does this baby make me look fat?

i had a doctor's appointment today. i have them weekly now that we're in the home stretch. today, technically, i am 36 weeks. the doctor said i'm measuring at 37. she felt his position, he squirmed, and she said, "well, this baby is going to be a big guy!"

yes, he will be. he's grown so much he doesn't have any more room to grow. his feet are up into my ribs. i can barely breathe. his head is so big i have to do the pregnant waddle. i've grown out of most of my maternity clothes and refuse to buy anything more since this is our last and i only have 3 more weeks to go. my feet and hands have swelled to the point where i can't wear my wedding ring and i only, comfortably, fit into two pairs of shoes. i never had this problem with the girls. in fact, i never swelled with the girls at all. if i had any doubts about the gender of this baby, i don't now.

i still crave ice. i am still hungry all the time. my bladder has shrunk. i have contractions whenever i move. and i basically feel like a walrus when trying to scoot off the couch or when i get out of bed. 

this little dude likes to kick and punch, jump and squirm - everything a growing little boy should do. :) as much as it sometimes pains me or makes me jump in return, i have to say that i am thrilled he is so strong and lively. i am excited and anxious to meet him. i've only seen him in my dreams, and that isn't enough.

samiyah, on the other hand, has been going through a tough time. she's had some separation anxiety, and has been extra clingy with me. sometimes if i leave the room she's in, she'll start screaming and crying - heartbroken. she wants to constantly cuddle on my lap - which is a huge problem seeing as i no longer have one. she's pretty upset about that, too. she has started waking up in the middle of the nights, in crying fits until i come in and hold her. she'll calm down the instant i pick her up, and once i lay her back down, she's hysterical again. luckily this part only lasts a couple of minutes and then she falls back asleep, but it's still sad.

i know she senses change coming. however, this kind of reaction is very new to me. i'm not exactly sure how to deal with it, other than giving her as much attention and affection as i can. i talk with her and try to ease her fears, but i don't think we'll really be able to address this situation until the baby is here. 

until then, we'll just have to continue to tell mimzy - "don't slap the baby!"

and, "be gentle."

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today i am grateful for:

* our rain gear that had arrived in the mail today!