37 weeks

Today was my 37 week check-up and it's all good again. I am still just a good 1cm dilated but am now about 30% effaced, so it shows there is some progress from last week, yay! The dr also said that since my cervix is very very soft that it will help me dilate quicker and easier, so that was nice to hear since that didn't happen with Robert. That is all the news for now...will write more after my next appt in 1 week. Oh, and today my belly was measuring right on, so maybe he won't be as big as we were thinking...I still think he'll be well over 8lbs but probably not a 10lb-er :)

BP: 120/60 mmHg
Wt gain: 2lbs since last week (30lbs total)
Dilation: a good 1cm
Effacement: 30%

Nursery

I am so happy the nursery is basically finished now. Still have a little bit of organizing to do and would like to get a comfy chair for the corner of the room (the bassinet/co-sleeper is going in our bedroom), but it is pretty much ready for a baby! The crib and dresser/changing table were bought used and I did the "mural" to match the bedding, so it was pretty inexpensive to put together...and I had fun :) Robert's nursery was all light blue, navy, and white so I wanted something more colorful this time. And if you didn't know, we are naming the baby Sean Steven Malby.

36 weeks

Just got back from my appt this morning. The dr said I am a good 1cm dilated, not yet effaced but a very soft cervix. I never had any type of early progress with Robert so I'm hoping this will translate into a quicker, sooner-than-later delivery! I mentioned to her that I haven't felt the baby move as much since yesterday so she had me do an NST (non-stress test), where they monitor the baby's movements and heartrate for 20 min...that turned out normal so I guess he has just been relaxing more. I am sure he is really cramped in there by now! I have had lots of Braxton Hicks contractions every day for weeks now and I know that helps to get things going, so we'll see if I've made any more progress by next appt in 1 week!

Oh, and lately I have had a little more energy than usual. I still get exhausted at times but some nights I've been up past 2 or 3am!! I fall asleep within minutes of forcing myself to get in bed but for some reason I feel like I can stay awake all night...all of this really makes me believe the baby is getting ready to make his entrance soon...I can't stop trying to organize and get things ready...I'm running out of time! At least I finally bought some diapers and wipes!!

Wt gain since last appt: 3 lbs (total of 28 lbs)
BP: 120/60
Dilation: 1cm

Pics I took a couple nights ago...
Side view...

View from above...really sticking out there!

Front view...woah!

35 wks

Well we have been really busy getting everything ready for the new baby lately. We now have a crib, finally got a changing table/dresser on Monday, and I found a great deal on a brand new Arm's Reach co-sleeper/bassinet...this one will hold a baby up to 23lbs where most only have a limit of 15lbs (and Robert was 15lbs right at 2mos, so that wouldn't do us much good). There are only a few small things we need to pick up now (diapers, wipes, etc). And I still have to get Robert's baby clothes out, organize everything, finish the nursery, and pack a hospital bag...and I'm sure there are several things I'm forgetting!! Ok now it sounds like a lot and my mind is getting chaotic again!

We had our taxes done yesterday and met with a new pediatrician. It is a small office with 2 dr's - a younger woman and an older man and they both seem great! We specifically met with the younger doc and she is working with us on a better vaccine schedule...we are a little wary of the ridiculous schedule the government demands, so we are doing no more than 2 shots at a time and they will be delayed at least until 2 months. (I have been studying up on all the vaccines, ingredients, etc etc etc and feel like I'm back in college...a ton of information but it's important to be fully informed to make the best decisions for our family.) The dr's there don't like to just medicate kids for everthing and seem really intelligent and caring. I think we will be happy taking both our kids there.

Well that is all for now...my next appt is next Tuesday. Robert's 3rd bday is tomorrow!! We are having a small but sure to be fun Transformers birthday party for him on Saturday! He is excited, as he LOVES Transformers/robots.

34 weeks

Robert's mom, Diane, had a baby shower for us Saturday 1/24! We were amazed at the great gifts we received and are extremely grateful. That same day I noticed how much it feels like my belly has grown so I wasn't completely surprised when the dr said I measured large at my 33 wk appt.

Well today was the ultrasound to measure the baby...and he is BIG! He's not "too" big where they're too concerned but both Robert and I just have a feeling he'll be at least 9 1/2 lbs around my due date. The dr said I might have another scan done before I'm due to see where he's at then, but I'm just hoping he decides to arrive between 38 and 40 weeks on his own. His head is measuring a little large so this one probably has more of daddy's head :) Robert's mom said when he was a baby that once he could sit, if his head leaned a little to one side he would plop over from the size and weight of it!! The ultrasound machine estimated the baby's weight to be around 5lb 12oz now and almost 2 weeks ahead of my due date!! We'll just have to wait and see but I really don't want to go past March 13th!!

Here's a 4D picture the sono tech printed for us...hope you can make out his face!! I think he's sleeping.



And here's my belly at 32 wks on 1/21...


My poor back and pelvic joints are so achy lately!! Sometimes it feels like he's going to just fall right out!! I think I'm done being pregnant now.