37 Weeks with Caroline

Things are getting real around here! I don't think it has truly set in that Caroline could be here any day or at most within the next 3 weeks. 

Baby's size- Caroline is 19 inches long and 6.25 pounds in weight. Caroline is growing about 1/2 lb a week!

Movement- There is nothing better than feeling Caroline move. Madison never moved much, so this is a new experience. I'm to the point now where I rarely feel kicks, just whole body movements. My stomach will roll and become lopsided. I love to feel Caroline's little booty sticking out by my belly button. This weekend, Madison was laying next to me. She sat up and started to rub the back of her head after Caroline gave her a few pushes. Sisterly love already...

How I'm feeling- I think I'm doing well all things considered. 37 weeks pregnant, working full time and keeping up with a 2 year old. I try to rest when I can... This past weekend, we stayed home for 2 days due to rain. It felt wonderful to relax!  On work days, my stomach starts to get really tight by about 2:30 pm and the Braxton hicks pick up. I'm really trying hard to push through and make sure Madison gets some quality time each night. We have been going to the park and playing outside quite a bit. 

Dr Visits- I have started my weekly dr visits. As of last week, the dr said Caroline is getting lower, but no dilation at this point. Caroline is measuring right on track with a strong heartbeat. So far, I've gained 12 pounds total. I think I had gained about 18 with Madison at this point. With Madison, I was going to the dr twice a week to monitor her movement. It is so different this time to be "normal" and have quick, easy dr appointments. 

Preparations- We are ready for you Caroline! This weekend we washed the rock and play sleeper, car seat and swing. We just need to install our car seat bases. I have Caroline's bag packed and a lot of my stuff together. I also went shopping Friday and got some random last minute things we needed. 

Big Sister Madison- Madison loves to talk about Caroline, touch my belly, go into Caroline's room and name all the things for "the baby" around the house. She came up to me tonight, but both her hands on my belly and said "hi baby Caroline". I melted... 

We are hoping for the best when it comes time for this transition. My biggest worry is the time we are in the hospital. I know Madison will be with people she knows and loves, but I just hope she does ok for those couple days. Her little world is about to change! I know we will miss her like crazy and be so anxious to get home. 

I can't wait to see Madison with Caroline! It is hard to believe that Madison will have a big sister, we will have a toddler and a newborn, we will have 2 girls...it is just amazing!  Eric said a few weeks ago that it was just a few years that we wondered when we would be able to have a baby. After a long 14 months, we found out we were pregnant with Madison in January 2013. Imagine our surprise when we got pregnant with Caroline right away in March 2015! Here we are today, 2 years and 2 baby girls. Life is pretty amazing!