34 weeks

Best moment of the week:  Himal and I enjoyed a relaxing July 4^th holiday.  I must say that I think our niece and nephew should win the award for Most Patriotic.  What cuties!

Baby bump status:  I’m living large, folks!  There’s no hiding the bump anymore.  It’s such a cool and strange experience.

Baby weighs as much as:  A cantaloupe

Total weight gain:  22.8 pounds (change from last week: +2.2)

Days until due date:  42

Symptoms:  My back and legs have been extra sore this week.  I hope to get a prenatal massage this week (thanks, Himal!); maybe that will help.

Baby’s movement:  Baby D stretches a lot and can sometimes be violent with his movements.  He may be little, but he sure is strong!  Today, he startled me when he apparently tried to gallop like a horse.  I don't know what he's doing in there; what a silly baby.    

Here is a video of the TV remote balancing on my tummy and rocking with Little Man’s hiccups.  Even his hiccups are strong!

New this week:  I bought 3 gowns to wear while in the hospital.  They are much softer and prettier than those yucky hospital gowns.  We started washing Little Man’s clothes and linens; it’s so much fun going through all of his stuff and picturing him wearing it.

Our friend Maggi, whose picture has been on our blog, has started showing some early signs of labor.  It’s so exciting to watch her go through it and to know that we’re next.

Looking forward to:  We have a check-up tomorrow and are hoping to hear that Little Man is back on track with his growth.  We’re also looking forward to our all-day hospital birthing class on Saturday.

Purchases this week:  Instead of a toy box, we chose to get Baby D this leather bench/storage box.  It’s more comfortable to sit on than a wooden box, and we’re pleased with it.  It was funny putting his toys in it; as I washed each item, Himal had a blast testing them out.  I think he might wind up enjoying the toys more than Little Man does!

We also got Baby D some more PJs, pants, and a football rattle.

 

Dissertation update:  I’m really starting to stress about finishing my dissertation before the due date.  Training someone to take over all of my work duties while I’m on maternity leave takes so much time and effort, and on top of that, I’m trying to keep the house presentable in case I go into labor early, I’m tired, I’m trying to finish the Bradley Method book so I’ll be ready for labor, I’m preparing for Baby D’s arrival, I need some down time, and I’m growing a tiny person.  Adding the dissertation on top of everything else is so overwhelming!   But I did accomplish a few items this week: I received the first 4 transcripts back and compared them with the audio files to make sure they were correct, I uploaded the 5^th file for transcription, and I took care of some little details relating to graduation that I needed to tend to.  I really, really hope to make some major progress this week.  Fingers crossed!