It’s such a cliché, but time really is just flying by! I’ve been keeping busy between work & Christmas, so I feel like I’ve barely had time to blink since the last update. Everywhere I turn, I’m reminded that I’m getting closer & closer to the finish line!
How Far Along: 34 Weeks
Due Date: February 6, 2014
Boy or girl: Baby boy
Baby’s Development:
Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (about the size of a cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers – which he’ll need to regulate his body temperature once he’s born – are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you’ve been nervous about preterm labor, you’ll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies. –via babycenter.com
Movement: Baby boy is still very active, and Shane finally got to feel him for the very first time the other day! He’s been trying for weeks but every time that he sits still long enough to try to feel the kicks, baby stops or moves or otherwise interferes. But this time he felt it clear as day and he was so excited!
The Bump:
Symptoms: I’m definitely walking with more of a waddle now, but for the most part I’m still doing alright. I just have to keep reminding myself to slow down- not as easy this time around with a 4 year old, but Shane has been very understanding. I’ve been very tired, but that may have just as much to do with the holiday season as it does the baby.
Cravings: Nothing specific, but I am not being shy about the holiday treats all over the place! I am making sure to eat healthy foods as well for baby, but I doubt I’ll ever be pregnant at Christmastime again so I’m taking the opportunity to eat plenty of treats for him.
Food aversions: Nothing that I don’t already avoid when I’m not pregnant.
What made me cry this week: This story about a woman who left a wish for her family as she was dying of cancer- and then the story of those wishes being granted this Christmas. That’s a sweet story to begin with but there’s an interesting twist involved that you just have to read.
Medical stuff/appointments: Last time I updated, I mentioned that baby boy was measuring quite a bit large & that we’d have to keep an eye on it. Luckily it appears that he had just had a major growth spurt a bit early because he was measuring right on target last week. His heart rate was still an impressive 158-160!
Something I am excited about: Since the nursery has finally been painted, I was able to go around the house collecting the clothing I’ve purchased for baby boy & putting it all in one place. Justin also pulled all of Shane’s hand-me-down items from the garage for me to go through. Now that Christmas is over, I intend on going through everything & deciding what to keep, what to donate and what to trash, and then organizing it into sizes, washing it all & putting it all away. You could say nesting has begun!
Something I am not so excited about: Remember a few weeks ago when I said I was excited that I was done with the yucky doctor visits because the blood work was behind me & I wouldn’t have to drink that glucose solution again? Okay, well, I may have forgotten about the Group B Strep Test &the whole, checking for progress thing. I have now run out of doctor visits where I get to keep my pants on. I find this very unfortunate, and now remember those blood draws with great fondness.
Baby purchases: Last weekend, we all went to Target & picked up a bookcase & a cute little cabinet for the baby’s room. His crib came last week & Justin put it together- it’s starting to feel like a nursery! We need to find a dresser that we like &then we’ll be done with furniture for his room- then I can work on the decorations!
Shane’s Thoughts: Shane was a bit more focused on Christmas than anything else this week {I think we all were}, and I totally can’t blame him. As I mentioned, he did get to feel baby brother kicking so I think that made it a bit more real for him. I can’t believe we only have a few short weeks left as a family of 3!
Read More:
Weeks 29-31
Weeks 26 – 28
Weeks 24 & 25
Weeks 22 & 23 Update
Gender Reveal
Week 20 & 21 Update
Week 19 Update
Week 18 Update
Week 17 Update
Week 16 Update
Week 15 Update
Week 14 Update
Week 13 Update
Week 12 Update
Week 11 Update
Week 10 Update
Pregnancy Reveal
Did you do anything special for your kids to prepare them for a younger sibling?
Stefanie says
You’re almost there! Your pregnancy flew by!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
Love your bump – you are almost there!
Angela says
I imagine the combination of pregnancy and the holiday season has you pretty tired. I’m glad you are otherwise doing well.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
That is great that Shane got to feel the baby move. That had to be so exciting for him.