Best week ever and a 36 week bump date

We officially had the best week ever! 

To quote a post my Dad made on Facebook:

"What a truly amazing week we have had. It began last Saturday with the marriage of my brother in law, Alex and his wonderful new bride, Malia. A beautiful day for a beautiful couple. We even got a great new niece, Cadence in the bargain. We also learned that my son in law, John's brother, Mike became engaged to the love of his life, Taadie. We couldn't be happier for the two of them. We then celebrated John's graduation from Stevenson University on Thursday (way to go John!), and our wonderful son, Andrew's graduation from Virginia Commonwealth University yesterday. What an accomplishment. We couldn't be more proud. However, the greatest part of all of this is the love that surrounded all of these events, and the happiness of everyone involved. 

Which brings me to this day, and the true love of my life, Mary Anne. What an amazing wife, partner, and mother she is. Happy Mother's Day to the best wife in the world. It has been a truly wonderful 40 years together, and it is only going to get better.

I have always known I have been blessed (Thank you Jesus!), but the blessings in my life this week are truly overwhelming with one more blessed event on its way. Our beautiful, daughter Caitlin is about to bless us with our first grandchild any day now, and I can't wait to meet the little guy."

You summed things up perfectly, Dad! Such an amazing week! Last weekend we celebrated my aunt and uncle's wedding and finished our baby moon. We also found out my brother in law and soon to be sister in law got engaged! My parents came into Town on Wednesday and we met Hub's family downtown for a celebratory graduation dinner at Flemmings Steakhouse- so yummy! 
Thursday was hub's graduation- SO SO SO proud of him! 
Friday Mom and Dad helped out with some things on our "honey do/nesting list" (THANK YOU!) and Mom and I got mani/pedis after work for Mother's day. 
Saturday was the little brother's graduation- SO SO SO proud of him! We went out to another family celebratory dinner afterwards.
Sunday was Mother's day and Hubs made a wonderful breakfast while we all relaxed.

We had been waiting for this special week to arrive for a while and were SO happy that we were able to make it to all the celebrations. I had this week in my mind as the "Colin can't come before this date" week. Now that we have celebrated our butts off, we can safely wait for baby Colin to make his debut! 

On Monday May 6th, we were 36 weeks pregnant! Holy cow- so close! Today, we are officially full term. :)
Total weight gain: At my doctors appointment on Friday I had gained about 25 pounds. I am SO swollen in my hands and feet and feel like I gained a whole bunch of water weight in the past few weeks. 
How big is the baby? : Baby Colin Bennett is the size of a watermelon- and it shows!
Maternity clothes: Same as the past few weeks...making work what I can, but needing all maternity bottoms and mostly maternity tops. Loving the spring weather and taking advantage of some sun/maxi dresses from last year. 
Stretch marks?: ughhhh yes- just the ones on my hips. They don't look like stretch marks though, they look like red bruises  Hoping they fade right after baby arrives- I've been massaging stretch mark cream on them like crazy! Positive outlook- even if they don't fade, they are a sign that I carried this miracle and cared for him for 9 months. <3
Sleep: My mom is officially a genius  She bought me a body pillow on Thursday and ever since- I've been sleeping MUCH better! I still have to wake up due to the frequent "calls of nature" but I am much more comfortable and able to fall back asleep. I also think I am generally just worn out from all this baby making which might make sleep a little easier. 
Best moment this week: See above- there were SO many!!! A week of celebrations. It was also nice to hear from the midwife that Colin can safely make his debut at any time!
Movement:  You know it! Baby C is movin' and grovin' all over the place. 
Food cravings: nothing too crazy. Ice cream/fro yo is still very appealing ;) I need to get my diet back on track as soon as baby comes- I am so antsy to get back to the gym!
Food aversions: Same as always- picky picky with meat
Labor signs: This is up in the air- having some Braxton hicks and cramping- all which the doc says is completely normal and to be expected. Just a few short weeks to go! 
Belly button in or out: outtie
What I miss:  My body to myself. LOL. I LOVE carrying this baby and LOVE being pregnant but I am ready to be able to run, walk, get up, get comfortable an un-swell!
Pregnancy Symptoms: Every one in the book- to be expected at 9 months pregnant. Sleepless nights, pain in pelvis/pressure, frequent bathroom breaks, serious hand and feet swelling, crying at the drop of a hat, anxiousness for baby to come(!!) and just general uncomfortableness. All of this is to be expected and SO worth it!
What I'm looking forward to: Meeting our little man and enjoying the next few weeks with my hubs.