30 Day Countdown

In exactly 30 days I will be going to the hospital for my scheduled c-section (that is, unless Ollie decides to make his appearance early). What this means for me is lots of excitement, endless checklists of things to get done, and a heaping helping of freaking out.

I know that this is the time when I should be relaxing and getting a few more good nights of sleep, but my brain just won't turn off. I'm always thinking of something else I need (or want) to get done before Oliver arrives and worrying about how I'll handle two kids.

There are times when I feel like I'll handle everything well and be Super Mom, and other times when I feel so inadequately prepared to take care of two kids since most of the time I feel like I can barely handle one. I'm sure these feelings will continue after the baby is born; everyone has good days and bad days. Beneath everything though, I'm just so excited to meet my little man and complete our family.

Some things I've loved about this pregnancy:
- Time has gone by faster than it did the first time, mostly because I've been so busy chasing around a three-year-old.
- I'm at a much healthier weight this time around, putting me at less risk for high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, both of which I had when I was pregnant with Taylor. In fact, at this point of my pregnancy with Tay I was on bed rest, which I definitely couldn't handle right now.
- Knowing that this is my last pregnancy helps me appreciate it more.
- I've actually felt pretty cute in my maternity clothes for the most part.
- I know what to expect and what's normal so I spend less time worrying that something is wrong.
- My amazing, patient, loving husband giving me back massages every night and going out to get me ice cream/chicken nuggets/whatever other crazy thing I'm craving.
- Little Tay Bug constantly rubbing and kissing my belly and talking about his "baby brudder Owver." I can't wait to introduce my boys to each other.

Things I haven't loved so much:
- Indigestion. Ick.
- Intense hot flashes.
- Having to get my birthmark removed, six cavities filled, and a root canal during this pregnancy. Talk about adding insult to injury... or rather, adding injury to injury.
- Not being able to breathe. I feel like I spend all day huffing and puffing and straining to complete even the simplest task.
- Being huge. Even though everyone is incredibly understanding, it's embarrassing to struggle putting my shoes on or scrubbing my tub.
- Kankles. Need I say more?
- Bony little knees, feet, and elbows jabbing my ribs and kicking my hip bones. I think Ollie is getting just as impatient as I am.

Pregnancy certainly has it's ups and downs, and I'm definitely about ready to say farewell to this stage and move on to being a mommy of two.