38 weeks

11/26/08

The baby has really plumped up. She should now weigh about 6.8 pounds and be over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

We saw our midwife, Beth, on Monday, and we have a great uneventful visit. My uterus was measuring right on track. My urine was fine, my blood pressure was 105/52, and I gained 1 pound. The heartbeat sounded great as well. I asked Beth how big she thought the baby was, and she guessed about 6.5lbs. She said she is guessing about 7-7.5lbs at my due date. I guess I just make 7 pounders! Owen was 7lbs 5oz, and that was a great weight, not too big, and not too small. We went over all the aspects of our birth plan, and she signed off on everything. She gave us the signed copy back so that we will have it when we arrive at the hospital. We go back to see her every Monday until we have the baby.

I have finally packed my labor bag, and will be working on my hospital bag tomorrow or Friday. In the labor bag we have two rice socks, some tennis balls (used for pressure and massage), chapstick, hair ties, massage oil and lotion, a couple of massage tools, calming sounds CD, small CD player, notepad (for George to take notes on), a pen, mints, birth plan, some snacks, and some other misc. items that I can't remember right now.

I am starting to get very uncomfortable. George was home today, so I was going to be able to sleep in, but I couldn't get comfortable, so I just got up. Only a couple more weeks, and I will be able to sleep on my belly. I remember after I had Owen, being able to sleep on my belly again was like heaven! I feel like I am now doing the pregnancy waddle. I feel like this baby is just about to fall out, and I have so much pressure that it makes it difficult to walk normal. The nerve pain in back in my left hip/butt, and it travels down my left leg. Beth suggested doing some pelvic rock exercises, which I have already been doing.

Owen had his 18 month check up today. I can't believe how fast the past year and a half has flown by. It seems like he was just a baby, and he is now a full grown toddler. Where has the time gone? He was in the 78% percentile for height, 65% for weight, and 45% for head circumference. He has had a slight rash all over his legs, upper arms, and belly for about a week. I was not concerned about it because it looks more like an allergy reaction or a sensitivity to something. This was confirmed by Dr. Wampler. He said we need to make sure we are using dye/fragrance free soap, detergent, and lotions. We already use dye/fragrance free detergent for everything we wash, but we need to get he some new skin cream. Dr. Wampler suggested cream instead of lotion to help his skin hold in the moisture better. I guess he is just going to have sensitive skin like his momma. He was meeting all of his developmental milestones, and most of the 2 year ones as well. I guess we have an over achiever! I can't wait to see how he is going to respond to a new little brother or sister. He loves all little kids and babies, but I just wonder how he will respond to loosing a little attention. We will find out soon! Only 2 weeks to go!!!!