36 Weeks

  Our sister-in-law, Amanda was sweet enough to come up and take some maternity photos for us this weekend.  She's been working hard on editing, but here are a few sneak peeks she sent me.  I can't wait to see the rest!  THANKS AMANDA!

 

We had our regular doctor's appointment today and everything is looking good.  I was really hoping for there to be just a little bit of progress since I know we are nearing the end, but nope.  Nothing, zilch, zero, nada.  I have to admit, I want our little man to cook a couple more weeks but it would have just a little bit of progress.  

 

I think what scared me even more is that he is now measuring two weeks ahead which would explain why I am HUGE.  My doctor brought up the idea of induction again because of his size.  I would really like him to come when he's ready, but if an induction at 39 weeks reduces the risk of a c-section at 40 weeks I'll take it.  I have another growth ultrasound in two weeks to determine his size at that point, then we will make a decision.  Come on Grady, just come out at 38 weeks then we won't have to worry about this!!  Please!? =) 

Picture: 

What's going on: 

How your baby's growing:

"Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.
At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position. But if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly."

How I'm feeling: 

Like this -- 

Okay, maybe not as bad as Kate Gosselin, but at least she had an excuse.  She had six in there.  I've only got one linebacker and I feel enormous.  Honestly, I feel like the only place I don't get stared at like I'm part of a freak show is the doctor's office and Babies R Us.  The stares from strangers make me super uncomfortable so I'd rather just stay home.  On top of that, most of my maternity clothes are getting too small.  That's a problem.  I cannot wait to get back into my normal clothes again and shop in a regular store.  Ahhhh, can you tell I'm antsy?  I love you Grady, and mommy wants you to cook two more weeks, but then you're getting your eviction notice. 

Cravings/Aversions:  I've been craving pineapple this week.  I'm not sure if it's just because it's in season and delicious right now or if it's because I've read pineapple can soften the cervix.  Hmmmm, TMI maybe?  Regardless, I'm loving pineapple these days.  =)

Weight gain:  You don't even want to know.  I almost threw up at the doctor's office today.  +29, WHAT!?  

Next appointment:  We are now going to the doctor weekly.  Our next appointment is Tuesday, May 3rd.