38 Weeks

When I feel a sort of lightening bolt running up and down your legs, I am trying not to freak out. At 38 weeks, Baby’s probably sitting pretty low in my pelvis, which means Baby’s bumping into all kinds of nerves down there -- including some pretty sensitive ones. At this point we need to be on the lookout for signs of labor, including contractions that come on stronger and at more regular intervals. It could happen any day now -- or it might not be for a few weeks. Until then, we are trying to relax.

Our baby's the size of a pumpkin! Baby is about 18.9 to 20.9 inches long and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. Baby's head is now about the same circumference as their abdomen.

Our baby at 38 weeks Baby may have about an inch or so of hair already. Baby's slowly shedding that white goo on their skin (called vernix caseosa) but we might see some of it at birth.

How far along: 38 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +25.5 lbs - YIKES!!! Now that was a heck of a gain in one week... I blame in on my "over night" swollen ankles!
Pregnancy Symptoms: PAIN, PAIN, PAIN!!! both in my abs and my back (probably from compensating for my lack of abs), unable to see my feet, pregnancy brain, sciatic pain, difficulty breathing when walking up a flight of steps, thirsty all the time, Braxton Hicks, increased urination, difficulty eating as I am full after a few bites, swollen ankles and feet, hip pain... I think that is it, but after all, I can't seem to remember anything these days, so who knows!
Maternity clothes: Yep
Stretch marks: Nope
Sleep: Depends on the night,but I would say 5-6 hours at best, probably more like 3-4 hours realistically due to getting up in the middle of the night to pee
Best moment last week: My surprise work Baby shower!
Movement: Not that much any more... Oh how I miss it!
Food cravings: Anything sweet
Gender: I truly have no idea
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks
Belly Button (in or out): I'm an outie!!!!!!!!!!!!
What I miss: Abdominal support
What I am looking forward to: Meeting Baby
Milestones: Only one more week and a few days until we meet Baby! I am starting to get supper excited and nervous. Heading into a c-section instead of just heading into having a baby is a bit more anxiety producing.

A Day of Baby Shopping

As we are beginning to run out of time before Baby arrives, I took some time today and did some Baby prep shopping.  I left Daddy and Miles at home for a Boys day and I took off to all of my favorite Baby stores.  As this is our second baby, there really is not much that we need, so I spent most of my time just browsing the baby stores to see what is new on the market now, along with spending a lot of time laughing at all the useless items that are out there.  I stuck to business and came home with milk storage bags, baby lotion and soap and the much needed Baby diapers.  All very EXCITING items to buy, ha ha, however all essentials so that we don't have to run out and get them once Baby arrives.  One more step closer to being ready for Baby's arrival!

Surprise Baby Shower

Today was a very exciting day for us at work.  The weather was absolutely beautiful, so I had arranged a trip to the market with a few of my friends.  Little did I know that I was not going to the market.  When it was time for us to meet, Jess wanted to go a strange way, but I was not really thinking about it and just went along with the her, mostly thinking about how much I wanted a lemonade from the market.  To deep in thought of my future lemonade, I did not notice that my entire team was not at their desks.  As we walked down the hallway, Jess explained she needed to get something and opened the door to the OT kitchen, and there was my whole team "surprise!"  I was completely taken back as I had not thought that my team would do anything for me, and here they were throwing us a Baby Shower!  It was super wonderful.  One of the girls had gone to the market and gotten my favorite pretzel nuggets with cheese and a lemonade.  All of the other foods that I have been chowing down on were also there.  They had certainly put a lot of thought and planning into the shower!

They even all went together and gave us a gift card to one of my favorite Baby boutiques in Fells Point that I never actually buy something at because I think I shouldn't spend that much money, so this gift card is a real treat!  I cannot wait to go pick out something super cute for Baby!

Thank you Osler team!  You are a wonderful bunch to work with and I am going to dearly miss you all.

Now that is a BIG Baby

This evening as we were getting ready for bed, I happened to glance over at Baby's bassinet and found one BIG Baby all snuggled up inside...

37 Week Belly Photos

37 Week Appointment

This week's appointment went pretty well.  Baby's heart beat was 146 bmp this week, so still hanging in the middle.  My blood pressure is remaining low... shocker!  Dr. Allen poked and prodded around at my abs and agrees that I definitely tore some of my lower abs.  Apparently this is common after a c-section.  There is nothing that can be done at this time.  When I have the c-section, she will need to do a few extra stitched to pull the abs back together = a longer, more painful recovery.  Great!  Other than that fabulous news, the placenta is currently behaving itself and staying put, so we are still a go for April 18th!  Hang in there Baby, you are doing great!

37 Weeks

We are getting excited! At 37 weeks, our baby has reached full term!!! That means Baby’s developed their most crucial functions. Of course, they’ll get even healthier and stronger over the next few weeks, so we are pushing to keep going. Around week 37, many moms-to-be find themselves organizing cupboards and scrubbing their floors, and I am no exception. That is the nesting instinct kicking in as my body senses baby will be here shortly. Maybe it is my brain’s way of making sure we’re prepared for just about anything, so we can feel like you have an extra edge on this whole new parents of two thing.

Our baby's the size of a watermelon!

Yay! Baby has reached full term. They likely measures around 18.9 to 20.9 inches and weigh about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. Baby's gaining about 1/2 ounce each day.

How far along: 37 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +20.5 lbs

Pregnancy Symptoms: PAIN, PAIN, PAIN!!! both in my abs and my back (probably from compensating for my lack of abs), unable to see my feet, lightheadedness, pregnancy brain, sciatic pain, difficulty breathing when walking up a flight of steps, thirsty all the time, Braxton Hicks, increased urination, difficulty eating as I am full after a few bites, swollen ankles and feet, hip pain
Maternity clothes: Yep
Stretch marks: Nope

Sleep: Now that I am on muscle relaxers due to my abdominal tear, I am sleeping very well
Best moment last week: Baby hanging in there when I tore my lower abs
Movement: Lots and lots of rolling around.
Food cravings: Lemonade from the market
Gender: I am not so sure Baby os a boy anymore
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks
Belly Button (in or out): I'm an outie!!!!!!!!!!!!

What I miss: ABS
What I am looking forward to: The pain stopping
Milestones: We made it to full term!

Baby at 37 weeks is practicing some skills: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking. Baby is also getting their first sticky poop (called meconium) ready for Daddy's first diaper change.