36 weeks update

We have passed the 36 week mark and are heading into final countdown mode. 37 weeks is considered full-term, although the baby probably won't come until closer to 40 weeks - our due date, October 17. At my most recent prenatal appointment, my midwife estimated that the baby is already over 6 pounds. I have experienced a whole variety of new aches and pains which I have been pretending are signs of early labor although I doubt it. It's more likely because she has gotten so much bigger and is pressing down on muscles, nerves and tendons. I wake up some mornings and wonder if I grew overnight. I probably did. We will post a current picture very soon.

Despite being so close to delivery, I have been trying to proceed with life as normal. I treated a new patient today and will work at a festival over the weekend- I told my boss that as long as someone else could set up the massage table I could show up and work. I have also been continuing to hike almost daily but most of my other forms of exercise have come to a halt! I am looking forward to resuming Bikram yoga as soon as the baby comes out. I have also been doing some volunteer work for Barack Obama's campaign. Andy and I are hopeful that our daughter can come into the world at a time when our country elects an administration that supports our anti-war and pro-environment views.

Andy has been a wonderful, supportive partner throughout these challenging last few weeks. He's had to spend a few nights on the couch to escape the tossing and turning or avoid the risk of suffocation that exists in our bed because of the 'pillow nest' I have to create every night in order to get comfortable. Andy was also recently promoted to VP of Corporate Finance. The baby and I are very proud of him!