We haven't quite made it to 40 weeks yet, but this will be our last bump update post. We'll just skip the 40 week picture. I'll probably look pretty much the same. ;) The final countdown is on!
Week 33
How big is Baby Taylor: A Durian (And since we all know exactly how big that is...17.2 inches, 5lbs.)
Developments: Her eyes are open when she's awake and she's starting to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. She's still working on developing her brain and her lungs. So she can't come yet!
Mom's feelings: Tired. Pretty much all the time.
Developments: Her eyes are open when she's awake and she's starting to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. She's still working on developing her brain and her lungs. So she can't come yet!
Mom's feelings: Tired. Pretty much all the time.
Week 34
How big is Baby Taylor: A butternut squash! (About 18ish--almost completely grown, and 5 1/2lbs.)
Developments: She's just working on the finishing touches.
Mom's Feelings: We went into the doctor at almost 35 weeks. And everything seemed to be just fine! The doctor did his thing and felt the bump and guessed she was about 5 1/2 pounds--if she makes it to her due date, he thinks she'll be about 7 1/2 pounds. No 10 pounders here...hopefully. I wish there were a way to tell exactly when the baby was coming. Yes, I'm anxious, but I don't really want her to come early. I just want to know so we can prepare! But that's just how life goes, isn't it? The unpredictable make is more fun...and stressful.
I had a few interesting experiences this week. I was at the grocery store when a lady comes up and says,
"You look miserable. You must be overdue."
Thank you...?
For most of the pregnancy, I've been told "you hardly look pregnant!" Now I look miserable. I just can't seem to figure out how I'm supposed to look. :) But it's all good. No hard feelings here.
Developments: She's just working on the finishing touches.
Mom's Feelings: We went into the doctor at almost 35 weeks. And everything seemed to be just fine! The doctor did his thing and felt the bump and guessed she was about 5 1/2 pounds--if she makes it to her due date, he thinks she'll be about 7 1/2 pounds. No 10 pounders here...hopefully. I wish there were a way to tell exactly when the baby was coming. Yes, I'm anxious, but I don't really want her to come early. I just want to know so we can prepare! But that's just how life goes, isn't it? The unpredictable make is more fun...and stressful.
I had a few interesting experiences this week. I was at the grocery store when a lady comes up and says,
"You look miserable. You must be overdue."
Thank you...?
For most of the pregnancy, I've been told "you hardly look pregnant!" Now I look miserable. I just can't seem to figure out how I'm supposed to look. :) But it's all good. No hard feelings here.
Week 35
How big is Baby Taylor: Coconut! (18.5 ish inches, 5.8ish pounds!)
Developments: Her hearing is fully developed by now, but that isn't going to stop us from teaching her sign when she gets here. :) She's grown about 1,000 times her original size. That's pretty impressive--I just hope I don't have the same experience late in life. Haha.
Mom's feelings: Still just as tired. I'm not sure that feeling will be going away any time soon, so I might as well get used to it. Mom life.
Also, I feel like I look huge in this picture. Why doesn't Jake tell me these things?
We were at Chili's--waiting for a ready table--for date night, when an older lady (maybe 70ish?) came up and started asking me about the pregnancy. Without any warning, she reached into my coat and starting feeling my belly. I'm really not very good with other people, especially strangers, touch me. So it really took me by surprise!
"It must be a boy."
She had a 50% chance of getting it right. And she was so close, yet so far. She was a very nice lady. I kept hearing that people would touch me without hesitation, but I hadn't had it happen. But there you go, I can officially be in the awkward-situations-that-happen-during-pregnancy club.
Developments: Her hearing is fully developed by now, but that isn't going to stop us from teaching her sign when she gets here. :) She's grown about 1,000 times her original size. That's pretty impressive--I just hope I don't have the same experience late in life. Haha.
Mom's feelings: Still just as tired. I'm not sure that feeling will be going away any time soon, so I might as well get used to it. Mom life.
Also, I feel like I look huge in this picture. Why doesn't Jake tell me these things?
We were at Chili's--waiting for a ready table--for date night, when an older lady (maybe 70ish?) came up and started asking me about the pregnancy. Without any warning, she reached into my coat and starting feeling my belly. I'm really not very good with other people, especially strangers, touch me. So it really took me by surprise!
"It must be a boy."
She had a 50% chance of getting it right. And she was so close, yet so far. She was a very nice lady. I kept hearing that people would touch me without hesitation, but I hadn't had it happen. But there you go, I can officially be in the awkward-situations-that-happen-during-pregnancy club.
Week 36
How big is Baby Taylor? The size of a Honeydew Melon! (18.5 inches, 5.8 pounds)
Developments: She is pretty much done developing, she just needs to put on more fat. If she were to come today, she would probably not have any (or few) complications. Even though she could come early, certainly doesn't mean we want her to come now. I want her to be conpletely ready before she comes. I would rather go through a few more weeks of heartburn, swollen feet, and waddling to give her a better chance. :)
Mom's Feelings: swelling, heartburn, exhaustion, waddling, all the usual pregnancy stuff. I really can't complain. Life is good.
We went and took and tour of the hospital. That made it so real! Having a child is something that feels like it will only be in the future. Other people have children, I'm not old enough! But here we are. Only weeks away! We are so excited, but the anxiety has also taken over. Are we really ready to have a small human depending on us? Ready or not, she's coming!
Developments: She is pretty much done developing, she just needs to put on more fat. If she were to come today, she would probably not have any (or few) complications. Even though she could come early, certainly doesn't mean we want her to come now. I want her to be conpletely ready before she comes. I would rather go through a few more weeks of heartburn, swollen feet, and waddling to give her a better chance. :)
Mom's Feelings: swelling, heartburn, exhaustion, waddling, all the usual pregnancy stuff. I really can't complain. Life is good.
We went and took and tour of the hospital. That made it so real! Having a child is something that feels like it will only be in the future. Other people have children, I'm not old enough! But here we are. Only weeks away! We are so excited, but the anxiety has also taken over. Are we really ready to have a small human depending on us? Ready or not, she's coming!
These lovely young women are super great. On Wednesday, we were having a youth activity with our church ward. I was under the impression we were playing games and planning out future activities. When I walked in the room, I was pleasantly surprised! (One of the first times I've been legitimately surprised!) They had planned a baby shower. It was such a fun night. We played different games, which were just hilarious, and we had delicious treats.
Each girl gave a "could use" name and a "should not use" name. Then, they each drew two of the names randomly out of a basket. The two names together would be the suggested game. Some names turned out really cute...others... For example: leprechaun brutus. Need I say more?
I had such a fun night. I love being able to work with these wonderful girls, as well as the other leaders. They are such examples to me and I just love them all! I'm sure baby Taylor will too!
Each girl gave a "could use" name and a "should not use" name. Then, they each drew two of the names randomly out of a basket. The two names together would be the suggested game. Some names turned out really cute...others... For example: leprechaun brutus. Need I say more?
I had such a fun night. I love being able to work with these wonderful girls, as well as the other leaders. They are such examples to me and I just love them all! I'm sure baby Taylor will too!
Week 37
WE MADE IT TO FULL TERM! We are feeling pretty blessed. But we are still hoping she'll wait a few more weeks. They don't tell you 40 weeks for nothing.
How big is Baby Taylor: A winter melon (18.9-20.9 inches--she's probably as long as she will get while in the womb, 6.2(ish) pounds.) She's almost to her complete birth weight!
Developments: She's inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping, and blinking. She's pretty much completely developed. If she came today, she would likely leave the hospital the next day without any risk of problems. Yay!
Mom's feelings: I've organized everything in the house by this point. I'm starting to feel a little lost, not knowing what to do with my days. I don't have the energy to do much, but I certainly go crazy when I'm just sitting. I think the nesting set in a little too early. I have been having pretty bad heartburn. TUMS have become my best friend and constant companion. Depending on the day, I have the pregnancy waddle. I feel like a duck.
We went into the doctor for our first vaginal examine this week. (It was actually at 36 weeks, 6 days, but we'll say 37 because it's easier.) I was tested for the Group B virus and was checked for dilation and effacement. I wasn't dilated hardly, but I was starting to efface. What does that mean? Pretty much nothing. It could mean the baby is weeks away still, but it could also mean I just haven't started dilating. It really didn't give us much direction on what to expect. The nurse practitioner was surprised by how low-down the baby was. Her head is apparently super low. The comment was "You poor lady. You must have to pee all the time!" This is true. Especially at night. But I'm counting my blessings! I'd rather her be head down and ready to go, rather than breech or transverse.
It's hard to tell, but we're getting excited (and very nervous!) to meet her. It doesn't really feel real. And I'm not sure it ever will.
People keep asking if we have a name picked out. The answer is still no. We do have a narrowed list though, which is something. But who is to say that she'll leave the hospital with one of those names. I hope we have a 'light-bulb' moments when we see her. Names are just a very special thing in my mind. It is who they become. A name is something that defines them. They are identified for the rest of their life by this name. It'll all work out, though.
How big is Baby Taylor: A winter melon (18.9-20.9 inches--she's probably as long as she will get while in the womb, 6.2(ish) pounds.) She's almost to her complete birth weight!
Developments: She's inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping, and blinking. She's pretty much completely developed. If she came today, she would likely leave the hospital the next day without any risk of problems. Yay!
Mom's feelings: I've organized everything in the house by this point. I'm starting to feel a little lost, not knowing what to do with my days. I don't have the energy to do much, but I certainly go crazy when I'm just sitting. I think the nesting set in a little too early. I have been having pretty bad heartburn. TUMS have become my best friend and constant companion. Depending on the day, I have the pregnancy waddle. I feel like a duck.
We went into the doctor for our first vaginal examine this week. (It was actually at 36 weeks, 6 days, but we'll say 37 because it's easier.) I was tested for the Group B virus and was checked for dilation and effacement. I wasn't dilated hardly, but I was starting to efface. What does that mean? Pretty much nothing. It could mean the baby is weeks away still, but it could also mean I just haven't started dilating. It really didn't give us much direction on what to expect. The nurse practitioner was surprised by how low-down the baby was. Her head is apparently super low. The comment was "You poor lady. You must have to pee all the time!" This is true. Especially at night. But I'm counting my blessings! I'd rather her be head down and ready to go, rather than breech or transverse.
It's hard to tell, but we're getting excited (and very nervous!) to meet her. It doesn't really feel real. And I'm not sure it ever will.
People keep asking if we have a name picked out. The answer is still no. We do have a narrowed list though, which is something. But who is to say that she'll leave the hospital with one of those names. I hope we have a 'light-bulb' moments when we see her. Names are just a very special thing in my mind. It is who they become. A name is something that defines them. They are identified for the rest of their life by this name. It'll all work out, though.
Week 38
How big is Baby Taylor: A pumpkin! That's huge! (18.9-21 inches--depending on which genes she got. :) 6.5-9.2 pounds. The doctor guessed she'd be 7.5 by the due date, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed she isn't more than 9.)
Developments: She might have as much as an inch of hair. Woah! But, if she's like her mom and dad, she won't be blessed with a luscious mane for a few years...or ever.
Weekly doctor visit #2: Well, we've made quite the amount of progress from last week! Dilated to 2cm and 75% effaced. From what the doctor said, she could come tonight, or she might wait until her due date. There really is no way to tell. But he was pretty positive about the progress. The baby is in the right position and her head is way down. During the visit, he was able to touch her head. He had to reach around her head to find the cervix to check for dilation. So she is ready to come! We're just waiting for my body to catch up. It's so surreal. Our little baby girl could be joining our family any day now. As we were leaving, the doctor just said, "It's time to prepare yourself. I'll see you next week if you make it that long." He also thought we'd be able to make it one more week. We'll see though. Progressing fast!
Mom's feelings: Tired. Still. I'm not sure that'll be changing any time soon. I'm definitely waddling though. According to Jake, I don't look pregnant from the back until I start walking. Then you can tell. That's okay though. Only a few more days/weeks!
Developments: She might have as much as an inch of hair. Woah! But, if she's like her mom and dad, she won't be blessed with a luscious mane for a few years...or ever.
Weekly doctor visit #2: Well, we've made quite the amount of progress from last week! Dilated to 2cm and 75% effaced. From what the doctor said, she could come tonight, or she might wait until her due date. There really is no way to tell. But he was pretty positive about the progress. The baby is in the right position and her head is way down. During the visit, he was able to touch her head. He had to reach around her head to find the cervix to check for dilation. So she is ready to come! We're just waiting for my body to catch up. It's so surreal. Our little baby girl could be joining our family any day now. As we were leaving, the doctor just said, "It's time to prepare yourself. I'll see you next week if you make it that long." He also thought we'd be able to make it one more week. We'll see though. Progressing fast!
Mom's feelings: Tired. Still. I'm not sure that'll be changing any time soon. I'm definitely waddling though. According to Jake, I don't look pregnant from the back until I start walking. Then you can tell. That's okay though. Only a few more days/weeks!
Week 39
Don't mind the fact that I'm looking HUGE in this picture. I at least feel huge. I think this baby decided to put on all her weight in one week, because she is certainly a LOT bigger than she was a even just the week before.
How big is Baby Taylor: A watermelon! Makes it feel like summer, which we are all looking forward to. (18.9-21 inches, 6.5-9.2 pounds)
Developments: Her brain is rapidly developing and she's getting smarter every day! Any day now...
Mom's feelings: I'm feeling very ready to have this baby. We went to the doctor again last week, and there was more dilation and effacement. (3cm and 80% effaced). All good things. The doctor said he was going out on a limb to guess, but he thought we would have our baby within 5 days. Its been 4 days so far and no baby. Let's hope he was right by tomorrow! It certainly is hard to know because every body is so different. Every person I talk to has had a different experience. I don't know how my body will be, but I'm hoping for the best! Being positive is the only way to get through this, right?
I don't know how much longer I'll be pregnant, but hopefully the next post we will have our little girl with us. So yes, this is the final countdown. Parenthood: ready or not, here we come!
How big is Baby Taylor: A watermelon! Makes it feel like summer, which we are all looking forward to. (18.9-21 inches, 6.5-9.2 pounds)
Developments: Her brain is rapidly developing and she's getting smarter every day! Any day now...
Mom's feelings: I'm feeling very ready to have this baby. We went to the doctor again last week, and there was more dilation and effacement. (3cm and 80% effaced). All good things. The doctor said he was going out on a limb to guess, but he thought we would have our baby within 5 days. Its been 4 days so far and no baby. Let's hope he was right by tomorrow! It certainly is hard to know because every body is so different. Every person I talk to has had a different experience. I don't know how my body will be, but I'm hoping for the best! Being positive is the only way to get through this, right?
I don't know how much longer I'll be pregnant, but hopefully the next post we will have our little girl with us. So yes, this is the final countdown. Parenthood: ready or not, here we come!