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!