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!!