Preggo Update - Week 34

Conner:
Size - Conner is about 18 inches long and weighs apx. 4.7 pounds!

Activity – Conner is getting a little cramped in there I think. He isn’t moving around quite as much, I am feeling more general movements than kicks and rolls. When he does decide to roll over, my entire belly moves. He is definitely getting larger!

Labor signs – A few contractions here and there. Mostly when I am active after relaxing for awhile or when I am walking. Nothing that is turning into a pattern, but they are getting stronger.

Conner is pretty much gaining weight at this point. He is very close to being fully developed and if he were to be born between now and my due date, there would be minimal risk. His lungs are developed, he move his eyes, mouth and nose, his nervous system is developed and his bones are strong. He is just kicking back right now and waiting for the big day! We had our 34 week ultrasound last week and all is great with Conner. He received an 8/8 health score for fetal movement, amount of fluid, muscle tone, and heart rate. He is measuring right where he should be for a 34 week gestation but his head is a little big – 80th percentile. So mama might have a little harder time with him on “labor day” but I am not too worried. I am tough. Otherwise we received all great news about Conner and we even got the chance to see his face via 3D technology. He is beautiful.

Me:
Size – At this point, my belly is so big I feel that everything else is getting smaller. I am wearing a ½ size larger shoe size and my wedding ring has taken permanent residence on a chain around my neck. I am looking really pregnant – like REALLY pregnant.

What I am wearing Well, I am trying not to leave the house unless I absolutely have to, so my outfits mostly consist of a ponytail and sweats. If I absolutely have to step out, I try. I do try. I am still wearing all the same stuff. Luckily it is starting to warm up here a little, so I don’t have to bundle up quite as much. I light scarf and a cardigan has kept me warm the past few weeks. I even sported a pair of flip flops and capris yesterday!

Strange stuff – I am never hungry. Instead of normal hunger pains, I feel nausea. When that happens I realize that I need to eat. Granted, I rarely get to that point as I try to eat every couple of hours and I drink a ridiculous amount of water – and I am thinking the water may have something to do with my lack of tummy grumbles. (Great tip to remember for after breastfeeding and wanting to lose some weight!) I have been getting wicked heartburn if I eat greasy food, so that is working to my advantage as well. As long as I stick to healthy whole foods, I don’t have too many problems.

Food cravings – the entire bakery at the grocery store, pineapple, water, and pizza hut breadsticks

Status of belly button – a visible outie now!

What I miss – working in the yard, being able to lift and move things, a clean house, skinny thighs, cheekbones, my hammock, and a poop free backyard (it really does accumulate over an entire winter)

In General:
Best movement this week – Like I said, Conner is beginning to become a little quieter. I can definitely still feel him moving around, but nothing too crazy. I do love feeling his little tiny leg bones and feet move across my tummy…

Most looking forward to – New baby smell… I used some of his J&J shampoo for my bubble bath last night and it was the best smell in the world. I just adore that scent and it reminds me of everything tiny, precious, and warm.

Words to live by –Take some advice with a grain of salt and allow yourself your own experience. A lot of people have been feeling the freedom to explain in gruesome detail exactly how my pregnancy and birth and first 6 weeks will go. I appreciate the advice if it is asked for, but for total strangers coming up to you in the grocery store or in line at the pharmacy – the details are not welcome. I also think that a new golden rule should be established for all - if I don’t talk to you about my pregnancy, birth, etc… I don’t want to hear about yours (or your daughter’s, or your granddaughter’s) you get the idea. Sometimes, just because you communicate with someone- boundaries need to be respected. Just because I am pregnant does not give you full reign to comment on the status of my health, my size, personal choices, or my child’s health. Sorry, this is a huge soapbox issue for me. I can’t stand nosy and overly opinionated women. Just be happy for me and keep it to yourself… thanks!

Milestones – I just have so much to say about this. I am feeling like a totally new, or maybe redesigned, woman. I think it has sunk in that I am going to be a mommy and there will be a baby in our house. I feel my patience has been strengthened, my need for perfection has loosened, and my desire to be home with my family has increased. I feel less focused on myself and more focused on the big picture. My imaginary happy place has shifted from me alone sipping a beer in my backyard in the dead of summer to me working in the yard with Conner in his stroller and daddy coming home and giving us both a big kiss – still summertime. I go there a lot… it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. Mostly because it will come true.

Remember my entry titled “Lucky Duck”… well, I am still in awe of Dave. I won’t go into too much detail as he prefers I tell him to his face and not through my blog, but he is amazing. I picked the perfect person to start a family with. I am completely convinced of that. I have never known a man to be so supportive, kind, understanding, and accommodating. Not only is he an amazing husband, but he will be an incredible father. I have no doubt in my mind.

So now we wait. All I have left to do is pack my hospital bag, wash Conner’s clothes and bedding, pre-register at the hospital, and have the car seat inspected. I have 2 Lamaze classes left to attend (one of which is tonight), an infant survival class, and a breastfeeding class. I only have 5 doctor appointments scheduled until my due date. I cannot believe that I am getting so close. I cannot believe it!

Peace,
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