34 Weeks

Ready for another baby update? We saw Merrie last Thursday and all seems to be well. The baby is growing steadily. I am still measuring about a week and a half bigger than I should, but at least he's consistent. Merrie said that it felt like I had a lot of fluid, so that is probably contributing to my larger size. Also, this baby is carrying completely up front so I look GIGANTIC. If one more person tells me how big I look or how I don't look like I can handle another 5 weeks, it's gonna get ugly!! The heartbeat check was good. He is responsive and active and healthy. I am feeling pretty good. I am getting increasingly more uncomfortable, but it's not unbearable yet. I am also hot ALL THE TIME!!! My Braxton Hicks are getting pretty wicked, and I've had a few small contractions, but nothing major. I have been drinking my protein shakes religiously and have also been taking LOTS of vitamins. I've added a few supplements to my collection for my last trimester! Merrie will come again next Monday and then I will start to see her every week.
Joel spent this last weekend painting and hanging chair rail in the baby's room. It looks terrific! We have to cover up the nails in the chair rail and put up border and the room will be complete. That should be done by the end of the week. I'll post pictures as soon as we finish it. After that, the only thing left to do is wait!
Our baby this week.....Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds 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. 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.