Itch, Itch, Itch!

My skin has been itching like crazy for the past several weeks.  The intensity comes and goes, but definitely increases when my body temperature goes up, like from sun exposure, hot water, or humidity.  The worst is my legs and arms.  I haven't noticed any itching any where else.  It's almost like the reaction I have to certain fabric softeners and some dryer sheets, like Downy or Snuggle.  I get these tiny little bumps on my skin, not red or noticeable, and they become more pronounced the more I scratch....unless I scratch enough to remove the top layer of skin, oops.  (Yeah, my doctor already scolded me on that one)  I think I might have this -"prurigo of pregnancy".  Lovely.

Last Leg of the Race

   I feel like I've made it to the end at last...and I can see the finish line out in front of me.  I still have 5 weeks at most, but only 1 week until we're considered full term and just 4 weeks until our due date (September 9, 2011).  I'm uncomfortable, but not unbearably so.    I have the majority of everything prepared, but there are still a few loose ends.  I'm nervous, but nothing extreme or unnerving.  I'm on my toes, so to speak, looking for those signs of labor or my water breaking, but not freaking out.  I think I've reached the calm before the storm, you could say.  Assuming I don't deliver until my due date or after, I'm planning on starting my maternity leave the week prior (Sept. 4-9).  This should give me some time to get all those loose ends together, plus time for relaxation and quality time with my wonderful husband. 
  Today has been kind of rough in regards to slowing down.  I know I have a very difficult time slowing my pace; I like to go, go go- no sense in wasting time dawdling.  However, I was having a really hard time breathing this morning while maintaining my usual pace.  I kept stopping and telling myself, "Sloooow Down, Mario!!"  Maybe no one else has this problem, but I do.  Unfortunately, my pregnant body is telling me to stop zooming around but my mind is not listening very well. 

Jumping for Joy

  Either our little Baby H loves BWW as much as Mama or else she's practicing her gymnastics in there.  As soon as I started eating that glorious meal of garlic mushrooms with Southwestern sauce, boneless wings with Asian Zing sauce and buffalo chips, Baby H started moving all around.  I think she just wanted a taste... There is a wonderful feeling that comes from giving in to a craving.  I don't have many exciting ones, but every now and then....yum.  Give Mama what she craves ;-)

Baby Update: 36 Weeks

Size of Baby: More than 18.5" long and almost 6 lbs (about the weight of a Crenshaw melon).
Changes in Baby:  Lots of hair and even eyelashes!  Heart rate was 157 bpm at this morning's ultrasound.  Going strong with practicing her breathing.
Baby Movement:  Dr. Hill told me to start counting kicks...and that I should be getting 10 or more in an hour or so.  I get about 10 in 10 minutes every night starting around 8pm (just in time for taking dinner to Daddy).  Her head is still down :-)
Changes in Mama:  Nothing new, except I got hit so hard in the bladder the other night that I nearly peed my pants right there on the couch :-/  It's a good thing I didn't have a full bladder at the time, or else the story might have become much more embarrassing.  Baby H's movements are definitely getting stronger and more frequent.
Changes in Daddy:  So excited about our baby's increase in intensity and frequency of movement.  He wants to hold her soooo much.
Cravings: Buffalo Wild Wings, Water, popsicles
Aversions:  ham lunchmeat
Nesting:  All our baby stuff is organized in one location, newborn-sized clothes/blankies/burp clothes/etc. are washed and ready to be worn.  Hospital bag is ready to be packed....probably will install carseat this next week and see if I ca get it inspected at the local fire dept.  Finishing up Labor&Delivery courses and some reading.
Current Symptoms:  Heartburn, lower back aches, Braxton Hicks getting stronger and more frequent, lack of space for my stomach means I cannot eat normal-sized meals without feeling sick, some kind of unseen rash on my legs and arms that itches a lot (once I scratch my skin, then tiny little bumps can be seen, but they aren't red or anything- the same kind of reaction I have to Downy and other fabric softeners)...
Exciting News:  The house we are trying to buy passed the home inspection with flying colors, just a few minor repairs needed (a clogged drain, attic installation needed before winter, etc.).
Looking Forward to..: My last few weeks at work!!!!
Countdown: 4 more weeks!
Next Appointments: Monday August 15- prenatal check-up.  Thursday August 18- weekly ultrasound.