WELL, it’s safe to say I haven’t got long left now…

As I waddle around more and feel our boy moving inside, wiggling about as best he can in what tiny room he has left, I know that soon – all being well – he’s going to be here!

This week I packed my hospital bag and got a little teary eyed whilst doing so (and not at the sheer amount of stuff you need to take with you!) Yep, suddenly, it all feels very real.

Am I mentally ready for our family of three to become a four? In all honesty, not really! But one thing’s for sure, I cannot wait to meet and hold him.

Here’s how I’m getting on, with just five (or so!) weeks to go.

HOW FAR ALONG?

35 weeks! Last week I had a late pregnancy scan and was told at 34 weeks that the baby was weighing around a healthy 4.11 pounds already which explains why I’m now beginning to feel as big as a house!

DAYS UNTIL DUE DATE?

35

WEIGHT CHANGE?

I don’t do scales so couldn’t tell you, but most of my clothes – even including many of my maternity clothes – now feel really uncomfortable to wear so I and the bump have definitely grown!

STRETCHMARKS?

No new ones yet and to be honest I’m amazed. With my first pregnancy, some appeared as early as 24 weeks and by 36 weeks I had quite a few. However this time around, my big bump is almost mark free and I do believe it’s probably all down to this amazing product.

CRAVINGS?

Nothing at all of late but the thought of certain foods still makes me feel queasy.

For example, avocado and humous on toast used to be one of my favourite dishes ever and yet I haven’t eaten a slice of the squishy green stuff since I did my pregnancy test, as I just cannot stomach it. Pregnancy. It’s a funny ol’ thing at times.

SYMPTOMS?

No new symptoms as of yet so I’m very lucky. However fatigue has definitely set in and I’m now often out of breath just by walking up the stairs!

SLEEP?

I don’t want to jinx it but it’s been so much better.  I still have numerous nightly trips to the loo but besides that I’m doing OK so far.

I’m really trying to enjoy those precious zzzz’s as much as I can before our bambino arrives!

MOVEMENT?

As ever, he’s still very active but running out of room to move around freely. So there’s plenty of squirming around but hardly any kicks now. My favourite thing though has to be feeling his little hiccups. So cute!

At last week’s scan I was also told he’s in the right position now – head down and spine against my tummy (last time he was back to back) so I’m hoping he’ll stay just where he is in preparation for labour. Fingers crossed.

BELLY BUTTON – IN OR OUT?

Out. So out in fact that my daughter thinks it’s ‘weird’! (She has a point)

WEDDING RINGS – ON OR OFF?

Rings are off now.

Last week I woke up one morning and looked down at two very puffy hands which I soon realised were my own! I just about managed to get my rings off my swollen, chubby fingers, so it’s safe to say I won’t be wearing them for a while now.

BEST MOMENT THIS WEEK?

Definitely being told that I have the go ahead for a vaginal delivery!

I’ve had a pesky fibroid in this pregnancy which has caused a little bother here and there so was told I may need a caesarean. But the ‘exit’ has been checked and it’s all clear so I can now get on with my hypnobirthing and perhaps even get to labour (for a short while at least) in a birthing pool. (My dream labour plan.)

BEST STYLE MOMENT THIS WEEK?

I’m trying my best but looking stylish at this stage so isn’t easy. Even my beloved maternity jeans are now too uncomfortable to wear. Dammit!

So I’ve gone back to wearing comfy maternity tights and any dress that will manage to go over the bump. I did however manage to wear some knee high boots yesterday with a big heel for a short while at least so I’m giving myself major props for that.

WORST MOMENT THIS WEEK?

No worst moment really. My emotions are a little more settled now and I’m feeling more organised which is helping to keep me calm.

MISS ANYTHING?

Yep, my old wardrobe! Don’t get me wrong I’ve loved dressing the bump but months on, I’m missing my old clothes and the choice!

LOOKING FORWARD TO?

Buying the last bits for the nursery and for our new moses basket to arrive – just wait until you see it! It’s one of the most beautiful baby items I have ever seen.

MOOD?

Nervous and excited. It’s all feeling very real. Just a few things to do and then baby Portman can come and finally make his entrance. (Although it would be really nice to get Christmas out of the way first…)

WANT TO READ MORE PREGNANCY POSTS?

Did you know I write a weekly column for the BabyCentre website? Each week I’m writing about pregnancy and sharing my experience.

Last week I wrote about ‘seven things you need to do in your last few weeks of pregnancy’. (What would you add to the list?)