36 weeks!!!

So.  I am officially 36 weeks along.  This means only a couple (to a few) weeks left.  We are *so* excited, and *so* nervous.  And now we're also officially in cleaning mode.  We've found some GREAT deals lately; the latest being a jungle set (which includes a bookshelf, a table, 2 chairs, and 2 bookends) for $25 dollars at the Goodwill.  We need to buy some non-toxic paint to touch up some of the rough edges, but it'll be something he can use for many years to come.

Jungle Set

I'm getting bigger and bigger, but not as big as I thought.  Apparently though, these last few weeks, baby will grow around a pound a week.  So here comes the big part, I guess.  I'm feeling CRAZY big movement; the kind where he pushes down on my nerves so I get pain down the inside of my legs, while simultaneously punching up towards my ribs.  This tells me he's getting BIG!!  He's also moving persistently, and for a long time.  Then he goes to sleep for long periods.  The midwives say this is exactly what should happen; he's starting a sleep and wake cycle, similar to when he is in the world and an infant.  

Here's a picture I took to commemorate the 36 week mark:

                                                                        36 weeks, baby!

Other things of note:

*Our baby shower's this Sunday.  We're super-stokked.

*My in-laws are gifting us a new washer and dryer set, for our baby shower gift.  This is such a generous act, I don't even know what to say!!  We'd found some used ones for a pretty good price, but now we'll get a new set that we feel confident will last throughout all of our cloth diapering!

*My mom finally got to feel him move; it made me so happy.

*We began our prepared childbirth class, Birthing Roots, with Stacey Callaghan.  She's amazing, and I definitely will post more later as our classes continue, each Sunday, from 11-2pm.

*I'm starting to get all sorts of weird sensations...such that I don't want to go into too much detail here.  I just know my body's starting the slow preparation for him to come.  I'll just say that I thought Braxton Hicks contractions were higher up...these have been...lower, and more menstrual cramp-esque than the tightening sensations I've had before.  I'm being extra vigilant though, folks, so no worries!

Anyways, that's about it for now!  So exciting!!!!