34 weeks

(I know... I skipped a 33 week picture last week.  I wasn't in a picture taking mood, but we did have some photos taken by a friend, so I'll have a shot to fill in soon)

Here's what is going on with Noah this week according to babycenter.com;

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. 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.  By this week, fatigue has probably set in again, though maybe not with the same coma-like intensity of your first trimester. Your tiredness is perfectly understandable, given the physical strain you're under and the restless nights of frequent pee breaks and tossing and turning, while trying to get comfortable. Now's the time to slow down and save up your energy for labor day (and beyond). If you've been sitting or lying down for a long time, don't jump up too quickly. Blood can pool in your feet and legs, causing a temporary drop in your blood pressure when you get up that can make you feel dizzy.

 

As for me; I'm feeling pretty good overall, just a little more uncomfortable, huge, and tired each week, but nothing bad to speak of.  In all, my pregnancy has been very easy and I am very happy with it.  Now if labor and delivery will just go as smoothly as this 9 months.  I'm still eating most of the same foods, but particularly craving sushi, sausage, fruit, veggies, and anything cheesy.  I'm still exercising by riding a stationary bike or walking a couple days each week, but I tend to get cramps from time to time while doing so.  I've had a few nights where I haven't been able to sleep, but for the most part I tend to sleep well at night, and still be a little extra tired during the day... if I wasn't working I would definitely be taking some naps.  As of now I'm planning on working until mid-October.  My due date is Oct. 24 and from the looks of everything so far the doctor says that I'm measuring on schedule, and that she doesn't think Noah will be too big of a baby... maybe around 7 lbs.

 

Now that my first baby shower is passed I have done some more nesting.  I've got all of Noah's clothes washed and put away in his drawers, his sheets washed and on the crib, and some decorations hung up around his room.  After my shower next week I hope to get quickly organized and maybe post a few pics of his nursery to share.

 

Shannon