Waddle, Waddle, Ouch

Ahh, don't I look like a picture of grace? But to watch me walk is quite another story! I'm now waddling around like a duck. Both from an oversized belly adding pressure on my pelvic region and from tired feet walking around in el cheapo shoes since my foot has grown to be of Anastasia and Drizella (Cinderella's step sisters) proportions!

For the first time since this pregnancy began, I can honestly say I'm VERY uncomfortable. First, came the itchy feet. This actually began last week--I noticed my feet were a little itchy and I was waking up in the night scratching at them or rubbing them on the bed. I had a couple of busy days on my feet and assumed the itchy feet syndrome was a result of the puffiness that occurs when my feet protest to being overworked.

This week, tiny bumps have broken out on my feet and especially my toes. I tried bathing in an oatmeal bath and quickly realized that hot water was far more detrimental than the soothing oatmeal. The itch has also grown more intense. The only relief I've found is a cold foot bath. It appears that freezing my feet reduces the swelling and relieves the itch temporarily.

Then, last night, began the cramps and "contractions." This, combined with the itchy feet, is getting me to rethink how much longer I have to go. If you asked me last week, I was fine going 41 weeks in order to make it to Grandma Joyce's birthday, but now I am wondering if I can make it to 40 weeks!

My mother shared all kinds of home remedies to try...maybe that will provide relief.

The good news is that I've finished working (at least for now)! I am quite relieved to have some time to prepare for baby Kate. Of course, I'm moving a bit slower between all the cramping and itching. I suppose it's silly to complain. I made it all the way to week 39 before I really felt any real discomfort and for that, I am soooooo grateful!