My Pregnancy: Week 38

Baby's now the size of a leek!

Your baby has really plumped up.  She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek).  She has a firm grasp, which you'll seen be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time!  Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.  Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be?  You may not be able to tell right away.  If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown.  If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old.  That's because a child's irises may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue.

Thankfully, this week was a lot better for me than last.  It's amazing what a difference it makes when my emotions decide to level out a little.  Plus, I gave in more to the exhaustion this week and took advantage of more afternoon naps than ever before.  Figured it was best to get all the sleep I possibly could while I still can!

I also had a lot of headaches early in the week.  It would come and go each afternoon and eventually led to a migraine Tuesday afternoon.  I don't get migraines, so it was weird to be sitting at work when suddenly I started getting blindspots in my vision.  Made it rather difficult to continue working since my job involves looking for details on a computer screen.  Thankfully that only lasted about 1/2 an hour but then the headache hit hard.  My shift was over, so I went home and slept.  I felt pretty loopy the rest of the night, but the headache didn't come back the next day.  I talked to the doctor about it when I went in and he said it was most likely a combination of tiredness and maybe some dehydration since my blood pressure is still normal.

Speaking of my doctor's appointment, it was another bit of a crazy one.  I dragged your dad with me out of paranoia from last week and we sat in the waiting room for over half and hour--even after everyone else had been called back.  That is extremely unusual to be in the main waiting room for so long.  Plus, it was after 5 so a lot of the staff was leaving.  

I was worried I had been forgotten and was going to have to come back another day.  I finally managed to catch the attention of the receptionist who went to make sure that the nurses knew I was waiting.  They did, but my doctor was busy dealing with a complication with another patient and was therefore suddenly very delayed.  One of the other doctors was just finishing up with his last patient, so they asked if it would be okay if I saw him instead.  That way I wouldn't have to continue waiting, especially since they didn't know how long it would be.

This was my first time seeing one of the other doctors, but it was probably a good thing since whichever of the 3 who is on call when I go into labor will most likely deliver you.  Might as well meet them ahead of time.  Once we got in with the doctor, everything went smoothly.  

Your heartbeat still sounds healthy (and is still the most magical sound to me).  My tummy measurement was closer to average this week.  I am just shy of 3cm dilated and was once again given the signs of labor, just in case.  This is the second opinion that I will not make it to my due date.  This doctor guessed that it would happen within the 10 days, but could happen at anytime.  Basically, I am to the point now where I am sitting on a ticking time bomb.

I think I had one set of Braxton Hicks contractions wake me up in the middle of the night a few nights back, but it didn't last long and didn't repeat once I got up to go to the bathroom.  Also, my pelvis is feeling somewhat sore as your head is hitting it more and more frequently.  Other than that, I feel pretty much the same.  Once you started dropping and the temperatures cooled off a bit, my feet have all but stopped swelling.

How Tall...or How Big?

Baby Mine Baby Shower

My attitude has definitely improved since my last post and a big part of that is because of the AMAZING baby shower my co-workers threw us on Saturday.  Vikki and Sally worked together to create the perfect Baby Mine (from Dumbo) themed baby shower.  

Vikki did an wonderful job setting the mood with a mobile with baby pictures of me and Jason, a fun sign-in table where guests would create a baby footprint using their hands, balloons, flags, paper flowers on the tables and chairs, popcorn & peanut party favors, and even a hired pianist to play Disney songs in the background!

She also put together a delicious food spread that featured waffles from The Waffle Shoppe (with the most delicious homemade syrup I've ever eaten), fruit, and quiche.

Sally was the entertainment ringleader and lead us through a baby word scramble, guess how big mommy's tummy is using streamers, and baby shower gift bingo.  We were also all given a small pink clothespin and weren't allowed to say the word "baby" or whoever caught us could take away our pin (as well as whatever ones we'd collected from others).  Everyone who had to leave early gave me their pins and everyone else was too nice to take them away, so I won the prize (a jar of the delicious syrup).

I had a wonderful time and hope everyone else did too.  It meant a lot to me to see all of those who support me on a regular basis.  There were even those who couldn't join in the festivities who sent their regards (and goodies) our way.  Yes, we are well-stocked and well-loved.  Now we just need to get you here so they can all meet you!

My Pregnancy: Week 37

Baby's now the size of a stalk of Swiss chard!

Congratulations--your baby is full term!  This means that if your baby arrives now, her lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.  Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard).  Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long.  But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours.  Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blondes or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes.  And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

This was one of the longest weeks of my pregnancy to date!  Of course, I think it was just a long week in general, not necessarily because I'm pregnant.  Complete exhaustion has settled back on me which makes waking up at 5am EXTREMELY difficult.  The fact that there has been little to do at work lately isn't helping my motivation.

But it hasn't all been bad, here's a run down.  Good news: you have dropped somewhat making it loads easier to breathe.  Not-so-good news: the change in position is causing a whole lot more back pain.  Good news: I got a surprise ultrasound today and got to see you again!  You were being shy and covering your face with your hands the entire time.  Not-so-good news: I had to have the ultrasound because my tummy is measuring a bit small.  Good news: You are still healthy, just a smaller baby currently weighing in at approximately 6 pounds (about 1 week behind).  Granny D says this isn't a surprise since all of her babies were small (I was the biggest at 7 pounds 3 oz--and I was 3 weeks late!).  Good news:  I am still progressing and am still not looking like I will make it all the way to October 13th.

I did get a little down after my doctor's visit today.  The appointment itself was stressful enough as I was waiting for the ultrasound to make sure that everything is okay with you.  For the rest of my appointments, I will be bringing your dad just in case something like that happens again--or they don't let me go home but sent me straight to the hospital!

I also felt like the doctor made me think your birthdate was a whole lot more imminent last week.  He was so surprised at how much I was already progressing that it made me feel like I'd be rushing to the hospital any day.  That made for one loooooooong week of anticipation/anxiety.  This week he was all professional again and put me "at ease" that while I continue to progress, I probably wouldn't be running to the hospital right away.  The only trouble was that I had already accepted an early delivery in my mind, making the next 3 weeks seem like an eternity.

But when push comes to shove, you'll come whenever you are ready.  I am just grateful that you are still healthy and growing.  You're also officially considered full term now, so if you do decide to come soon, you'll most likely thrive.

My Pregnancy: Week 36

Baby's now the size of a crenshaw melon!

Your baby is still packing on the pounds--at the rate of about an ounce a day.  She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long.  She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix cascosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath.  At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term.  Most likely she's in a head-down position.

Summertime is quickly fading and along with it comes the cooler temperatures of fall.  Being as pregnant as I am, I am extremely grateful for this!  My feet don't swell as much and I'm actually able to sleep under a blanket again.  It is amazing some of the simple joys that can make all of the difference.

I had another doctor's appointment and have to say I have been thoroughly impressed with how quickly they've been getting me in and out the last couple of visits.  I have never been a fan of going to the doctor, mostly just from the amount of time it always seems to take.  But they've had me in and out within 30 minutes the last two visits!  Hopefully that stays true since I will now be making said visits once a week.

Once again, everything seems to be going well as far as vitals go.  My blood pressure is normal (I keep expecting this to spike for some reason), your heartbeat is strong and steady, and you are measuring right on the mark.  I didn't gain any weight this week (in fact I actually lost a pound), so they are going to be watching that closely over the next week, but the doctor said not to worry since you seem to be measuring alright.

After the typical visit stuff was over and done with, I was also tested for GV B Strep.  I won't have the results from this for a few more days, but I'm not worried.  Even if I have it, it only means an IV of antibiotics during delivery.  

After he was done with this test, the doctor asked if I'd like him to check my cervix.  I thought that he may as well and I'm glad I did!  Turns out that I am 1cm dilated and almost 70% effaced.  While the doctor obviously couldn't guarantee it, he said that he suspected I wouldn't make it all the way to my due date.  He even ran me through all of the signs of labor, on the off chance that I go into labor before my next appointment.

When I told your dad about this possibility, he was shocked and had a deer in the headlights type of expression on his face for quite awhile after.  I for one wouldn't mind a slightly earlier delivery, but want to give you as much time to grow and develop as possible.  Maybe just one week early...but I guess I'll get my hospital bag packed just in case!

Guess it is a good thing we've put some more finishing touches on the nursery.  Its been crazy how obsessed I became with this room.  It isn't a very large room, but I have managed to cram a lot in there.  And IKEA has become my favorite place to shop for it because a lot of the stuff that is on clearance right now just happens to fit in perfectly with the color scheme.  A very dangerous thing indeed.

Nursery entranceway

My favorite little nook

Complete with Mickey & Minnie lamp

Lots of places to store things

We also got the cradle and changing table from your Granny D and Grampa Nolan.  This set was made by your Grampa Nolan 25 years ago when Granny D was pregnant with me!  We are excited to be able to share this with you too!

Homemade cradle bedding

My Pregnancy: Week 35

Baby's now the size of a honeydew melon!

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that she'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, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same.  Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products.  Most of her basic physical development is now complete--she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

5 weeks to go and I can certainly tell that I'm heading into the home stretch!  While we were in California last weekend, Grandma Z and Aunt Jessica threw a mini baby shower for us since they won't be able to come out for my other one in a couple of weeks.  They were so sweet to load us up with diapers, wipes, clothes, a crib mobile, blankets, toiletry needs, and even infant laundry detergent!  Yes ma'am, you are going to be one spoiled baby!

Labor Day Getaway

About a month ago, Jason and I decided that we needed to plan one more vacation before baby arrives and our lives change dramatically.  We have really been wanting to go to St. George to see The Little Mermaid play at Tuacahn, so we figured Labor Day weekend would be as good as any to take care of that.  Then a couple weeks later we decided to extend our vacation by a day and go spend some time in California after seeing the play.  We had a great time!

Tuacahn has been one of my family's favorite traditions for years.  I am so glad I married someone who also enjoys it.  Of course, it helped that the play of choice this summer was The Little Mermaid which happens to be Jason's all-time favorite Disney movie.  The play was well done and it wasn't as scorching hot as I was prepared for...a VERY good thing for a very pregnant woman.

We made our way to Oceanside the next day where we spent a couple of days with the Ziebarth clan. On Saturday, Mama Z and Jessica threw me a mini baby shower since they won't be able to come to my other one in a couple of weeks.  They loaded me (and Leila) up with all sorts of practical goodies.  I have such wonderful extended family!

The next day we took a quick trip to the Cabrillo National Monument that overlooks San Diego.  My parents tell me I've been here before, but I certainly didn't recall that at the time.  The view alone was incredible!

Finally, we decided to squeeze in one last day at Disneyland before our annual passes expired.  So we got up and going Monday morning, loaded up our car, and headed for the happiest place on earth.  The crowds were there, but nothing like is was earlier in the summer.  Besides, we weren't going on many of the bigger rides anyway.  I just love soaking up the atmosphere and taking in the whole experience.  Baby also seemed to enjoy the rides as she's start kicking every time I went on one.

We pushed our time limit as much as we dared, seeing as we had to drive 3.5 hours to our hotel that night, and enjoyed every minute of it!  I'm sure the Disney withdrawals will kick in soon, especially once winter settles in, but at least I'll have baby (and her Disney nursery) to keep me busy!

My Pregnancy: Week 34

Baby's now the size of a cantaloupe!

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long.  Her fat layers--which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born--are filling her out, making her rounder.  Her skin is also smoother than ever.  Her central nervous system is maturing and her 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 to stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few sort-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

You'd best not be planning to come this early little one!  Thankfully it doesn't appear like that will be an issue.  I had another doctor's appointment today and everything is still plugging away.  My blood pressure looked good.  I am still gaining weight.  Your heartbeat is strong and steady.  The only slight flag was that my belly is measuring about 1cm less than average.  Doctor said that it is nothing to worry about, just that you were probably sitting differently this afternoon.  He also gave me the all clear for going ahead with our California trip.  One more appointment in 2 weeks, then it is weekly visits for me!