Preparation for Thanksgiving break and the new baby

I am 35 weeks pregnant now, and I have slowed way down. Being pregnant at almost 40 has been very different than pregnant at 30. My blood pressure has been running very low, which requires me consuming at least 150 ounces of water a day, so that I don't feel light headed. I also take extra Iron due to anemia, which has it's own issues. I haven't been lifting Andy for a couple of months. I feel like it is too much of a strain to lift him now as he is almost 50 pounds.

Every day I try not to overdo it, but I always feel the need to clean and organize things, while the kids are at school. I get worn out fast and easily in this pregnancy. Knowing that Andy would be off of school for the next 5 days due to Thanksgiving break, I started to panic and wanted to get everything vacuumed before he came home from school. Andy hates hearing the vacuum cleaner, and if he hears it he is set off into a one hour meltdown of crying.

The same thing goes for using a blender or mixer. Andy gets set off by these noises. So, I quickly made three different kinds of cookie dough for the holiday with my mixer before he came home from school. All while being sick with a sinus infection. I just keep chugging along and trying to make sure I am getting all the rest I need for the baby.

Andy having time off from school is very tough, because he gets bored easily, and will start crying and become inconsolable. We always dread the summer vacations and the two week breaks. They are really hard for our family. On a better note, things have been going well with my daughter. She is so excited about our new daughter on the way. She has bonded with me again, and tells me that the baby will help bring us girls together. We can all bond and be close is what she feels. I really hope things go well, and I'm not torn from her like I was with Andy being so overwhelming.

We know that our lives are going to be completely rocked by this new baby, but I feel like my head is in a good place. I've done all kinds of prep for the arrival and I've tried to get myself psyched up for the challenges ahead with the baby coming into the home. The baby is due right at Christmas time, so I am trying to get all my shopping wrapped up right now, while I'm still mobile.

Rough patches from constipation and boredom

Lately when Andy is at home, he has a rough time on most days at least once a day. If he becomes bored or is uncomfortable due to constipation, he has meltdowns. We try our best to soothe him with music, television, and cuddling with him. We sometimes try a change of scenery and go for a ride in the car.

I am now eight months pregnant. I've been trying to avoid lifting Andy, and have my husband do it. It is difficult to lift him now that he is 48 pounds and I am quite big. I am worried about when I will be able to lift him again after the c-section surgery. I will probably be afraid to try to pick him up for quite a while, because I have been out of practice with it for a couple months.

Bringing a new baby into the house will be quite challenging. I hope we can survive it, and the baby doesn't have any issues of her own. Seven more weeks to go!