Week 37

Past the 37th week mark and considered full-term!

Yesterday's appointment went well with no concerns noted. I've gained 34lbs so far and am dilated just above 1 cm with 50% effacement. We're making progress. 

I'm feeling well and actually have a bit of energy and lots of motivation, so I'm wrapping up some projects around the house. 

My feet continue to swell throughout the day but reduce overnight. The swelling hasn't been as bad as the prior few weeks and with that the aches and soreness are gone from my ankles and feet - yeah. I feel my lower back clicking and popping; I assume that goes along with my hips shifting. With that no pain just mild awkward feeling then I have relief. My wrists and hands continue to be regular strength, haven't needed my carpal tunnel braces since that early spell, which has been really nice.

Something special - I think Rick was joking and teasing a bit but ended up giving me an awesome compliment :) He said something like if you have any kind of athletic ability/physical strength; I think it is pregnancy - healthy pregnancies. Ha-ha, I love that! I seem to be an efficient baby maker :)

Week 36

We’ve past the 36 week mark - currently 36 and a half weeks along (will be 37 come Sunday). 

The baby now weighs almost 6 pounds and is gaining about an ounce a day. Little one measures over 18 1/2 inches long. At the end of this week, Eggert will be considered full-term; Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks (babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) 

The baby can start to "drop" down into the pelvis, process called lightening. This often happens a few weeks before labor with the first baby, but probably won't happen before labor starts with future pregnancies. Huh, I did not know that – learned that one today. 

At my dr appt yesterday, everything checked out fine though I was instructed to keep an eye on my swelling feet and ankles. If they continue to reduce (back to normal or close to it) each night, ok. Otherwise, alert her of swelling and any discomfort that carries from one day to the next. So far so good with this. 

And now for the progress report: dilated .5 (that is a half) a centimeter. I soooo thought I was making more progress, but again the doc seemed pleased with my progress. And just fyi - I received no effacement (thinning) measurement at this point.

Time is flying by! The baby along with our excitement is growing growing :)

By request

So, I've been listening to music on the radio, in part due to laziness. I don't take the time to plug-in/set-up my iPod in the morning. Anyway, among other songs we (Guin and I) listened to 'Rumour Has It' by Adele a few times. It made an impression and became the first non-kiddie song she requested (by name none-the-less).

Week 35

According to Baby Center:

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http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-35-weeks_1124.bc

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.

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But reality is  - kicks, punches, twists, turns, and summersaults are still felt - side ways, up and down, diagonal, straight out, and inward. My pre-stretched belly seems roomy enough to accommodate Eggert/Eggerta’s aqua aerobic routine. Occasionally it’s uncomfortable maybe a touch painful, but generally it makes me giggle to see and feel my entire midsection contort and shift.

Recently I talked to a few friends about how it feels when the baby moves and what I was able to tell from the movement… interestingly many others say they know if it’s a foot, hand, face, head, butt, or back that they are feeling or seeing. I wasn’t able to guess what I was feeling when I was pregnant with Guin (from what I remember). This time I can tell the difference between something small (like a hand or foot) and something large and harder (like the back, head, or butt). And now, it seems like I can guess when it’s feet due to the rapid succession of movements compared to a punch here and there. There have been a few large body stretches, but only 1-2 times where I had to stand up or stretch out myself to relieve the pressure on my lungs and chest. I expect this to happen a few more times, we’ll see.

Overall, I’m feeling good! Though I fatigue easily and get short of breath (if I walk and talk even if I move slowly), I feel happy and energized.J

We are on the verge of much change. I am excited and a bit nervous. I have high expectations of myself and many parenting and personal goals. I am still learning how to prioritize my time and energy to reduce stress while maintaining progress. On the home front, we are continuing with organizing and cleaning around the house (which we should be doing even without another kiddo on the way!). It's been a real team effort to nest and get ready. Thank you Rick and Guin, Thank you Mom and Dad! 

We are looking forward to a long weekend of family, friends, and fun!!

Cute pronunciations

Was thinking how fast Guin is learning new words and how short lived her mis-pronunciations (and use of her name for things) last. So before I forget all of them I thought I should share a few:

·         Cock (Clock) ~ early on, we tried to grow out of this one quickly, though J

·         Toke-o-bots (Polk-a-dots) ~ ending almost 9-10 months ago

·         Yo-Gabbo-Gabbo (Yo Gabba Gabba) ~ occasionally still 

·         Daddy Robot and Other Robot (C3po & R2D2) ~ about 4-5 months back she learned “Star Wars” and each character’s name

·         Ou-na...Be-ez ~ currently counting in Spanish with a little accent J

·         Go-chee (Goat Cheese) ~ recently started with her discovery of the delicious dairy product

·         Mich-kin (Michigan) ~ currently excited about her upcoming road trip 

I know there are more, but this is all I can recall for now.

My little big girl

My little big girl:

• Is only wearing pull-ups/training pants at night and no longer at dance or for swimming!
• Has gotten her first few freckles or moles: one on her mid back (her) right side, one on her upper forehead (her) left side, and one on her left (mid) arm as well. All are flat and a nice light brown.
• Really likes to finger paint with mom (me) using my acrylics on canvas. She’s also very interested in using her water colors and paint brush she received for her birthday from Nana and Boompa.
• Still enjoys stickers! Particularly her Hello Kitty book of stickers and activities she got from ‘Daddy’s friend’ (Denny and Lisa) for her birthday. She also is proud of the ones she earns at dance class.
• Wants to read and ‘play’ everyday. We/I read books, cooking directions, street signs, anything/everything J She recognizing letters and memorizing some words. She likes to play with her flashcards and hooked on phonics. We are making progress and she keeps asking for more. I love this! Hahaha, she must get that from daddy J
• Is looking forward to summer so “we can go to the beach,” although we have no beach plans. I hope she’s satisfied with visiting a pool instead.
• Likes to cuddle, but only if it’s not “too hot”. Awe, now this she must have gotten from me.
• Prompts good-byes when she’s ready before others… sometimes with waves, hugs, kisses, high fives, or verbally.
• Will wipe her lips or cheek after being kissed… sometimes anyway.
• Is excited to visit her or mommy and daddy’s friends.
• Is intrigued by ‘girl’ things and ‘boy’ things. Though not pointed out my us, she’s picked up that many toys and clothes are designed for girls or for boys. We continue to mention that most things are for everyone, it just depends on what you like… being careful of not supporting gender stereotyping. We hope she likes what she likes no matter the color or design or gender aim.
• Says “I love you” without being prompted – makes my heart melt.