Time is flying by — cliché, but true. Between work and the holidays I’ve hardly had a moment to pause since my last update. Everywhere I look I’m reminded we’re getting 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 after birth — are filling him out and making him rounder. His skin is smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs continue to develop. Babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do well: they may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may face a few short-term 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. Shane finally felt him for the first time the other day — he’d been trying for weeks but the baby would stop or move whenever Shane sat very still. This time the kick was clear and Shane was so excited.
The Bump:
Symptoms: I’m walking with more of a waddle now, but overall I’m doing okay. I keep reminding myself to slow down — not easy with a four-year-old — but Shane has been understanding. I’ve felt very tired lately, which is probably a mix of pregnancy and the busy holiday season.
Cravings: No specific cravings, but I haven’t been shy about enjoying holiday treats. I’m still making sure to eat nutritious foods for the baby, but I doubt I’ll ever be pregnant at Christmastime again, so I’m allowing myself to savor the sweets while I can.
Food aversions: Nothing beyond the usual things I avoid when not pregnant.
What made me cry this week: A story about a woman who left a wish for her family as she was dying of cancer — and about those wishes being granted at Christmas. It’s a touching story with an unexpected twist that really moved me.
Medical stuff/appointments: At my last update baby boy was measuring on the large side, so we were keeping an eye on growth. Luckily, it looks like he had a big growth spurt early; last week he was measuring right on target. His heart rate remained a healthy 158–160.
Something I am excited about: Now that the nursery is painted I’ve gathered all the clothes I bought for the baby and put them in one place. Justin also pulled out Shane’s hand-me-downs from the garage for me to sort. Once the holidays are over I plan to go through everything, decide what to keep or donate, wash and organize by size — so yes, nesting is officially underway.
Something I am not so excited about: A few weeks ago I was relieved to be done with blood draws and the glucose test. I forgot about the Group B Strep test and the routine checks that follow — so I’m back to more doctor visits that aren’t as pleasant. I’m suddenly nostalgic for those blood draws I complained about earlier.
Baby purchases: Last weekend we went to Target and picked up a bookcase and a small cabinet for the nursery. The crib arrived last week and Justin assembled it — it’s starting to feel like a real nursery. We still need to find a dresser, then the furniture will be set and I can focus on decorations.
Shane’s Thoughts: Shane was mostly focused on Christmas this week — as were we all — which is understandable. Feeling baby brother kick made things more real for him. I can’t believe we only have a few short weeks left as a family of three.
Read More:
Weeks 29–31
Weeks 26–28
Weeks 24 & 25
Weeks 22 & 23
Gender Reveal
Weeks 20 & 21
Week 19
Week 18
Week 17
Week 16
Week 15
Week 14
Week 13
Week 12
Week 11
Week 10
Pregnancy Reveal
Did you do anything special to prepare your children for a younger sibling?
