37 Weeks Pregnant - Full Term!!!

Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel. 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 blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

Baby is now the length of a stalk of Swiss chard!!!

















Total weight gain: No weight gain this week. 28 lbs total.
Updates: Not too much of a difference this week. Still 1cm dialated but 70% effaced. My OB said it could still be today, tomorrow, or 3 weeks from now. I was a little suprised that I hadn't progressed further. Baby's head is very low and I can sure feel it! My hospital bag is packed and ready.
Sleep: Not good. I think last night I got 3 hours. A combination of contractions, cramping, sore ribs, diminished lung capacity, baby awake and moving, and just pure anxiety.
Other symptoms: Like I said, baby's head is right at my cervix and he continues to bump into it sending shooting pains many many times a day. Now that weather has heated up, I'm trying to remember to be thankful that I only have 3 more weeks at the most. 80 degrees is feeling like 110 to me. I'm very uncomforable in the heat.
Movement: I've read that baby's movements are supposed to start to slow now just because of the lack of room in my belly. Well, he is just as active as ever if not even more so since he seems even stronger. That is fine with me though. I still love feeling every movement.
Best moment last week: For all intents and purposes, the nursery is done! Hooray! The furniture is beautiful! I don't have pictures this week because I still need to hang some things on the walls but I hope to get that all done this weekend. I'll take some pictures and post them soon. My mom and I put together a glider all by ourselves. I was very proud of us. I would not have had the confidence to do it on my own but together we figured it out! My sister helped with setting up my nursery as well and my neice Baby Peyton helped by eating boxes and instruction manuals.
What I am looking forward to: I still need to organize baby's clothes and blankets etc., clean off my dining room table of boxes and plastic wrapping/packaging, and just general nesting and cleaning. I realize that baby will not know if my house is properly vacuumed and dusted but I have to do something with this nervous energy.
37 Week Belly Picture:

36 Weeks Pregnant!!!

Baby should soon descend into your pelvis, which will give your lungs a little room to breathe (literally). The bad news: This puts the brunt of baby's weight on your hips and pelvis, and will make them pretty sore. Add in your ever-loosening ligaments, and you may soon be taking on that oh-so-adorable pregnancy waddle.

Baby is now the size of a crenshaw melon!!!















Total weight gain: Up another lb this week. 28lbs total. My OB said I was starting to retain some fluid so that may be some of it.
Updates: Very exciting this week. I went to my OB appointment today and my Dr. said I am 1 cm dialated and 50% effaced. She said "Go home and pack your hospital bag! It could be tonight, it could still be weeks from now". Not completely helpful information but exciting nonetheless. I will go to the Dr. every week now until I deliver. Hopefully I will continue to make progress as I get closer to my due date.
Other symptoms: More and more contractions although nothing regular or significant. However, I have started to have a lot of pressure in my pelvis. Dr. said that is baby settling in lower and lower, getting ready to come out!
Movement: Lots of hiccups this week along with normal movement. Was at my parents house during one of his hiccup sessions and everyone got to feel them on the outside of my belly. It was pretty fun.
Best moment last week: Had a small shower last weekend. It was so fun and I got some great baby gifts! My mother-in-law Michele was so generous! She pretty much outfitted my entire nursery plus got me a pack-n-play along with some great toys and clothes! She said she has been buying for this baby since before we even announced we were pregnant! That made me cry! Thank you everyone who helped and came to the shower. It was a special time of celebration!
What I am looking forward to: Nursery Furniture is being delivered today! I'm so excited!!! It is a happy day when you get to set up a crib for your very own precious baby.
36 Week Belly Picture: Woah Mamma!!

























Picture of me at my shower with baby flip flops given by my sister-in-law Kelsey!

35 Weeks Pregnant!!!

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. 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.

Baby is now the size of a honeydew melon!!!















Total weight gain: Up 1 lb this week. 27lbs total. I can stop gaining anytime now. That would be fine.
Sleep: I seem to spend half my sleep time on the couch and half in bed depending on how sore my ribs are. I tend to start in the bed and end up on the couch. Still getting about 6 hours a night with a couple naps throughout the week.
Other symptoms: Starting to get some contractions here and there. This past week, my Mom, Baby Peyton, and I made an unexpected mile long walk when we locked our keys in the car. Had 3 contractions on that walk. Also had a few yesterday. Guess my body is practicing for the real thing. Pretty exciting and scary.
Movement: Lots and lots. I love it except when I finally get comfortable enough to sleep and baby decides its time to get his exercise.
Best moment last week: Lots of fun stuff this past week. The nursery paint is finished! Hooray. Just have to get the chair rail up. Dan did such a great job. We've been shopping for a glider/chair for the nursery. We had a great time at a Memorial Day cookout at my parents house on Sunday. Mom and I took Baby P to the outdoor pool as well this week. So happy it is finally summer!
What I miss: I haven't had the energy or ability to plant a veggie garden this summer. We still might get a few things planted but I can't phyically do it myself this year. :( Maybe it is just as well as I probably won't be doing as much cooking at the end of the summer.
What I am looking forward to: Having a shower this weekend. I'm so looking forward to celebrating!
Milestones: 35/35!!!! 35 Weeks along and 35 days until my due date!
35 Week Belly Picture:

34 Weeks Pregnant!!!

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well.

Baby now weighs the same as a cantaloupe!!!
















Total weight gain: Up 2 more pounds. 26 lbs total. Right on track.
Best moment last week: Dan and I painted the Nursery this weekend. (Dan painted and I supervised)It is not completely done right now but we should be able to finish this weekend. Also, our baby furniture order is in! We just have to schedule delivery. Such good news!
Other symptoms: Serious heartburn has kicked in this week. I suppose I am lucky that I haven't gotten bad heartburn until now. I've been eating a lot of tums and taking prilosec everyday. Also, I am an emotional mess right now. I cry about everything whether it is worth crying about or not. :(
What I miss: Memorial weekend is this weekend. I would love to on a bike ride, hike or go golfing. I suppose I will settle for a picnic and a good book. :)That sounds fun too.
What I am looking forward to: My 34 week appointment is today and Dan and I are going on our hospital tour tonight.
34 week Belly picture:

33 Weeks Pregnant!!!

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal.

Baby now weighs the same as a pineapple!!!















Total weight gain/loss: Lost 1 lb from last week. 24 lbs total.
Sleep: Not great, Not horrible. Probably getting 6 hours a night. I make up for it with naps though. :)
Best moment last week: This past week, my little brother Ike graduated from Denver Seminary. The graduation ceremony was followed by a celebration lunch with the families. I am so proud of him. I'm so excited to see all that God has for him and will do through him to advance His kingdom. His dedication and obedience to the Lord is inspiring. He makes me want to be a more compassionate and loving person. He will be a wonderful Uncle to Beau.
Movement: He is still moving and grooving every day (and night). At my last Dr. appointment, the nurse helped me find where his head is in my belly. His head is at the bottom of my uterus and his little bum is at the top. Even though he is moving a lot, he is still basically in the same position. I can feel his head and bottom now with my hands on the outside of my belly. It's really remarkable!
Other symptoms: I am having sciatic nerve pain quite a bit. I also get tired more quickly and easily than before. My low impact aerobics and cycle classes are still great but after I go, I am wasted for the rest of the day. Also, on tuesday this week, I spent about 3 hours planting my flower pots. That pretty much did me in for the day as well. I just have to learn that I can't do as much as I used to be able to do.
What I miss: Tying my shoes without having to psych myself up first.
What I am looking forward to: Next week we are going on a hospital tour!
Milestones: Less than 50 days until due date!
33 week Belly picture: Dressed for cleaning my house today. :)

32 Weeks Pregnant!!!

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth.

Baby now weighs the same as a large jicama!


























Total weight gain: Up 2 more lbs. 25 lbs total. Had my 32 week check up this week. Baby is growing normally and I am measuring right on time. Not too big, not too small. Yay!
Sleep: Much, much better sleep this week. I think I am finally getting over my cold. Also, I think my body has adjusted a little to accomdate baby. My ribs seem to have expanded a little and I am not as uncomfortable as I was before. I am sleeping in much longer spurts and trying to enjoy every night of solid sleep as I feel in another couple weeks I will most likely be uncomfortable again.
Best moments last week: My shower was last weekend. I had such a fun time! I received some really special homemade gifts that I will treasure for years to come. It was a beautiful shower and I'm so thankful to Becky, Kelsey and Deborah for all their hard work! Mom and Dad came home for the summer. So happy to have my family back together again for Mother's Day. Painting has begun on the Nursery! Dan is working on it and it is so fun for me to see Daddy helping to create a wonderful space for his son.
What I miss: Not pregnancy related but I miss my brother Aaron and his wife Jolene this week. I wish they were here so badly sometimes. If you guys are reading this: We love you so much and know God has a wonderful plans for you!!! ((Hugs))
What I am looking forward to: My younger brother is graduating from Denver Seminary this weekend. We are so proud of him!
Milestones: Starting my 8th month of pregnancy!!!
32 Week Belly Picture:

31 Weeks Pregnant!!!

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

Baby now weighs the same as 4 navel oranges!!!















Total weight gain: 1 more lb this week. From what I understand most of my weight gain now is all baby. Most likely in the last month, it will be water retenion but for now baby is gaining most of his weight in the next few weeks. Total weight gain is 23 lbs.
Sleep: The theme this week is Bad Cold! I've been so, so, sick. It started last week actually and it has been over a week now that I have been fighting this cold. Sleep has been about 3-4 hours a night and anywhere from 1-3 hours in the afternoon. I did go to the doctor and they gave me some antibiotics so hopefully I will start getting better soon.
Best moment last week: Today, I went downtown to Dan's office because his coworkers gave us a little baby shower over lunch. It was so nice of them. They pooled their money and bought us our carseat and stroller! I'm so excited and thankful!
Worst Moment of the week: Last night about 2am, I had a little exhaustion break down. I had been coughing for hours with no sleep. I couldn't breath, I couldn't get comfortable, I had to pee every 20 minutes and I finally just lost it. I was out on the couch and Dan could hear me hacking away and came out to check on me. I got a good cry in and felt better afterward.
Other symptoms: From what I understand, everything is just worse when you are pregnant. It must be why this cold just doesn't want to go away.
What I miss: SLEEP!!!!
What I am looking forward to: We got some paint samples this week and are finalizing the colors that we want for the nursery. Can't wait until it's all painted. Also, my good friend Becky B., sister-in-law Deborah, and sister-in-law Kelsey are having a shower for me this weekend for some of Dan's Dad's family. They are are so kind to do this for me! I can't wait!
31 week Belly Picture: Hello Little Beau!