Full Term! 37 Weeks Doctor's Visit and Update!

Doctor's Visit:

 

Blood Pressure: 120/60

 

Iron: Didn't have to take it because I was 11.7 last week!

Fetal Heartbeat: 140 aka "perfect" -- and no, that's not just me being a proud momma...the doctor said it was so! :)

 

Weight:  Gained 20 lbs -- The nurse said that I should be proud of that...I'm more interested to see how much I weigh when I leave the hospital..then I will decide if I am happy or not! :)

 

Dr. Alarcon talked about how I was full term and so if I went into labor at this point, they would not try to stop it. He also explained that they try not to induce 1st time mom's. He said that if I had not delivered by the 16th that they would wait a week before inducing.  He also reviewed symptoms of labor.

Next visit: Next Wed (38 weeks) with Dr. Bauer

37 Week Update (21 days!)

Baby's size: Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel. She is now the size of a watermelon! :)

Baby's development:  Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. 
Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.


Best of the week: Bella Rose responding to Chris' voice. She also moved towards the light when Chris put a flashlight on my tummy (this was not comfortable..so we don't play that game anymore).  Folding and storing the last bit of baby laundry.  Sitting in the glider and thinking about being a mommy! Seeing pictures of other people's babies and getting super excited!

Worst of the week: Being sleepy and lethargic when I know that I have a lot to do! :) Having to change positions frequently just to "get comfortable".

Side Effects: Sleep is a foreign word.  I am super tired around 5ish...then get a second wind around 8. I try to lay down for bed around 10 but I end up only getting around 4-5 hours of actual sleep due to tossing, turning, and bathroom runs.  Also, one of my ribs is hurting continuously..I think someone is a fighter! :)

Cravings: Pizza!!

Anticipating: Installing the car seat and getting the suitcase in the trunk of the car! Taking some more maternity pics this weekend!

Here are this week's goals:

• Continue writing letters to Bella in my pregnancy journal -- I wrote several last week!
• Continue filling out my pregnancy album
• Read our new parent devotional
• Finish reading BabyWise
• Finish packing for the hospital
• Install car seat
• Thank you cards

 

Maternity Photo Shoot

Wouldn't you know that our camera died a few weeks ago!? So, in addition to all of the baby stuff we had to buy...we also purchased a new camera! We hope that having a semi-professional camera will open doors for Chris to pursue his photography interests. 

In an effort to save money, we decided to take our own maternity photos.  Chris did an excellent job! It was freezing cold at Kennesaw Battlefield Park yesterday...but we made the most of it!  Hope you enjoy!

36 Week Doctor's Appointment

So from here on out I will be going to the doctor every week! The time is nearing!! :)

Blood pressure: 120/80

Iron: Up from 10.3 to 11.7 (whoo hoo!)

Weight: Gained 1 lb for a total of 17 lbs throughout the pregnancy

Uterus measurement: over 36 cm (a little ahead of schedule)

Bella's Weight: Approximately 6 lbs

Bella's Heart Rate: Normal

Other procedures: They did a Group B test. They also examined my cervix.  I am not dilated, but Bella Rose's head is down and ready to go! I'm so thankful that she isn't breech!  He did say that my cervix is long, lean, and slightly tilted. 

Doctor's Info: I will start weekly visits.  I will not have another ultrasound unless there is a complication.  I will not have any more tests performed before the birth. I will not be induced unless I develop high blood pressure, another complication, or go over 41 weeks.  As of right now, I appear to be planning a vaginal delivery! :)

Next appointment: Tuesday!

36 Weeks!!!

28 Days Left! She will be here before I know it!

Baby's size: Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long

Baby's development:  She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Baby should soon descend into your pelvis, which will give your lungs a little room to breathe (literally). The bad news: This puts the brunt of baby's weight on your hips and pelvis, and will make them pretty sore. Add in your ever-loosening ligaments, and you may soon be taking on that oh-so-adorable pregnancy waddle.

Best of the week: Going shopping for the remaining items we needed for Bella Rose and the nursery.  Chris "preparing" the house for her.  Starting to pack my suitcase! Chris talking to Bella Rose every night!

Worst of the week: Feeling like Bella is going to come out of my belly button! :)  Struggling to get in and out of bed or up and down from the couch.

Side Effects: Sleep is limited -- averaging about 4-6 hours a night. Potty breaks are now every 1-2 hours.
Cravings: Sweets: cookies, ice cream

Anticipating: Finish packing a suitcase! Decorating the nursery!

Here are this week's goals:

Continue writing letters to Bella in my pregnancy journal -- I wrote several last week!
Continue filling out my pregnancy album
Read our new parent devotional
Finish reading BabyWise
Pack for the hospital
Install car seat
Thank you cards

A Safari Shower!

My fabulous friends from NWeds hosted a baby shower for me here in the Atlanta area. Brandy, Stephanie, Joy, Paula, and Jeneane did an awesome job bringing in Bella Rose's nursery theme to the shower! I hate that Jeneane wasn't able to be there b/c she was stuck in South Africa!  I'm so thankful for my friends that were able to attend!! From the entertaining games, amazing themed food, sweet diaper messages, to the kind presents...this shower made me feel so loved and honored! Love you all!



Awesome sign by Paula!



Yummy food that carried the theme throught! (Loved the Cougar Balls)

Delicious!

Diaper deco station!

Making Play-Doh babies!

My former co-workers from Lindley

The NWeds crew!

Leah and I baby bump!

My sweet hostesses!

35 Weeks!!!

33 Days Left!


Baby's size: Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that she's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same.
Baby's development: Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete — she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
Best of the week: So many things! 1. My Atlanta shower! I enjoyed spending time with my friends and having folks rub my belly! 2. Also, I enjoyed relaxing with Chris during our snow day!  3. Getting pampered by Chris. He loves to talk to Bella Rose when he gets home from work...and he always asks how she is doing when we talk on the phone! So cute!  4. Being back at work!
Worst of the week: Not being able to keep my eyes open.  Back aches from standing at work.
Side Effects: Still pretty sleepy and my ribs are starting to ache.
Cravings: Taco Bell

Anticipating: Packing a suitcase! Decorating the nursery! Picking up our remaining items for Bella!
Here are this week's goals:
Continue writing letters to Bella in my pregnancy journal -- I wrote several last week!

Buy the baby book I want from Books A Million

Continue filling out my pregnancy album

Read our new parent devotional

Finish reading pregnancy book (I did finally catch up to my current week) and BabyWise

Find curtains for the nursery

Start gather items that I need to pack for the hospital

Buy items still needed for nursery

Thank you cards

35 Week Picture:

34 Week Check up and Update

Doctor's Visit:

Blood Pressure: 117/76
Uterus Measurement: 35 cm (1 week ahead of schedule)
Iron: Still low (10.7 when it should be 12) -- they changed my iron supplement..so hopefully it will come up
Fetal Heartbeat: Her heart makes a tick tock sound!

Dr. Bauer went over all the risks of labor and delivery.  I had to sign an acknowledgement of the risks.  Chris was upset they called delivery a procedure...he thinks of it more as a miracle! :)

Overall, a good visit.

34 Week Update:

40 Days Left!

Baby's size: Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder.

Baby's development: Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her 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.
Best of the week: Talking with my cousin about childbirth and getting tips from them! :)  Also, having my 3 year old niece think the nursery was her dream world b/c she could be a pretend mommy there! Too cute!
Worst of the week: Little sleep due to my active girl! I'm so tired I now fall asleep anytime I sit on the couch to watch t.v.
Side Effects: Sleepy! Sleepy! Sleepy!
Cravings: Taco Bell
Anticipating: My last baby shower will be this weekend in the Atlanta area! I can't wait to catch up with my girlfriends!
Here are this week's goals:

Continue writing letters to Bella in my pregnancy journal -- I wrote several last week!
Buy the baby book I want from Books A Million
Continue filling out my pregnancy album
Read our new parent devotional
Finish reading pregnancy book (I did finally catch up to my current week) and BabyWise
Find curtains for the nursery
Start gather items that I need to pack for the hospital
Buy items still needed for nursery
Thank you cards

Items Accomplished:

Finalized photographer

Tummy pic: