Some things are better left unsaid.

Yesterday afternoon I went for a walk with my friend and her Mom. I know them both quite well and they are really kind people. Although, the situation that unfolded was a prime example of the fact that some things are definitely better left unsaid!

When I first met them, my friend's Mom said to me, "Oh my goodness, you are HUGE!" I agreed with her and laughed it off. It probably would have been okay if that had been the end of it, but she spent the whole 2 hour walk telling me how HUMUNGOUS I was and she just couldn't believe how BIG my belly had grown.

She is a really sweet lady and I know she didn't mean any harm. Her daughter (my friend) may weigh 100 pounds soaking wet, so of course I look big next to her! Plus, my friend had her baby at 36 weeks, so I'm almost 2 weeks further than she was at her biggest.

Anyway, I think the whole situation gave me a bit of a complex! I wasn't feeling that large beforehand, but last night all I could think about was how big I actually am, how much weight I have gained, and how I must look to others. I just have to remind myself that I am healthy and the baby is healthy and that's what is really important.

Today's appointment

I had a midwife appointment today (I feel like I am always going there now! Although, once a week is quite often, so that's probably why).

Here are the stats:

Me: No more weight gain (yes!); blood pressure a little higher than usual, but still totally normal.

Baby: Heart rate was 128 beats per minute (much lower than last time, but maybe baby was sleeping or resting); head is lower down in my pelvis, but still not engaged; baby's back is still on my right side with arms and legs on the left side.

There is still 2.5 weeks until baby's due date, but I was curious so I asked about Joanne's policy regarding overdue babies. Basically, up until my due date, it's just waiting (and hoping!!!) that it happens naturally.

At 40 weeks, 3 days, she will order a non-stress test to see how the baby is doing. At 41 weeks, she orders an ultrasound to check on fluid levels and health of the placenta. At 42 weeks, it's time for a medical induction.

I would love it if the baby decided to come in maybe ... a week to ten days ... that would be just perfect! .... If only it was up to me to decide. ;)

Sam and Ryder

Yesterday afternoon I babysat for my friend Sonja. Her baby boy is 6.5 months old and his name is Sam (he's very cute!).

Anyway, I had to go to the washroom, but I wasn't sure what to do with Sam. So, I just propped him up in the corner of the crib (he started crying when I layed him down).

When I came back into the room, this is what I found! I guess Ryder wanted to get a closer look .... he's going to get more than he bargained for when our little baby comes home and stays for good!

Ouch!

This may be too much information, but I am in pain ... specifically in the pubic bone region. I looked this up in one of my pregnancy books and apparently it's totally normal ... who knew?

The book says that there are actually three bones that make up the pubic bone. During pregnancy, they can separate to make room for the baby to come through. After delivery, the bones go back to where they are supposed to be and everything is fine.

So, it actually seems like a good thing that it is happening, but it definitely does not feel very good!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Today is our second wedding anniversary. We celebrated this past weekend with a trip to the Tigh-Na-Mara in Parksville. We stayed in a little log cabin so Ryder got to come along. We spent most of our time walking on the beach. It was so wonderful to get away and have it be just us for two whole days!

Two years ago, we were celebrating our marriage and now we are *weeks* away from welcoming our first baby into this world. :)

37 weeks!!! .... FULL-TERM!!!

Week Thirty-Seven

This week, the average size is about 6.3 pounds (2859gm) now and 19.1 inches (48.6cm) length.

She is official full term now but can still benefit from extra days in the womb.

Your baby continues to practice breathing movements. Isn't it amazing how she can breathe "under water?"

Grasp is firm now. It won't be long until you'll feel that strong little fist confidently grasping your finger (or tightly clenching your hair)!

A few weeks ago, your baby would move her eyes toward light. Now she turns towards light outside the uterus.

" As the uterine wall stretches and thins allowing more light to permeate, he develops definite daily activity cycles. You will want to be sure to establish good patterns yourself at this time, thus encouraging them in your child. Ever heard of a baby getting his days/nights mixed up? Now's the time to try to avoid that!

Definitely getting there

Even if I wasn't aware of how far along I am, I think that I would still know that we were nearing the end. As I mentioned yesterday, I have started to experience some swelling in my hands and feet. It is worse in the evening and it doesn't feel that great. Basically, it makes me feel even more massive!

I have also noticed a few stretch marks beginning to form on my hip/thigh region. They really aren't too bad at all, but I still hope they are the only ones that show up.

My maternity clothes are starting to get tight ... that's a bit scary!

I have to go to the bathroom even more now (didn't think that was possible!). And, if the baby shifts and hits my bladder, I have to go NOW!

And, for the finale, I think am starting to waddle!