Still Baking

So I’ve reached my due date and yup I’m still baking! It’s actually no surprise, both boys went past their due date as well so I wasn’t expecting to pop early even though it would have been awesome. I just had my 40 week appointment where we confirmed that I am 4cm dilated but still not favorable since my cervix is still up high. Luckily we were still able to schedule induction for Monday July 30.

To be quite honest, its a relief to have a date set. It’s actually a lot easier to plan ahead of time as opposed to having to rush into the hospital with labor pains and the never ending Chicago traffic. So the plan is to enjoy this last weekend with friends and family before the struggle gets real. There are actually a few things on the to do list. Like birthday parties, quality time with the boys, laundry, sightseeing, girl time and indulging in some of my favorite Chicago eats. Ahem, Pacos Tacos! Once baby girl is born, I definitely plan to get into a weight loss routine with diet and exercise as soon as I am able. I know it’s easier said than done but for now the motivation and desire to bounce back is at a high, so I’m hoping the drive to be myself again stays uplifted as I adjust to 3 kids.

So far the decision to come to Chicago to give birth has been the best thing we could have done. Hubs is now in town with us, which is also a relief since I was nervous he wouldn’t make it in time. We are both enjoying our time with the boys and in particular seeing how happy they are being surrounded by plenty of friends and family. The boys are having an absolute blast! Everyday for them is filled with activities and play dates. Sebastian has said that he wants to stay in Chicago forever, while Alex loves hanging out on grandma’s front steps and “car” watch.

The last 4 weeks of my pregnancy have actually been pretty good. I’ve been walking a lot with efforts to start the labor process and have at least made progress dilating, something that never happened naturally with the boys. I’ve been able to enjoy plenty of time with friends and family and of course I have satisfied my cravings with absolutely no regret. YOLO!! Besides what I think are normal pregnancy pains like back aches and cramping I really haven’t experienced any real contractions. During week 39, my feet started to get swollen, which is to be expected. Finding a comfortable sleeping position turned into a mission at about week 37, which is also to be expected.

As far as cravings, I haven’t had anything too crazy. Just plenty of mom’s home cooking and Chicago favorites like tacos, pizza, Crunchy Curls, gyros, elotes, pina rellena, Crunchy Curls, Michoacana, more pizza and more Crunchy Curls. Like I said, nothing too crazy, HA!

The next time I blog, it will most likely be to share Baby Girl’s birth story! That makes me very very excited! I can’t wait to experience the beauty of labor again. Motherhood and it’s process is an absolute amazement to me. Last night, my mom and I sat on the couch and experienced baby girl hiccup. Mom caressed my belly as she continuously introduced herself to baby girl and tried to ease her hiccups. It was such a special moment. We talked about God’s marvelous wonders, letting me experience the beauty of His creation.

Plenty of times I look at my changing body and am amazed that there is a baby growing inside me. I’ve carried my baby girl for 9-ish months and can’t believe we will finally get to meet her. It really is a blessing, despite ALL the struggles of pregnancy and whats to come, it truly is a blessing! I embraced this pregnancy like ever before. Maybe it was the fact that we plan it as our last, or maybe the fact that it’s the baby girl we’ve been wanting. Nevertheless, it’s been an amazing journey and as much as I’ve said I’m over it and want be done, I am a bit sad that it means that now my baby girl will grow and grow each day. Never being as little as today.

So baby girl, we are anxiously waiting for your arrival. You are the tie breaker in the battle between mama and daddy. You see, Sebastian looks just like daddy and Alex looks just like mama. So we are dying to see who you look like and who wins this ultimate battle. There’s absolutely no pressure but you know what they say, girls got to stick together, EH! Just kidding…sort of. See you soon baby girl!