Wow, 32 weeks!

 Time is really flying by and I am trying to take it all in! My belly is getting bigger, so much so that I have grown out of most of my scrubs. Luckily I have some long sleeve trauma shirts and the good old hospital scrubs that I can "borrow" that will help get me through the rest of the pregnancy. A few things I have definitely notice in the last two weeks.....swelling, swelling, and more swelling. I was a little concerned it was related to pre-eclampsia, but I did have an appointment this week and my blood pressure is looking wonderful at 110's-120's (they get worried at about 135- 140 and up.) At first I notice my swelling was mostly limited to days I work, but with this heat, it is starting to be a regular occurrence. I worked two 12 hrs shifts and was up walking around today and this is what my foot looks like:

Although the foot is hideous, notice my nicely painted
toenails from my pedicure :)

For whatever reason, my left foot and leg is significantly more swollen than my right. I wondering if it has to do with my scoliosis and where the baby is laying that is causing this back up. Not only are my feet swollen, but my fingers have become rather plump. Brian has been telling me for weeks to take my wedding ring off so it didn't get stuck. I kept thinking I had more time. I mean, some people never have to take it off and wear it through delivery. I am only 32 weeks, I should have more time. Well, this week I was at the point of no return. I knew it was tight and it was time to come off. But low and behold, it was stuck. On my own I tried ice, butter, soap, lotion, saran wrap, olive oil and dental floss. No luck. I told Brian. He gave me a look and was about to say "I told you so" when I started crying. Instead he just gave me a hug and told me that we would get it off without having to cut it. I was at work last night and a guy I work with was sure he would be able to get it off with string, but try as he might it was unsuccessful. Another co-worker and I tried one last time - lots of KY jelly. She twisted and pulled as I pushed from the bottom and after a rather painful few minutes, the ring was off! Thank goodness - I was so afraid I would have to cut it :( Now I have it in safe keeping and I can look forward to when I get to wear it again!

  I am really looking forward to my baby shower's this weekend. My lovely sister-in-law's and mother-in-law are throwing me a shower for Brian's family on Saturday. There should be about 20 people there. I am so blessed to have so many people who want to come celebrate this little girl of ours! My girlfriends are also throwing me a shower for my side of the family (it is very small) and some friends. I can't thank these girls enough. Not only are they going above and beyond with the shower, but they have been there for me through day one of the infertility and have truly been a support system that has gotten me through all of it. I know both of them will love this little girl so much and Paityn is so fortunate to have two wonderful "aunties" to love!

  Speaking of my sweet friends, we came up with some great craft ideas for the walls on Paityn's room and I can't wait to put it all together. We got all the supplies and now just need to plan a craft day. It will be so much more memorable and fun to know we did the artwork by hand!!!! I thought I would include a picture of little miss Bella and her new fun spot to play - she is very, very sneaky :)

 I have been fortunate enough to not have ANY strangers come up and just touch my belly. I get lots of nice people asking when I am due and do I know what I am having, but I did have my first awkward stranger encounter the other day. First off, men should just not say anything to pregnant women - just keep your mouth shut, it is for the best. I was a the grocery store the other day and this guy looks at me and says  "You hoping for twins?" I smiled and said "nope it is just one." I wasn't even offended, but as I was making my way through the aisles I though - "jeez someone could get really offended by that question; are you trying to say I am a large Marge?" Like I said, doesn't even bother me, but some woman may have really been hurt or hauled off and whacked the man!!! Tread carefully men, you don't want to mess with a pregnant woman!

  Can't wait to post some shower pictures on here and I need to get a 32 week picture taken!! It is amazing that I thought I was big at 20 weeks and now looking back, that was nothing! As dorky as I feel taking these pictures, they are really nice to have!