36th Week

Cheeks are getting pretty chubby! :)

Well I've reached the end of the produce line...and am now a Watermelon!  (Yup, that feels just about right! Ugh!)

Thank you to all who attended my Baby shower this past weekend.  I was very touched that you would  all take time out of your busy schedules to help me celebrate this blessing.  The food, decorations, company, and laughter made for a fantastic afternoon. I was spoiled by all of your gifts and love…and am touched to have such amazing people in my life.  On a side note…congrats to Nanny F. who obviously has an eye for guesstimating a waistline.  BTW the measurement was 42.5”. Eeek!

I had my weekly Doctor’s appointment and everything is status quo.  I did gain 5lbs of fluid in a week, which has caused my ankles and hands to swell…and my BP was a little elevated. But according to the Doctor, “that’s normal with carrying such a big boy” and there is no reason not to continue working.  So back to work I go.  “Daddy” says he’s coming with me next week to fight my battle but I don’t know if he’s truly prepared for unsympathetic Dr. A!!  :s

Well I’ve begun ‘nesting’ which is a good sign.  I just can’t seem to get the house clean enough.  I’m sure Baby Bryce will be really impressed that I pledged the kitchen cupboards, detailed the fridge and freezer, and organized my junk drawer!! :p  Next is the Tupperware cupboard, the pantry, and my sock drawer!!

I definitely have a crazy pregnancy waddle going on.  I try to walk like a normal person…but that ends up looking even more ridiculous!  My body feels likes a rusty old tin man.  I’m so stiff and slow, and getting out of bed in the morning is like an olympic sport.  There’s the set-up, the agonizing roll over and the dismount. Then a hush falls over the room to see if I stick the landing.  Which I usually do…but on shaky legs.  The problem is my Sacro-Iliac joint.  It’s the spot right near the dimple on your lower back above your buttocks!  For me it’s the left side and every step sends shooting pain down my leg.  I had problems there before from running (over-training) and saw a Physiotherapist and Chiropractor.  Nothing really helped but rest and ice.  I suppose delivering this big bambino would help too! 

What’s happening with Baby this week? “Congratulations! Although he may have a few more weeks to go, your baby is considered full term at the end of the 36th week. The only organ that still needs some time to mature is the lungs. While you may be ready to be NOT pregnant, remember that every day your baby spends in the womb increases his chance of the prevention of breathing difficulties. This week, your baby may drop further into the birth canal in preparation for delivery. This makes breathing a lot easier for you, but walking becomes more difficult. You may be startled when your baby stretches into your ribs and bangs his head against your cervix. He is surely beginning to run out of room in those cramped quarters. The average size of babies in the 36th week is 19 inches long and 5 ¾ pounds in weight. Your baby is gaining more fat every day, and may be even forming those cute dimples around his elbows and knees. His gums are very rigid, and he will be ready to nurse or bottle-feed when he is born.”

18 days to go?!  I can't wait to meet the little guy!!