First of all, let me just pat myself on the back for a little bit for sticking with it! We took a bump photo and I answered those little questions and posted it religiously every Wednesday since we announced we were pregnant back around 17 weeks. And as frustrating as that can be some weeks when life is busy and the last thing I wanted to do was take a photo (sometimes by myself using a tripod and a timer... while neighbors with their dogs stared at me as they walked by)... I am SO glad that I kept it up...memories that I will have and cherish forever.

This last week of pregnancy has actually been great. my 39th week was much more difficult for me. I felt huge, eating was a struggle because I felt instantly full, yet still had an appetite, and I just didn't feel like myself in my own skin - which I hadn't experienced this at all most of the last 9 months. I don't know what exactly has changed, and it could all be just a change in mindset, but I have just really enjoyed these last few days. I have spent every morning on long walks with Mochi, finished up my checklist of "things to do before babe arrives", and had a record setting THREE date nights with my husband. I am finally satisfied with the nursery set up, and the house is clean and pretty organized.... the calm before the storm, I'm sure. 

Overall, these past 40 weeks have been nothing short of amazing. I feel so blessed to have had such an easy pregnancy. I loved every moment of it to be honest. Not to say I didn't have my struggles, but its funny how we can look back on a special time in our lives with blinders on... only to see the good, and the not so good shrinks away. I keep thinking to myself, "this is going TOO well... this is going to be one of those situations where my pregnancy went so well that its only fair that I have a baby who cries not stop and will not sleep". Stay tuned for the answer to that one, and lets all cross our fingers that is not the case.

Here is a little summary of the past 40 weeks:

-My biggest complaints have been pretty minor - heartburn here and there, a little big of pelvic pain from the added weight, and the most annoying of them all - feeling full immediately after I start eating. However most of these issues were thankfully not day to day and just popped up here and there. 

-I have gained a total of 23 pounds (as of my 40 week appointment) most of the weight came in the last month and a half, as expected! ( but still surprising to see that scale climb so quickly!!)

-Continuing my workouts have been my saving grace and I am so thankful I have been able to keep it up. It boosts my mood and just makes me a happier pregnant lady. 

- The things I have been craving the most are dry cereal (Reece's puffs, Donut cereal, Honey Nut Chex are the big three), Sushi, and Iced Coffee drinks (think fancy Starbucks drinks with more milk and sugar than coffee)

- Every expectation I had going into pregnancy has been completely turned on its head. It just goes to show how everyone is different , and experiences things differently! A big lesson I have learned is to go into everything with an open mind as it may be completely different than you expect. 

Again, thank you to all my friends, family, and anyone else who has followed along with me these past 23 weeks I have been posting! You guys are the best!!