Happy 37 weeks Baby C!
As baby moves around my stomach this morning, getting all comfy, I truly cannot believe that anywhere in the next 3 weeks this baby will make it debut into the world. Amazing. I just keep reminding her/him to be nice to me while making her/his entrance. Danny keeps doing the same.
(walking across the Brooklyn Bridge last weekend)
What’s new?
I thought this week I would talk about some things I couldn’t have lived without in my pregnancy. These obviously are pretty particular to me, but I’m so interested in other people’s pregnancies I figured some people may care.
Things I couldn’t have lived without over the past 37 weeks.
1. Belli Skin Care: I’ve used their belly oil and face wash everyday since about 10 weeks. I especially love the belly oil. Sometimes I mix it with Palmer’s cocoa butter. I have no clue if these have helped my belly expand…I’m pretty sure the stretch marks are all genetic…but it still feels nice!
2. Cuisinart Panini Press: Legit have used this everyday. I use it for wraps, sandwiches and even for tofu sometimes. I cannot eat a sandwich or wrap without putting it in here. I know it’s so random.
3. Old Navy, Gap and Asos maternity clothes. Thank goodness for these affordable clothes. I didn’t buy one thing from places like Motherhood.
4. Cheese, pasta and bread. Most days of the week this is all I want. Luckily I am able to mix in veggies and protein with those foods. I also switch up the type of pasta I make: whole wheat, brown rice, corn and quinoa are all good in my book.
5. Decaf coffee: I love this brand of organic decaf.
6. Body Pillow: I’ve had this for awhile from a previous surgery, but I never used it. I started using it when I couldn’t sleep on my stomach anymore and haven’t looked back. I toss and turn all night with this thing and it helps me sleep pretty comfortably.
7. Medula Belly Band: I bought this and started using it around 24 weeks I think. I love this and think it works best for weeks 24-31ish weeks. I’m still wearing mine and at this point it does an OK job. At this point I’ve love a larger more supportive one, but I’m not going to buy one with only a couple weeks left. Next time I’ll get a full belly one for later weeks.
8. Trash TV: I’ve tried to relax as much as possible and watching every version of Real Housewives has helped.
I’m sure there’s more, but this is what comes to mind as my top needs. I’d also say blogs of people who have new babies/are pregnant/young moms are great resources too. It’s helped me feel like I have a little community to rely on since I don’t know too many pregnant/new moms.
Thoughts as I come to the end:
37 week belly
I swear for the past 8.5 months I have not been overly emotional, but in the past 2 weeks, OMG. I was an absolute hysterical mess over Kourtney Kardashians birth to her little girl….as in could not catch my breath. And no, I’m not embarressed. I’ve cried more times than I care to admit in the past 2 weeks.
I have really enjoyed my pregnancy and feel SO lucky that it was as smooth as it was. I feel SO lucky that I can still exercise and move around. I really do feel like myself most of the time, just with an extra little companion. As much as I’ve enjoyed my pregnancy, I AM ready to get this show on the road in the next couple of weeks. I KNOW life is about to change FOREVER, but how could I not be excited about that?
Danny and I have been together 9 years in November. It’s been just him and I for 9 years! I just know he’s going to be the best dad….and I’m already crying just thinking about that. I can’t wait to do normal things with baby like hang out on Saturday mornings, go on walks and runs (eventually) or go to Trader Joe’s as a family (normal thing to look forward to right?)
I had NO warmer clothes, so I finally caved and went to Old Navy and bought 4 long sleeve items. I’m kind of hoping I go into labor and don’t wear all of them so I can return them, but I’ve already worn 2…so we’ll see. I CANNOT wait to wear my clothes. That may be the things I’m MOST excited for (NOT including baby!)
I’m getting excited about the labor process. I fully plan on getting an epidural. I’m being honest here, so please don’t judge. I obviously am nervous too, but I’m pretty ready, so for now the excitement is over powering the nervousness. I AM pretty nervous about breastfeeding and trying to not put a lot of pressure on myself.
My 37 weeks doctor apt went well. The baby dropped in the past week, but I’m still not dilated. (I know this really means nothing, but I was excited to hear that the baby has dropped!) My mom actually called it from one day to another she said I looked lower.
If you’re still reading…I give you credit! 
Thanks and I’ll keep you posted on the last 3 weeks!
And just to leave you off….a short little video of our baby gettin’ comfy!
If you’re pregnant or a new mom, what has been essential to you?
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Nicole – First, don’t apologize for wanting or planning to get an epidural. L&D is different for everyone and you need to do what YOU feel is best for you and the baby. There is no reason to try to do something that you are not comfortable with !
Second, I think it’s good to be nervous about bf’ing – it shows that it means a lot to you so you are taking it seriously. I was nervous for the first month or so of AJ’s life. I was always asking my older sis if I was doing it right, if there was enough milk, if he was getting enough, etc. Just remember – bf’ing is a natural instinct for them – try to get him/her to latch on as soon as you are holding them in the L&D room when you have skin-to-skin contact. Don’t freak out if he/she isn’t interested right away…AJ latched on right away but Ryan took about 5 min before he did. And the nurses are there to help – so reach out to them if you aren’t sure. It’s natural for our little ones but it’s something we have to learn…once you get in the grove, it’s the most beautiful thing in the world!!
And there are tons of resources available – LLL and other moms that have bf – you know I am always here if you have any questions =)
OMG!! I can’t wait for Baby C to get here!!! We’ll probably be a little jeglagged and loopy but maybe if you happen to be around when we get back from London (flying into JFK on Nov 2) we can come meet him/her and I can read Baby C There’s a Monster at the End of This Book! haha. I hope the next few weeks go well for you!!
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
I LOVE that video. I swear I remember the boys being in my belly like it was yesterday and that was 11 1/2 years ago! I am so excited for you two! Don’t worry about saying you’re getting an epidural. Seriously, I got one with each of my boys, one planned and one not planned. It’s your delivery and your choice. Enjoy your weekend with Danny!
Congrats on your first baby coming soon! It’s so exciting the first time. I have been extremely emotional the last few days too (I’m 38 weeks) so I’m hoping it’s a sign of labor soon!
BABY IS SUPER MOVING!
Ahhhh, the body pillow. That was fun. It’s like a 4th person in the bed (hubs, wifey, baby, andf the pillow). We named ours to make it an official member of the bed crew.
More well wishes your way.
And YES, Old Navy maternity really saves the pocketbook.
Your belly is super cute! Essentials for me this time around:
-Creamy petrolium jelly for my belly (no stretch marks!)
-My “For Two Fitness” tank top!
-Believe it or not, cheap shirts from Forever 21 because they are nice and long, cheap and not “maternity” looking.
-Back to back episodes of “Parks and Recreation” to take my mind off the fact that I haven’t had this baby yet!
Your belly is BEAUTIFUL! Makes me miss pregnancy a little bit.
I loved my belly band too. So excited for you guys to become parents!
you are just glowing!!! love your baby belly
xoxo
My husband and family have been essentials to me, as well as other “mommy” friends! Just having people to talk to that have been through it all (mommy friends) and having my husband’s support to get through the harder days! And Tums. And my walking shoes. Those things have made this pregnancy AWESOME!
Kinda jealous about the panini press because I would have (and still would) love one to use everyday also haha. I never did end up buying a belly band, and when I ran a mile on Friday, it totally still feels ok, it’s my hips I can’t control! If there was a magical ‘band’ to cure a sore right hip, then I’d be all over it!
Your 37 week belly bump looks absolutely perfect!!
My hubby and I have only been together 5 years – sometimes it feels so short, but sometimes it feels like I’ve known him forever!!!
it feels like forever and three seconds ago you shared you were pregnant!
i know!!
Hi Nicole! I just found your blog through The Lean Grean Bean and am really enjoying it! I have two little girls and can remember being where you’re at now with my youngest. It’s more torturous because you know what’s coming! I’m not sure if this is your first birth, but it definitely gets easier.
One thing I found helpful was a baby sling. The baby gets to be close to you, but you’re still able to have your hands free to do other tasks. I hope your delivery goes well! 
This is a great post! I’m a first time reader and enjoyed hearing all about your pregnancy cravings, needs, highs, and lows- all completely normal [from what I've heard, I don't have a baby myself, just got married
]! I wish you and your family the best of luck!!!
P.S. That video is so cool- I’ve never seen something like that and now I have a better understanding of how a baby moves, not just a little wiggle, it’s a full-on shake and roll!