37 Week Updates

Had my second internal and the growth ultrasound today. The dr is now estimating Brendan to be about 7lb 2oz, give or take a pound. I was like, um, that sounds kind of big at 37 weeks but the dr didn't seem worried. I asked if she could tell whether or not he had a big head and she said he's so far down it's hard to get an accurate measurement. On the plus side, she said if there were any issues he wouldn't be as far down as he is so she thinks I'll have a nice vaginal birth.

I'm 100% effaced and like I said his head is nice and low. Still not dilated at all but I'm happy that I have any progress at all. I said if this baby is anything like his father he'll be making a late appearance but she said she wouldn't be surprised if I go early. Of course, in the next breath she said - but you could go past your due date. That's the problem with these babies, they just don't let you plan anything. Everything has to be a big surprise.

He was quiet Monday and Tuesday and of course I was worried that something was wrong. He was moving, just not as maniacally or often as he usually does. Today he more than made up for it. Apparently he was just resting up so he could torture me. Oh. my. God. He has not stopped moving. Digging his bony little heel into my uterus in the same spot over and over again. I keep pushing him back but that doesn't seem to be making any difference whatsoever. I think he's kind of pissed about the dr poking him with the ultrasound wand. She was really pushing down on my belly to get those measurements. Since he can't retaliate against her I guess he figures he might as well take it out on me. Thanks kid!

Here's a picture of my belly that we took on Sunday at 37 weeks. The belly button hasn't officially popped out yet. It's flat and has a little lip on top that pokes through my shirts so it looks like I have an outtie. Just another example of my red hot sexiness. ;)



37 Weeks 3 Days (18 days until my due date!)

37 Weeks

Holy crap, I cannot believe that my due date is only three weeks away!! I started my weekly appointments last week and had my first internal. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Uncomfortable, yes, but the dr was mercifully quick about it. My cervix is still shut tight like Fort Knox but the baby is head down (good boy!) and nice and low. She is going to do another growth ultrasound this week to see how big Brendan is getting. I LOVE that my dr does so many ultrasounds. This will be my seventh (the first few were because of the blood clot). I'm excited to see him again.

He must be so squished in there, poor guy. He doesn't kick anymore, just squirms around and jabs me with something bony - I'm guessing his little foot. The other night I was sitting up in bed and rested a bottle of Maalox on my belly. He didn't like that one bit so he just kept pushing up against it until he knocked it off. Of course, being the pain in the ass that I am, I kept doing it. Kenny pointed out that the baby is keeping tabs and will most likely get me back after he's born. Not mommy's little angel! ;)

Our to do list is getting shorter but I'm still feeling overwhelmed with everything we need to get done before Brendan gets here. And I keep reminding Kenny that the baby isn't going to wait until we're ready, he can come anytime within the next four weeks. To which Kenny usually replies with something to the effect of, let's hit rewind on this project, we need more time. LOL. Yeah, not going to happen.

I'll try and get a belly pic up this week. It's really quite enormous. A lot of people comment that I'm carrying small which seems crazy to me. I was sitting on the bed putting makeup on yesterday and noticed that my stomach makes a nice shelf for my boobs to rest on. I am a sexy, sexy lady. Don't be jealous.

37 Weeks

35 Weeks

Getting closer! He'll be here anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks which is just craziness. We still have so much to do around the house to prepare.

Mom put together a wonderful baby shower for me on Sunday. Who knew it would be around 100 degrees out?! We were at tables under canopies so it was shaded but good Lord it was hot!! There's something about me and big events that makes the weather very uncooperative - don't need to remind those of you who went to my wedding what lovely weather we had that day! Anyway, everybody was very generous and we received so many of our big-ticket items which is a big relief because that's less $$ we need to spend. Now I just need to remember to get those thank you cards out.

The heat wave is bringing some serious swelling (see exhibit A). I'm a full-time flip flop wearer at this point since nothing else fits comfortably over my sausage feet. The extra fluid has this fascinating ability to retain the shape of anything that touches my lower legs, ankles and feet. I just keep reminding myself, only a few more weeks to go...

Since I'm pretty much always complaining I've created a list of things I'll miss about being pregnant. Here goes:

~ Feeling the baby's kicks/punches/constant hiccups
~ Sympathetic strangers who go out of their way to hold doors for me
~ Eating ice cream every night with no guilt whatsoever
~ Gaining massive weight and being told by my dr that this is a good thing
~ The bliss of not knowing exactly what labor will feel like
~ Quiet nights

Internals and weekly appointments start next week, oh what fun! I have to keep reminding myself not to get excited if I'm making progress because it could mean absolutely nothing. There are women who walk around dilated for weeks and then there are women who are closed up tight at their appointment and end up going into labor that night. I'll just keep hoping he comes sooner rather than later!

35 Weeks 2 Days

Exhibit A: