37 weeks

Week 37 to Delivery: Watermelon! Average size 18.9 to 20.9", 6.2 to 9.2lbs. At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.

I had my 37 week check-up this morning, and everything is looking on schedule. BP was fine (amazing after a hellish weekend of parenting!) and his heart rate was 150. The kids came with me and were good as gold, Ben loved hearing Jack's heart beat, and seeing him on the monitor for the ultrasound.

Next Monday I go for another check-up, hopefully my lab results will be back and will confirm that all is well. He is also going to a membrane "sweep", see if things can get moving along. I have had this done with Daisy, but at 40 weeks, and nothing happened right away. BUT he knows I am done, baby is done, and if it makes it "on time", then GREAT!!

34(.5) weeks

Week 33-36 — 8 months: Honeydew! Average size 17.2 to 18.7". 4.2 to 5.8lb. Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.

So, officially just 38 days until my due date. Not that it means anything, could be more or less. Wouldn't it be wonderful for it to happen on that day?! No waiting, hoping every day, going later & later. Wishful thinking.

I am starting to really slow down, but I have to. Ben has been designated my official helper, which he does most of the time. I need all the help I can get some days, even if it's just picking stuff up off of the floor. Bribes work!

Things are coming together in terms of getting everything ready for Jack's arrival. I have the crib (just have to set it up, maybe in the next week) and wash the last of his clothing, the car seat cover, etc. I need to pack the bags, too. A few things needed for that.

Jack moves around so much still, making me jump at times at how hard he can kick. I am so curious how big he is going to be, bigger than Daisy? I hope not too much bigger! She was 8lb 10oz!

My next doctor appt is the 19th, a week later because of the holiday, so we'll see what he says! At the last visit, he was in the right position, but not "engaged". I can tell he is dropping, more pressure, etc. Trying to make my list of things to do, who to call when the big event happens, my back up emergency list for my sister (in case Mom & Dad can't get here in time). All of this is more just peace of mind for myself more than anything.

I have added a baby pool ticker-thing, for people to take guesses on Jack's arrival, weight, etc!

(Playing around with some photoshop techniques for an upcoming project!)