38 week appointment on Jan 27

At my Dr.'s appointment on Tuesday, Dr. Feldman did an internal exam - I was/am dilated about 1/2 cm - 1 cm, and thinning about 30%. So things are starting to happen! That was at 38 weeks - two weeks before my due date.

My weight was at about 193 pounds (I'm sure packing it on here at the end!) Baby G's heart rate was around 145 bpm, and he is still in the head down position! Hurrah!

Mom flies out next Tuesday, so Baby G, hold out to then and you can come whenever you want after that!

I haven't had any pre labor symptoms yet - like bloody show, mucous plug, etc., and Baby G has been moving a lot - so I think he's going to stay here for a while yet. (o:

But he's coming soon! So exciting!

38 weeks

Your Baby
Your baby's intestines have accumulated a considerable amount of meconium (the code name for black, tar-like baby poop), which is usually eliminated shortly after birth and gives you your first experience with the 100-wipe diaper change. Here's what else is up:

Your baby might just scratch herself in the womb as the fingernails have grown over the fingertips now. Resist painting them hot pink when she arrives.

Baby's lungs continue to mature and her brain and nerve function are working better every day. The latter two will continue to mature until Junior is a teenager, at which point she'll know it all (or at least she'll think she does).

Your baby weighs about 6½ pounds and is around 19 or 20 inches long—as long as a duffle bag (in case you needed an excuse to go shopping for a new bag for your labor gear).

my belly

My belly is 44 inches around.

37 week appointment

Today I had my 37 week appointment. My Doctor had been called to the hospital for a delivery, so I saw the nurse practitioner instead - the one that I like!

I needed to get the group b strep culture - I hadn't had one yet - so I'll find out the results of that next week. I guess this culture tells if I have some bacteria that can do some harm to my baby but not to me - so if I have it, I need antibiotics in the hospital for the baby so the bacteria doesn't harm him. It isn't a big deal 15% - 40% of women have the bacteria and it is totally harmless in adults, and as long as we deal with it if I have it, the baby will be fine, too - and we'll find out for sure next week!

Otherwise, everything is fine. My fundal measurement measures about a week smaller than it should be (same as last time) in other words - I am 37 weeks, but my uterus measured at 36 - so he'll likely be small or late or some combination of both. My weight is about 191, which means I've gained about 30 pounds at this point.

While doing the internal exam, she said that my cervix was still hard - no signs of labor or effacement or anything. Also, she noted, both internally and feeling my belly that Baby G is in the head down position, so that is excellent!

So, Baby G is doing fine, pregnancy is healthy, and it looks like he won't be making an appearance for a while yet!

37 weeks

Your Baby
Huge news this week: You're carrying a full-term baby! If you were to go into labor today, all systems would be a go. Woohoo! Even though you can't wait for the little bambino to quite literally rear his head, keep in mind that your bun benefits from every day in the oven. Other ticker-tape-worthy developments:

Baby's growth slows down dramatically this week, which is great news for your birth canal. His bones are still soft and pliable and will solidify after he's born. More great news for your birth canal.

So if he's all cooked and ready to go, what the heck is he still doing in there?! He's busy practicing for "life on the outside," working on his breathing, sucking, sleeping, gazing and peeing abilities. The only thing he can't practice yet is his ability to scream at the top of his lungs when he's hungry—but he'll do plenty of that in a few weeks.

At this point babies vary in size, but the average length is between 19 and 20 inches and most babies weigh approximately 6 pounds. About the size of an average largemouth bass caught in Minnesota by your cousin Earl.

Year of the Ox

As long as Baby G is born after Jan. 26, he will be born in the year of the ox.

The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. This powerful sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm, and modest. Like their animal namesake, the Ox is unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint.

Ox people need peace and quiet to work through their ideas, and when they have set their mind on something it is hard for them to be convinced otherwise. An Ox person has a very logical mind and is extremely systematic in whatever they do, even without imagination. These people speak little but are extremely intelligent. When necessary, they are articulate and eloquent.

People born under the influence of the Ox are kind, caring souls, logical, positive, filled with common sense and with their feet firmly planted on the ground. Security is their main preoccupation in life, and they are prepared to toil long and hard in order to provide a warm, comfortable and stable nest for themselves and their families. Strong-minded, stubborn, individualistic, the majority are highly intelligent individuals who don't take kindly to being told what to do.

The Ox works hard, patiently, and methodically, with original intelligence and reflective thought. These people enjoy helping others. Behind this tenacious, laboring, and self-sacrificing exterior lies an active mind.

The Ox is not extravagant, and the thought of living off credit cards or being in debt makes them nervous. The possibility of taking a serious risk could cause the Ox sleepless nights.

Ox people are truthful and sincere, and the idea of wheeling and dealing in a competitive world is distasteful to them. They are rarely driven by the prospect of financial gain. These people are always welcome because of their honesty and patience. They have many friends, who appreciate the fact that the Ox people are wary of new trends, although every now and then they can be encouraged to try something new.

It is important to remember that the Ox people are sociable and relaxed when they feel secure, but occasionally a dark cloud looms over such people and they engage all the trials of the whole world and seek solutions for them.Also the Ox people are all caring and loving but at times when you mess with them they will tear out in anger.

Getting closer

Well, recently, I have really started to feel pregnant. I am more tired at night. Right before bed is my hardest time, but I can usually fall asleep pretty quickly. I feel big - really big. I can't get my wedding band on anymore, but I can still wear my engagement ring - good thing I never got that resized! Overall, though, I still feel really good. I feel so fortunate to have had such an amazing pregnancy!

Baby G moves a lot in the evening. He is strong! During most of the day, he's curled up into his fetal position and I just feel a few bumps and rolls here and there, but in the evening - like between 7 - 9 or later, he's like totally oblivious to the fact that he is in my stomach - he stretches, rolls, dances, jabs, whatever - you can actually feel him stretching his arms and legs on the same side. He doesn't seem to mind that my stomach is in the way - he just carries on with his exercise routine! Although not always the most comfortable, and admittedly sometimes a little painful, it is nice to know that he is so strong. I can totally vizualize how he's moving. He also gets the occasional 'bout of hiccups, usually in the morning.

I am growing so excited to meet this life that Grant and I created - a part of him and a part of me... wow... the amount of love that this boy was created from and will be raised with - I'm just in awe. Grant often asks me what my facvorite thing about my son is so far, and I always say that the baby is half Grant, so it is like I carry Grant with me wherever I go. It is such a special feeling.

Las Vegas

Last week, I asked Grant when his next days off were, and he said Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Sweet - because I have Monday off too for MLK day! (Hence the reason he had requested the block of days off) So on Tuesday, he sent me an email: "Found a good deal in Vegas - wanna go?"

Sigh - who knows how long it will be before we can take a sponataneous trip like this once Baby G arrives? Did I want to go to Vegas? Heck yeah! Thus - we had our babymoon.

Grant thinks that "babymoon" is a funny name. Originally, Babymoon referred to the period of time after a baby was born to allow for the parents and baby to bond. More recently, it has evolved (thank you, travel industry) into a word describing a last rip before the baby comes for the couple to be together as a couple before all those sleepless nights with a newborn!

So, anyway, Vegas it is - no flying involved - yummy food, good shows (we have free tickets for the Blue Man Group from when Mom and the boys went to see Dr. Phil) and a great place to stay.

Originally, we were booked at the Marriott Reniassance, but yesterday monring, Grant emailed a bunch o people who still had unrented rooms for the MGM Signature and offered them a final deal (A - would you rather rent us the room for this much or have it go empty?)- and a bunch of people accepted - so he picked the highest floor = penthouse - floor 29. I do believe the MGM Signature is Grant's favorite. I love the access to the MGM pool, although I doubt it will be warm enough to use - and I also love the huge spa tub and the mini kitchenette with fridge and microwave. Plus, although "attached" to MGM, there is no casino in the lobby so it is not very smoky.

Anywho - not much to say about the actual trip yet. We didn't levae home till 7:30 to avoid traffic, and we rolled into Vegas around 11:30 - I slpet for about half of the drive... hee hee... We sung by Walmart to get some snackins' and then checked in! Plans for this trip? Eat at our favorite places (We have 3 in mind) Probably get tickets for a show tonight, Blue Man group tomorrow, and relax and be together!

Have I mentioned how much I love Grant lately?

 

36 Weeks Pregnant

Your Baby
Your baby continues to put on weight at about ½ pound each week. This layer of fat will help your baby regulate his body temperature after leaving your climate-controlled womb. In fact, your baby will be 15 percent fat at birth (and you ... well that's another story). Even in the womb, your baby can listen, feel, touch and see. The only thing separating him from living in the outside world is a little thing called the birth canal. Other highlights this week:

His gums are firm with ridges that look somewhat like teeth, though his actual pearly whites won't start breaking through until he's between three months and a year old.

Your baby has definite patterns of sleep and wakefulness—opening his eyes while awake and closing them while sleeping. Your baby will become alert and turn his head toward light and sound just as a newborn would—except when you put on that Celine Dion CD. Then the baby puts his hands up, turns away and gurgles, "Oh no you didn't!"

Your baby is now around 18½ inches long and nearly 6 pounds—just about as big as a breadbox!

35 weeks

Your Baby
This week the final touches are being added to your mini-masterpiece and most of his development is going to packing on the pounds. While baby's movements may be becoming less jerky, he may do his final somersault in the womb soon—to put himself into the head-down position for birth. Other fascinating facts:

Your little Karate Kid can't quite pack the punch he used to due to the limited space inside the womb these days. You're likely to feel more wiggles, stretches and rolls than kicks and jabs. The extra layer of fat your baby is adding will create those cute dimples on your baby's elbows and knees. His liver has begun processing his waste products, so you know which organ to thank when he has his first blowout up the back of his onesie.

Baby's nails are growing so long they may curl over the tips of his tiny fingers and toes before he sees a pair of clippers. He'll be in serious need of a mani-pedi once he's born (as will you).

Your baby is now about 5½ pounds and over 18 inches long—about the size of one of those price-club sheet cakes.

Things I don't want to forget

Those tiny "bubbles" that were his first movements.
The way he feels when he slides across the inside of my belly.
That squirmy, rolling feeling.
When I get in certain positions (leaning forward when sitting on the couch, or laying on my right side) and he starts kicking to push away the pressure he's feeling.
Those surprising kicks that are way over on the right side of my belly, past the mole that I have there.
Having little conversations with him - talking to him - telling him about my plans for the day or my dreams for him, or why he is lucky to have Grant for a daddy.
People telling me that, other than my belly, I don't really look pregnant.
When Grant talks to my belly, especially after he feels the baby move.
Grant calling me his "beautiful pregnant wife," or telling my how pretty I look.
My confidence (and lack of fear) of going into labor.
Cori hugging my tummy and asking how "Max" is doing.
Trying out different names to see how they sound out loud.
When I slouch, the odd way my boobs feel resting on my belly.
Those funny lumps and bumps I can feel when I prod my belly with my hand - is it a foot? a knee? an elbow? a hand?
The closeness I feel to Grant right now - like our relationship is at a whole different level.
This feeling that everything is right, and good, and loving, and the way it should be.

Your nursery

Hi Baby G,
Your daddy and I have been working hard on your nursery! Your daddy and Grandpa Benedict painted the room about a month ago. This last week, daddy and I put the border up in your room - it looks really cute! Next, your daddy has been adding some protective stain to the window sills so they stay nice looking for a long time. Mommy and Daddy decided that I better not help because the fumes would not be good for you if I breathed them.

Also, daddy and I went to Ikea and bought the rest of your furniture. Daddy found a good crib for you on Consumer Reports (the way daddy finds all of your stuff...) and we bought the set of furniture that matched the crib. It is going to look super cool. We started to put some of it together already. You are really going to like your room!

I am so excited about the stuff we are going to teach you! Right now, it is New Years Day - the beginning of 2009. Our lives are going to change so much this year! Your life in the outside world is going to start, daddy and I are going to learn how to be a mommy and daddy - it is going to be an exciting year for all of us!

Oh, one more thing I wanted to share! I was reading a parenting quiz, and there was a health and safety quiz in it. I asked your dad all of the questions and he got all of them but one right! He got way more correct then I did (they were kind of obscure questions...) but daddy knows his stuff!

Love you baby!

~Mommy