Week 35- Baby Boy Honeydew Melon

How your baby's growing: Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
How your life's changing: Your uterus — which was entirely tucked away inside your pelvis when you conceived — now reaches up under your rib cage. If you could peek inside your womb, you'd see that there's more baby than amniotic fluid in there now. Your ballooning uterus is crowding your other internal organs, too, which is why you probably have to urinate more often and may be dealing with heartburn and other gastrointestinal distress. If you're not grappling with these annoyances, you're one of the lucky few.
From here on out, you'll start seeing your practitioner every week. Sometime between now and 37 weeks, she'll do a check for bacteria called Group B streptococci (GBS). GBS is usually harmless in adults, but if you have it and pass it on to your baby during birth, it can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, meningitis, or a blood infection. Because 10 to 30 percent of pregnant women have the bacteria and don't know it, it's vital to be screened. (The bacteria come and go on their own — that's why you weren't screened earlier in pregnancy.) If you're a GBS carrier, you'll get IV antibiotics during labor, which will greatly reduce your baby's risk of infection.
This is also a good time to create a birth plan. Using our form will help you focus on specifics — like who'll be present, what pain management techniques you want to try, and where you want your baby to stay after you deliver. It will give you a starting point to discuss your preferences with your medical team. Childbirth is unpredictable, and chances are you won't follow your plan to the letter, but thinking about your choices ahead of time — and sharing your preferences with your caregiver — should take some of the anxiety out of the process.
from: BabyCenter
Baby: Your baby continues to grow and develop inside of you, now measuring about 18 inches long, and weighing about 6lbs! If you have been noticing that you need more bathroom breaks than usual, it may be due to the fact that your baby has "dropped". As your due date grows near, your little one will settle deeper in your pelvis. This reduces pressure on your rib cage, allowing you more room to expand your diaphragm, but now there may be more pressure on your bladder. By week 35, your baby's kidneys are completely developed. His liver is also beginning to produce waste. In fact, a majority of his growth is already done. However, you should expect him to put on some more weight over the next few weeks. As space is at a premium, you may not feel as much tossing and turning inside of you, but you will definitely feel some healthy punches and kicks.
Mom: How are you feeling? At week 35, you should be seeing your healthcare provider at least once a week. You may have been experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions over the past couple of weeks, so you may be wondering how you can tell when it's the real thing. Regular uterine contractions are the strongest indication that you are officially in labor! These contractions can feel like menstrual cramps or even lower back pain and in early labor they can be 20-30 minutes apart. Over time however, the time between contractions will begin to decrease. It's time to call your healthcare provider when they are consistently 5 minutes apart. If your water breaks, it may be another sign that you are going into labor. You may have heard the term before, but what does it actually mean? The amniotic sac surrounding your baby is filled with fluid, when it ruptures, the fluid leaks from your vagina. It may come out in a large gush, but for a lot of women, it isn't that dramatic. Some women only notice a small trickle. In either case, it's time to call your doctor, midwife, or doula!
from: PlanningFamily

35 weeks = 35 days

I found it interesting that my little counter says "I am 35 weeks pregnant. 35 days to go." It's just funny to me that those numbers match. What have I been doing lately besides running around like a crazy woman? I had 2 baby showers the last 2 weekends- 1 in Georgia with my girlfriends and 1 here in Illinois with Dave's sisters, mom and grandma. We got a lot of great things for baby at both showers. I was starting to worry baby wouldn't have enough clothes- I need have no fear! At the GA shower we played a fun game where I was blindfolded and got to taste baby food- it was pretty funny- I even had 2 other friends brave enough to try it- funny that neither of them were my pregnant friends at the shower! Here are a few photos from that shower:

Tiffany- 16 weeks, Me- 33 weeks

I am pretty sure I had just eaten the peas in this picture. GROSS

opening gifts = always fun

Things are looking good in baby's room- all the furniture and accessories have been put together. We have "piles" in the baby's room right now: 1. I have 1 load of clothes left to wash from the stuff we got this past weekend. 2. I have kitchen and eating accessories that need a home in one of our cabinets. 3. I have stuff that needs to be returned (multiples) or exchanged (like for instance how someone registered for the wrong diaper genie refills... i wonder who).

I am ordering our bedding today. God has really blessed us as far as this goes- no one tells you, but baby bedding is EXPENSIVE! It's probably the most expensive item we're having to purchase on our own. Bedding + the accesories to go with it (extra sheets, etc) were totaling out around $300-$400. For starters- I am lucky that I joined this points website about 10 years ago- by simply answering a survey a week, and clicking through on emails I had earned over 30,000 points. Now Dave and I wanted to use those points for gift cards for an HDTV, but then baby came along. We found out that the site that had our baby bedding also was part of the points program, and we were able to cash in my points for $200 in gift cards (to arrive in 2-6 weeks (from last week), but that is another story in itself). Of course, even with that we still had around $175 or so that wasn't going to be covered- and here's where we've been super blessed. We have received money from various people for baby, and we used most of it for painting the room. All that we had left was around $20. Since Saturday, Dave & I have received $160. Put that with the $20, and it is exactly enough to cover the ENTIRE cost of what we were going to have to spend on bedding out of pocket. WHAT A BLESSING!

So we at least will have baby bedding in a few days... with our accessories, it may be a month or so from now. Shh, don't tell baby. Of course, pictures will follow.

Well, it's time for mom to rest- I am working tomorrow, and need as much energy as possible for that. Just over a week left at work... whew! Plus, I know i'll probably wake up a few times during the night before then- not only to use the bathroom, but I have a new affliction- acid reflux. Let's just say it takes about 2 seconds to happen, and in that 2 seconds hurts worse than heartburn. Ugh. I've got to try to stay on my side while i'm sleeping- but my body just wants to be comfortable!

To-Do List, Updated

today is December 10th. so we have 19 days to go. here's how my "freak out" list from a few days ago is looking. this is what we had still to do...

1. finish Christmas shopping. we're almost finished, but we have both sets of parents, 2 brother in laws, and a sister in law left.

2. find a tree, buy said tree, put up tree. decorate house.

3. finish our regular house decorations as well.

4. unpack all our shower gifts in baby's room

5. put together remaining baby items

6. wash baby clothes

7. NAME BABY

8. get baby bedding ordered

9. finish decorating baby's room

10. celebrate Christmas

11. pack for hospital

12.... i'm sure there's more

it at least makes me feel better to have a few things crossed out. hoping this weekend will lead to more things being crossed off our list!!

Week 34- Baby Boy Cantaloupe

How your baby's growing:Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

How your life's changing: By this week, fatigue has probably set in again, though maybe not with the same coma-like intensity of your first trimester. Your tiredness is perfectly understandable, given the physical strain you're under and the restless nights of frequent pee breaks and tossing and turning, while trying to get comfortable. Now's the time to slow down and save up your energy for labor day (and beyond). If you've been sitting or lying down for a long time, don't jump up too quickly. Blood can pool in your feet and legs, causing a temporary drop in your blood pressure when you get up that can make you feel dizzy. If you notice itchy red bumps or welts on your belly and possibly your thighs and buttocks as well, you may have a condition called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP for short). Up to one percent of pregnant women develop PUPPP, which is harmless but can be quite uncomfortable. See your practitioner so she can make sure it's not a more serious problem, provide treatment to make you more comfortable, and refer you to a dermatologist if necessary. Also be sure to call her if you feel intense itchiness all over your body, even if you don't have a rash. It could signal a liver problem.

from BabyCenter

Baby: Your baby continues to grow and develop inside of you. Measuring over 17 inches long, he now weighs over 5lbs! And from this week, until 2 weeks before birth, he will continue to gain about a half pound of weight every week. Unlike the first trimester, the weight between all babies in the third trimester is much more variable. Some babies weigh more and are taller, some babies weigh less and are shorter. Also unlike the first trimester, by week 34 not much is changing. Your baby continues gaining weight through the development of subcutaneous fat and with that weight, is probably gaining strength in his movements. You may even be startled by a sudden jab to the ribs or be able to see a punch to your belly from the outside!

Mom: How are you feeling? Has your baby dropped yet? If you haven't heard the term before, it refers to the process in which your baby's head enters the birth canal to prepare for birth. For first time mothers, look for this to happen about three weeks before delivery. If this isn't your first time, your baby might not drop until the day before you deliver. First time moms – when your baby does drop, it will be noticeable! There will be a change in your abdomen. Your baby will be resting lower, which is great news for your lungs, but bad news for your bladder. You will be able to breathe easier, which might help you to get to the bathroom quicker, since your little one is now sitting on your bladder!

Are you thinking of breastfeeding? Most babies find it easier to digest breast milk than formula and your milk has the perfect amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein that they need to grow and develop. Your breast milk can even protect your baby from bacteria and viruses because it is rich in antibodies. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General even recommends that babies be fed only breast milk for the first 6 months of life. If you are thinking of breastfeeding, it might be a good idea to ask for some professional help. Though breast milk is naturally good for your baby, breastfeeding your baby may not come so naturally. Many hospitals employ lactation consultants and have a knowledgeable nursing staff that can help you. Doulas and midwives are also a valuable resource to help you navigate these unfamiliar waters. The key to successful breastfeeding is achieving a proper latch. Before you leave the hospital, or the midwife leaves your home, you should be shown how to get your baby to latch on properly. You should also know how to tell whether or not he is getting any milk. Don't worry if it isn't easy at first. Many women find it difficult, and that is why there are lactation specialists in the first place! Don't be afraid to ask questions. Really, there is no such thing as a stupid question, especially when it comes to your baby getting proper nutrition!

from Planning Family

3 weeks until our scheduled induction. can you say omg!

so much to do, and so little time

well, i may now be officially about to blow a gasket. the fact that my induction is more than likely 3 weeks from tomorrow is exciting and terrifying. mostly terrifying. not in the fact that i'm worried about being a mom- afterall, i was a nanny for a while, and a nanny to a newborn at that- i feel like the baby part will be ok, it's the getting ready for the baby part that I'm mostly worried about.

today is December 7th. so i have 23 days to go. 18 days of work left (at most). i feel like i have a pretty long list of things to still do...

1. finish Christmas shopping. we're almost finished, but we have both sets of parents, 2 brother in laws, and a sister in law left.

2. find a tree, buy said tree, put up tree. decorate house.

3. finish our regular house decorations as well.

4. unpack all our shower gifts in baby's room

5. put together remaining baby items

6. wash baby clothes

7. NAME BABY

8. get baby bedding ordered

9. finish decorating baby's room

10. celebrate Christmas

11. pack for hospital

12.... i'm sure there's more

my main goal right now is trying to prevent being so stressed out (it's not good for the baby, you know). if i can at least accomplish some of these tasks this week with the help of my darling husband (who of course, is preparing for finals right now) when he can- we might actually get this stuff accomplished!!

Week 33- Baby Boy Pineapple

How your baby's growing: This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

How your life's changing: As your baby fills out even more of your belly, lots of things might start to change: Whereas before you were sashaying, you may find yourself waddling. Finding an easy position to sit in — let alone sleep — is becoming more of a challenge. And bumping into chairs and counters is par for the course. You may be feeling some achiness and even numbness in your fingers, wrists and hands. Like many other tissues in your body, those in your wrist can retain fluid, which can increase pressure in the carpal tunnel, a bony canal in your wrist. Nerves that run through this "tunnel" may end up pinched, creating numbness; tingling, shooting or burning pain; or a dull ache. Try wearing a splint to stabilize your wrist or propping your arm up with a pillow when you sleep. If your work requires repetitive hand movements (at a keyboard or on an assembly line, for instance), remember to stretch your hands when you take breaks — which should be frequently.

from BabyCenter

Baby: Your baby continues to grow and develop inside of you. Measuring 17 inches long, he weighs 5lbs. And from this week, until 2 weeks before birth, he will gain about a half pound of weight every week. The bones in his skull are formed, but aren't fused. They actually don't fuse entirely until early adulthood, allowing room for his brain to grow through childhood. Because they aren't fused, the bones in his skull will be able to overlap, helping him to fit through the birth canal during delivery.

Mom: How are you feeling? You are probably gaining about a pound a week and everything might feel swollen, but you're almost there! You've almost made it! Just a few more weeks and you will be rocking your little one to sleep. Though it's common to feel swollen at this point in your pregnancy, remember to contact your health care provider if you experience sudden swelling, as this may be a sign of labor.

From PlanningFamily

We had a Dr's appointment yesterday. Baby is still measuring perfectly and the heartbeat is strong. 4 weeks until my induction!!

oh, pregnancy, you are fickle

so the point of this blog is to be real about my pregnancy, and not just to sugar-coat it. there are many wonderful things about being pregnant (that i will try to blog about later), but there are other things that aren't so fabulous too. i try to post from both sides of the coin... here are some of my top mysteries/things people don't tell you about being pregnant:

1. buy your maternity clothes in your "pre-pregnancy size." first of all, if i could wear my "pre-pregnancy size" i would be. second, this is not even true because it seems the stuff that is "my size" is either falling off me or has in my final weeks become so tight i can hardly wear it

2. why are the panels of maternity jeans blue? sometimes i'd like to wear a WHITE shirt without having the world see a blue panel up to my chest.

3. speaking of: heartburn is so bad you consider burning your bras.

4. zofran will cure your nausea/morning sickness, but as a result you will be so constipated that when you finally do go you stop up your in-laws toilet(s), and flood their house, resulting in them buying new toilets for the entire house.

5. you shouldn't really "eat for two" but if so, then why am i starving ALL THE TIME!

these are just a few things that have bewildered me during this rollercoaster called pregnancy!