34 Weeks

Happy Mother’s Day!!!  It’s been a wonderful weekend being an “almost real mom” very soon with about 6 weeks to go!  It has been a very very busy week for us.  After an extremely busy week at work for me – training and month end stuff -  we headed to Greenville for my sister, Sara’s graduation.  Friday morning was spent sweltering in the heat for the university graduation.  Then, we refueled with a tailgate before her afternoon department graduation.  Saturday we started our morning off with a brunch at Sara’s apartment before going to her boyfriend, Adam’s graduation. 

Today was a beautiful day and although busy, it was still relaxing.  Ben presented me with a card and gift almost immediately after sleeping in past 8!  He had ordered the Edna Mae Baby Book personalized for Tippett.  After making me my own decaf coffee he made heart shaped beglian waffles while I got to relax.  My mom, brother and grandparents joined us for church, then we all went to Tyler’s for brunch/lunch.  The weather was so beautiful, we came back to our house to take a few pictures outside, then headed to the park to spend the afternoon with my mother-in-law and family. 

Our birth class is going really well and we have two classes left.  Last week we took a tour of the birth center and saw the labor & delivery rooms as well as the nursery.  Luckily there were 2 babies in the nursery for us to see.  It was so exciting to know in just a few weeks we will be there welcoming our son!

Our baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making her rounder. Tipp’s skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. Babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine if born now. 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.

How far along? 34 weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: Hopefully around 22 lbs – we ate a ton this weekend!
Maternity clothes? Um yes
Stretch marks? Yes and my skin actually hurts in some places!
Sleep: The beginning of the week was horrible – Ben may be sleeping in the guest room very soon!
Best moment this week: Seeing the nursery and knowing we will be there very soon!
Movement: Quite a lot
Food cravings: Strawberries, ice cream, lots of sweets
Gender: Definitely a BOY!!
Labor Signs: Lots more Braxton Hicks
Belly Button in or out? Getting smaller
What I miss: An ice cold beer while sitting on the porch
What I am looking forward to: Our final baby shower
Weekly Wisdom: Start preparing a little at a time
Milestones: Celebrating an almost Mother’s Day!