38

I had my 38 week check-up yesterday... I lost 4.5lbs (totally thought I would have gained, thanks to Halloween treats!), BP was good though, and Jack's heart rate was still around 150. He did a membrane sweep and said I was 1cm, but that my cervix wasn't very soft — considering it is my third baby! Geesh.. that is not what I want to hear! I had a lot of cramping yesterday, nothing regular though, and more today. We'll see if it kick-starts anything in the next few days! I just know that I REALLY don't want to be late again. It's frustrating!

Yesterday was Ben & Daisy's last day of daycare and I took advantage of having the house to myself.. laundry, taking down decorations, set up the crib in Daisy's room. Yes, I was nesting big time!

Here is me & my pumpkin on Halloween night :)

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!)

30 weeks

Week 30 / 7.5 months — Squash! Average fetus 15.2" to 16.7", 2.5 to 3.8lbs. Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though — as you’ve also probably noticed — they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

It's been a busy 8 weeks since I posted last.. we went on a family camping trip, enjoyed our backyard and perks of our garden, visited with family & friends, worked and completed the new nursery & Ben's new room!

Yesterday was my official 30 weeks and I can't believe the due date is just 10 weeks away. My last check-up was great, baby growing right on track and still moving lots. This Wednesday I have to go do my 1 hour diabetes test, hoping I pass with flying colours and avoid the horrible 3 hour test. Fingers crossed! Then next Monday I go for my check-up and see the baby again!

We have also named the baby boy! How he got named is a funny story and we are so excited to meet little Jack! When we left the ultrasound, Ben said that he was going to be naming his brother Jack Sparrow. He is pirate obsessed lately, and even though he has never seen the movies, he DOES know that Jack Sparrow is a pirate! So, the name has stuck and as it turns out, my great great Grandpa was named Jack! I thought it was Joseph, but it was Jack Joseph! Jack will be both named by his brother and be passing down a family name! Coming up with a middle name is a whole other story.. taking suggestions! If you ask Ben now what his brother will be named, he says Jack Sparrow Indiana Jones :P

I have to take a recent belly shot, but here I am a few weeks ago when Mike & I got to go to Seattle for a night. Some of my maternity clothes are even getting snug this time around.


Lastly, here is the new room that Daisy & Jack will be sharing. The bookshelf will be moved into the playroom and the rocking chair will go into the living room to make room for the other crib. I have just a few more things to get, wash clothes and pack the bags, but mostly we are just waiting on Jack!

It's a boy!

Yesterday was my ultrasound — and it was great! Baby is measuring great, bigger than 21/22 weeks actually, but that can change. Looks healthy and a-ok — and it's a boy!

This picture was printed out just for Ben — he is so happy to be getting a brother!
He was right ;)

21.5 weeks!

Week 21 — Papaya! Average fetus 10.5 to 11.8", 12.7 to 20.8oz. Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

Monday was my 4 week check-up and everything is a-ok! Heartrate was 144, nice and steady. The baby was moving up a storm, not holding still for the doctor to look at much other than seeing the heartbeat! Nice and healthy, a perfect baby he said. YAY! I feel movements more often, like right now LOL! Getting bigger and stronger everyday. Mike felt the baby kick on Canada Day, too!

Tomorrow is THE BIG DAY! So excited for the ultrasound.. and even more excited that Mom gets to come with us! They came home early from their camping trip, so she is going to tag along and see #3 :) She saw one wee ultrasound of Daisy at a doctor appointment, but the BIG ultrasound is much more detailed and thorough. Plus if we are able to find out the gender it will make it even more exciting for all of us! #3 has to have something special, too!!

Ben says 100% positively a brother, but would *maybe* love a sister if he got one. We'll see! I am prepared to not be able to find out (again!) but would love to know... I gotta prepare Ben a little bit :P

16 weeks

This morning was my 16 week check-up. It was so far the most exciting one :) Gained a few pounds, not a big deal, blood pressure was good.

The heartbeat was detected right away and was so nice to hear. A steady healthy sounding beat.. awesome. When he did the ultrasound, I couldn't believe how much it's grown in four weeks! You sure do forget the details.. The way the baby was positioned, we were able to see it face on. It had it's legs tucked into it's chest, an arm stretched over it's head and you could see it open and close it's mouth. Then it got all bendy and a leg stretched waaaaay up. So neat to see!

My big ultrasound is July 10th, where I will get to keep pictures of it. Mike is meeting me there with the kids, so they will get to come in at the end and see their baby sibling, too! Perhaps it will show us the bits and we can find out who is in this belly!