40 Days Until Baby!!

I had my 34-week doctor visit today, and just scheduled my next appointment for November 3rd...which is the month I am due (Nov 29th.) Yay!! With just 40 days left until my due date, I am about ready to be done with pregnancy. Luckily it's still going by quickly, but I am just over being pregnant. I feel bad saying that sometimes, because I know that my pregnancy is going well, but I am just uncomfortable, and my lower back hurts a lot. This baby moves a ton, and the rib-kicking has begun. I think she likes to stretch out a lot too, because I feel movement both high and low, at the same time. My appointment today went well, and I'm up a total of 18 pounds so far. I'm hoping not to gain more than 25 altogether, and it's looking promising if I can keep to about a pound a week for the next 6 weeks. My blood pressure was a little higher this week (110/51) so not high, but in the normal range. I'm still on and off light-headed but maybe just getting used to it, and trying to take it easy.

After my appointment today, Avery had a doctor appointment to get a flu shot. I don't love when she has to get shots, but I think it's important with the new baby coming - especially with her going to pre-school once a week. I brought her Doc McStuffins book with her, and explained to her where we were going, so it wouldn't be a surprise. She definitely did the best she's done with shots so far! I like her pediatricians's office because the nurses are experienced with giving toddlers shots, and they are quick! She still cried during the actual shot, but I quickly scooped her up and gave her a hug and lots of stickers, and she was happy within about a minute. In the car on the way home I talked about it again, and told her how great she did, and she seemed fine, so maybe it will keep getting easier??

On another note, I'm starting to really miss running now. I haven't run for a few weeks now - ever since I started getting more lightheaded. Even though I know it's temporary, it's tough not being able to get out for a run in the beautiful Fall scenery and temperatures. It's also tough knowing that I will most likely not be able to start running until January sometime, and that will be a challenging time to start again because of the cold temperatures. In the meantime, I have been walking a lot with Avery and Ranger, and while it's not the same, it still fun to get out with them. Avery has really been enjoying walks where she can pick up leaves, sticks, and acorns. She also loves seeing caterpillars and also cows when they are out near the far end of our neighborhood. I don't take the stroller as much now, because it's a good way for her to burn off energy, and I will need it for the baby soon enough. I want her to be used to walking like a big girl haha.

On Saturday, we went to a local farm where Travis hunts, and bought some pumpkins to carve and paint. Avery painted a pumpkin with Travis, and he helped her carve one too. She had a great time!! She loved painting the pumpkin, and worked on it for about an hour! She did the entire thing herself. Then she helped Travis scoop out all of the seeds for the one they carved. She doesn't love getting messy, but she was able to get out most of the seeds with her hands, with minimal towels/hand washing.

(Their eyes are glowing just like the pumpkin!!)

On Sunday we went to another pumpkin farm with Travis's parents where there was a hayride and corn maze. It was way bigger and much more crowded than I anticipated. Travis and Avery's favorite part was the petting zoo! She was able to feed goats, sheep, and pet cows  and bunnies. It was a nice afternoon and although Travis wasn't thrilled with the crowds, it was an experience we won't forget!