Merry Christmas - Week 36!

Week 36 has begun and I'm shocked that I am barely swelling, have no back pain or the feeling of heaviness that so many women complain about during this time. I feel very lucky and hope to ride this wave into a non-eventful, safe, calm birth process. Thank you God for allowing me to have a good pregnancy!

I've begun to make Fritz a little crazy again because the nesting phase has kicked in again. My baby shower was fun and the gifts were really nice. Thanks to my mom, brother and Lissi for throwing me the shower. Also, thank you to my family and friends who were very generous during these hard times. We all know the economy is slumping; I know that several of my friends and family have come upon hard times, either with job losses, a potential to lose their job, or just tightening of the belt in general. So I can't describe how grateful I am that they still found it in their hearts and pockets to give us gifts right before Christmastime. So, I have spent these last few days sorting through the gifts, organizing them and figuring out what I will need first. I've decided we really need another room to store all of this but alas, all we have is our little NYC 1BR apartment. I'm regretful to have moved from our Morris Plains apt now, but hey, at least mom is only 10 mnutes away and I know she's going to be a Godsend when childcare needs arise.

The baby is moving a little less these days. I think it's because of lack of space because I can tell my belly is growing every week now. The baby is supposed be gaining half a pound a week or something like that. It's unbelievable to me. But before I know it, Baby E is going to be among us. I can't wait for the waves to start, my water to break, something.. I'm getting excited to meet the little one and wonder how it's all going to start.

And lastly, this excitement has me at home on Christmas day and not in the Christmas spirit at all. I didn't buy gifts this year, which is a miracle for me, and I haven't been to any celebrations or invited anyone over this year. Getting ready for this baby is all that has been on my mind and my alone time has been precious and rewarding, so I don't really regret it all. Speaking of Christmas and family and friends, I'm going to go see my mom now and probably my stepfather in the nursing home. Signing off with lots of love and gratefulness in my heart..