The Bump: 36 Weeks

How far along: 36 Weeks as of May 19
Development: Well, we're at the finish line, folks. In the last week I had two doctor's appointments, three non-stress tests, and an ultrasound. Everything looks great but the girls are both heads up so we are going ahead with a scheduled c-section tomorrow! They are estimated to be about 45 cm long and about 2.3 kilos (about 5 lbs). It will be interesting to see what their actual measurements are after all this monitoring and guessing.
Movement: The girls are really very active. I'm hoping all this kicking and exercising has helped them become strong so they'll do well when they're born.
Weight Gain: Total weight gain this pregnancy - 6.6 kgs (14 and a half lbs)
Maternity Clothes: Full on with maternity pants and long, long tops and dresses.
Stretch Marks: My belly is so stretched it is shiny and I've lost feeling right above my belly button. It is the weirdest sensation to poke it and not really feel it at all.
Best moment of my week: Although it's been hard to be away from my kids, it has been so nice to rest and relax at my in-laws place. We lived here for a while, so it feels like another home to me. Plus, I don't have to cook, wash dishes, do laundry, or run after rambunctious pre-schoolers!
Worst moment: Last Monday when I went to my doctor's appointment with a serious cold and fever. The fever raised the girls heart rates and so I had to spend the whole afternoon in the hospital doing another stress-test, ultrasound and wearing an annoying mask that made my glasses fog up. At least my mil treated me to Starbucks when we were done with our four-hour hospital ordeal.
Sleep: Have had some bad nights, but overall can't complain too much. I know how little sleep I'll be getting in the next few months so I'm trying to get as much as I can right now. It is hard to turn around and I'm pretty achy in the morning.
Miss Anything: Feeling comfortable.
Food Cravings: No cravings - just hungry and thirsty all the time.
Aversions: Nope - just have to be careful about what I eat so I don't get heartburn or acid reflux.
Gender: Girls!
Labor signs: A few random contractions here and there.
Belly Button: What belly button?
Rings: On
Mood: Feeling just about every emotion possible about my upcoming (and first ever) surgery to have these girls - excited, anxious, nervous, worried, happy.
Looking forward: There are so many things I'm looking forward to this week! Mostly losing my belly and being able to sleep on my tummy, and back, and being able to turn around without massive effort. And although I know the c-section recovery will not be quick, I'm looking forward to getting my post-baby body back! More energy and ability to play with and snuggle and cuddle ALL my kids!

If you're the praying type - please pray for the surgery tomorrow. As I mentioned it's my first surgery ever, and while I feel totally safe and comfortable with my doctor, we would appreciate your prayers for her and the girls - that they would be born healthy, that their lungs would be fully developed, and that they won't need an extensive stay in the hospital. Thanks!

Want to read my other "bump" updates? 15 Weeks, 18 Weeks, 21 Weeks, 24 Weeks, 27 Weeks, 30 Weeks and 33 Weeks.