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.