35 weeks

Here’s a fun fact: I’m 35 years old, I’ve been pregnant 35 weeks, and Baby D is due in 35 days.  How auspicious!

Best moments of the week:  Himal and I went to 2 baby-related classes this week, a breastfeeding class and a day-long class at the hospital where we got to tour the maternity wing.  It was cool to see where our Little Man will spend his first few days.  I also had a prenatal massage that was nice.

Baby weighs as much as:  A honeydew melon. 

Babies at 35 weeks average over 5 pounds and 18 inches long.  These numbers are getting close to birth weights and heights of babies I've known.  Crazy!!

Total weight gain:  22.8 pounds (change from last week: 0.0)

Days until due date:  35

Symptoms:  I stepped up a notch on the uncomfortable scale this week.  I still have the sciatic nerve pain that makes my back, rear, and thighs sore.  I had a few episodes of bile in my mouth again this week; I guess that’s acid reflux?  Yuck.  My sleep was pretty bad and I was wide awake 3 nights in a row for 2-3 hours straight, so I was extra tired this week.  I’ve started getting mild, dull cramps in my upper right thigh, and I’ve had more little pains in my sides and groin.  Little Man has also grown enough where he’s getting close to my ribs.  I can’t lean over very well, and I feel like my torso needs to be stretched longer.

People ask me if I’m ready for Little Man to come out, and despite being uncomfortable, I’m still enjoying being pregnant - feeling him move and stuff - so I don’t mind these symptoms too much and am just glad I get to experience these 9 months.

Baby’s movement:  He’s still moving around doing his stretching and tricks.

New this week:  I had an appointment with the midwife on Monday, and my blood pressure was high.  She warned me to stay stress-free and decided to go ahead and start weekly appointments, so we’ll be going for a checkup every Monday until he is due.  Little Man was still measuring 2 weeks small; as long as he stays within the normal limits, I’m fine with him being small when he’s born.  He’ll have plenty of time to grow once he’s out.

Looking forward to:  Buying my mom-mobile (a minivan) this week!  We’re also interviewing a pediatrician on Tuesday; you have to have one when you check into the hospital.

Gifts this week:  My sister and brother-in-law continue to spoil Little Man to pieces.  They sent him a baby book, cute outfits, and 17 books! 

 

Our friends from Atlanta sent us this bottle drying rack, pacifier wipes, cute clothes, and little mittens.  Thanks, guys!

Purchases this week:  We bought Baby D an adorable outfit to wear home from the hospital.  Look at the tiny little shoes!  He is going to look so precious.

We also bought a lamp for the nursery and a diaper caddy that hangs on the side of the changing table to keep diapers and wipes handy.

 

Dissertation update:  After my blood pressure was high, Himal wanted me to quit work and hold off on completing my dissertation.  I compromised by deciding to wait until Little Man arrives before defending my dissertation.  I feel badly about not accomplishing my goal, but my Little Man’s well-being is my first priority.

I’d like to have the written part completed before he comes, but with how crazy work is and me being so tired, I don’t know if that will happen.  I have been less stressed since I changed my defense plan and  didn’t think about my dissertation this week, so I guess it’s probably best for me and Baby D for me to not worry about the dissertation right now.