38 weeks!

How far along: 38 weeks and only 14 days until D-day!

How big is baby: According to the Bump, Weston is about the size of a watermelon from week 37 to birth. Average size is 18.9 - 20.9 inches and 6.2 - 9.2 pounds! He spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which I’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) I worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of my womb, he will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.

Weight Loss/Gain: Up 31 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: Nothing much is very comfortable these days except Justin's t-shirts.

Next appointment: Wednesday, December 1st! I didn't have an internal last week, so I'm thinking I will have one this week. I'm also looking forward to getting measured as I was measuring a little small last week.

Movement: He's still moving all around despite the fact he that he doesn't have much room!

Food cravings: Back to the sweets although I really need to focus and not eat everything sweet in sight!

Food aversions: I haven't been in the mood to drink water this week unless it has some juice in it. Although there have been times this week that I'm not hungry at all.

Best Moment this Week: It was nice to have the week off from work to relax a bit.

Worst Moment this Week: I had a few days where I didn't feel well. Thursday I woke up with a bad cough but it seemed to just be a one day thing thankfully! I also didn't eat or drink enough on Friday and ended up in bed with a headache. I definitely have to make sure I'm eating and drinking right now even if I don't feel like it!

What am I looking forward to: Going to my next appointment on Wednesday and getting off work a little early on Friday as a little gift from administration at school!

37 weeks, 2 days

I had my 37 week appointment today and everything seems to be going smoothly. I didn't have an internal today so I don't know if I'm more dilated or effaced. My fundal measurement was 35.5 but my midwife didn't seem concerned. I looked it up on the internet when I got home and found out that near the end of pregnancy measurements depend on a lot of things can vary 1-2 centimeters either way. I also read that if the baby has dropped, the measurement could be smaller as well. I have been measuring right on track through the pregnancy so this was a bit of a change, but since the midwife wasn't concerned, I'm not too concerned either. Weston is still moving around a lot and his head was still down and low. I go back next Wednesday to see how things are going. My midwife did say something about when she thought I might deliver and it was the first time she'd mentioned anything. She said she thinks he'll come right around his due date, so 19 days or so!

We also met with a pediatrician today and really liked her. Weston will need to go in to the pediatrician within 48 hours of birth so it was good to click with the one we met today. We will try her out and hopefully everything will continue to click! The practice is unique in that the doctors are certified in both pediatrics and internal medicine so she could actually see Justin and I too if we like her.

At Nativiti today, I saw a woman from my birthing class and she had her baby with her! I believe she was due right around the time we're due. I got a chance to talk to her before we left and the baby had come early and she actually had to be transferred and ended up having a c-section. But she said everyone was healthy and that is what is so important. I will be praying for them that things continue to go smoothly as they were a very nice couple who had had some difficult times in the past. Thank God that their little girl is healthy even if she did come early!

37 weeks!

How far along: 37 weeks! We are full term!

How big is baby: According to the Bump, Weston is about the size of a watermelon from week 37 to birth. Average size is 18.9 - 20.9 inches and 6.2 - 9.2 pounds! He spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which I’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) I worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of my womb, he will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.

Weight Loss/Gain: Up 31 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: Nothing much is very comfortable these days except Justin's t-shirts.

Next appointment: Monday, November 22nd!

Movement: He's still moving all around despite the fact he that he doesn't have much room!

Food cravings: Back to the sweets although I really need to focus and not eat everything sweet in sight!

Food aversions: I haven't been in the mood to drink water this week unless it has some juice in it.

Best Moment this Week: It was exciting to find out that I was 1cm dilated. Although I could stay that way for weeks, it was just a sign that things are beginning to happen! I also got to attend the Breastfeeding class, just up at the hospital!

Worst Moment this Week: On Sunday, Weston must have been on my sciatic nerve because I had some intense hip and leg pain,

What am I looking forward to: Having this entire week of from work for Thanksgiving break! I'm also looking forward to having a meet and greet with a pediatrician on Monday and going to Nativiti to get checked again!

36 weeks, 3 days

Today I went to my 36 week appointment at Nativiti. I saw Katherine and she measured me and we listened to Weston's heartbeat. Everything is measuring well and he had a nice strong heartbeat. His back is curved along my right side with his legs up near my ribs on the left and his head down. When I labor, I need to labor on my left side, on my hands and knees, or in forward leaning positions to encourage Weston to turn his back towards the front and not towards my back which could end up with back labor. We also discussed my birth plan, including who would be in the room, which room I would prefer, whether or not photos being taken in the room was okay with me, and if Justin wanted to be involved in catching Weston and cutting the cord. It was amazing and exciting to be answering these types of questions! Katherine also checked me internally and I am 1cm dilated this week. My next appointment is Monday so we will see what the news is then! I'm officially going to appointments every week now! We only have 25 days left until December 11th, although I may have given Weston permission to make his debut anytime after December 4th. I'm sure he'll be a very obedient little boy and follow all of my directions on this matter!

36 weeks!

How far along: 36 weeks and 4 weeks until our due date!

How big is baby: According to the Bump, Weston is about the size of a honeydew during weeks 33 - 36. Average size is 17.2 - 18.7 inches and 4.2- 5.8 pounds! His senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through my (extremely) stretched belly, his tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, he can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing lullabies! Growth (at least inside the womb) is starting to slow, and I may notice baby descend into the pelvis at the end of this month.

Weight Loss/Gain: Up 29 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: Yep although some things aren't as comfortable as they used to be!

Next appointment: Tuesday, November 16th and then I start going every week!

Movement: He's still moving all around. I wish I could see him and see what he's doing.

Food cravings: I'm trying to focus on keeping my protein intake high and not just eat cookies and cupcakes as they show up at work.

Food aversions: I haven't been in the mood to drink water this week unless it has some juice in it.

Best Moment this Week: I got Weston's baby book in the mail and started working on filling in some of the pages. I splurged on one from Etsy, but I really liked it!

Worst Moment this Week: I was bummed out because our Breastfeeding Class was canceled as we were the only ones registered. I was also sick for most of the week.

What am I looking forward to:I have one more week of work and then I have the entire week of Thanksgiving off! After that, we're headed into December and getting closer to Weston's arrival!

35/35!

How far along: 35 weeks and only 35 days until due date!

How big is baby: According to the Bump, Weston is about the size of a honeydew during weeks 33 - 36. Average size is 17.2 - 18.7 inches and 4.2- 5.8 pounds! His senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through my (extremely) stretched belly, his tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, he can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing lullabies! Growth (at least inside the womb) is starting to slow, and I may notice baby descend into the pelvis at the end of this month.

Weight Loss/Gain: Up 27 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: Yep although some things aren't as comfortable as they used to be!

Next appointment: Tuesday, November 16th and then I start going every week!

Movement: He's definitely still moving and shaking! He kept me awake one night last week with his activity.

Food cravings: Still trying to be good with the sweets. I blame all the Halloween candy that has been around.

Food aversions: Not this week!

Best Moment this Week: I had a baby shower at school and everyone was so generous. It was really touching to know so many people are excited about Weston's arrival! Plus, Justin got to come!

Worst Moment this Week: Had another bloody nose which isn't too bad, but is something I never really dealt with before pregnancy.

What am I looking forward to: Breastfeeding class this week. I'm really interested in learning more so I can be best prepared for success in this area!