35th Week

Goodbye 35 weeks...so much closer now to meeting our little boy!

35 weeks

16 weeks

I thought it would be neat to do
a side by side since I put this
pink shirt on recently and
realized that - much like my
belly - it has stretched to
maximum capacity! 

My Paramedic Partner Jenn threw me a baby shower this past weekend.  (Wow that sounds strange. Never in a million years did I think I would ever have a 'Baby Shower'! ) She decorated with blue and white streamers/balloons, and had lots of yummy food prepared.  And of course I was spoiled with gifts!   Being the center of attention makes me uncomfortable so opening presents has always been a difficult thing to do. I guess there is no avoiding 'being the center of attention' in the delivery room as I receive the biggest and best gift of my life! One of the guests brought her newborn baby.  When my turn came to snuggle him, I think there was a little jealousy from within as Bryce became extra squirmy!  It is very surreal to know I have the same little sweet package tucked inside my belly!

I also had a Doctor's appointment on  Monday. (I see her every week now)  Everything is looking good although I'm still measuring ahead at 39 weeks!  I tactfully broached the subject of medical leave as the long work week, and rush hour commute is getting to be a bit much. Not to mention the constant insomnia, and general discomfort.  Anyway, her reply was "you are too healthy for medical leave and I have no concerns at this point.  We'll just take it week by week"!  Then she went on to say, after I gave her a copy of the U/S report, "Oh he IS a big boy....you're going to have to push for 24 hours!"  Really nice thing to say!! What does that do to a moms thought process?  We are suggestible, especially at times when a person who has "authority" says something.  How many moms are psyched out of birthing their babies the way their body knows how to, when that seed of doubt is planted by their health care provider!?  I guess I just need to remind myself that my body will grow the perfect size baby for ME! 

What's happening with baby this week? "At 35 weeks, the average baby weighs about five and a half pounds now and measures about 18-20 inches long. The bun is almost done! This week of pregnancy, your baby is going to be concentrating on weight gain, to fill out his arms and legs into those plump little limbs we all know and love on babies. Besides looking cute, the layers of fat will also help regulate his body temperature. You may feel less kicking and more twisting and wriggling, as he is running out of room to move around in there. He may have turned to the head down position in preparation for delivery. Your little one is now sleeping through regular periods of REM and deep sleep at week 35. He is also experiencing active and quiet wakefulness where he continues to explore the environment around him. Pretty soon, he'll be a newborn! Have you been practicing "Goodnight Moon"? Your baby's hearing is fully developed and he is ready for a good story and a song."

27 days to go...I can't wait!!  As much as I loved being pregnant, I'm ready to carry him in my arms instead of my tummy!!