Beginning Week 36

Baby's rapid growth nears an end. The only organ that isn't fully developed are the lungs. This marks the "one month left" mark...it's finally becoming real.

I have been trying to take it easy lately...mainly shorter days at work. My body still feels pretty darn good, with the exception of my back, but a sturdy pillow does the trick. I'm still walking almost every day and haven't experienced any contractions yet (at least that I've noticed).

I met with my doctor today for an exam. Now I start seeing her every week until baby arrives. The good news is I am not dialated or effaced as of yet. This means, labor is not quite in the picture. So far, I have gained 34 pounds throughout the pregnancy. I know it's a good number, but I'm really starting to feel 34 pounds heavier!

Kersten's Baby Blog

As many of you know, our good friends Kent and Kersten Wuebben are expecting a baby in early June. She's has started a blog...and these are just so much fun to read.

http://babywuebben.blogspot.com/

Surprise Baby Shower

Big thanks to Carolyn and Kersten for the surprise baby shower! It was small and best of all, tasteful! Kevin and I are very excited.

Beginning Week 35

The vast majority of baby's growth is complete by 35 weeks. Baby's kidneys are completely developed, and the liver is beginning to process waste. My doctor thinks I have a big baby in me; I'm thinking baby is very long with all the kicking I feel in my ribs. I'm also being hopeful that baby will be tall like mommy and daddy are.

This past weekend two of my girlfriends threw a surprise (small) baby shower for me and it sure was a surprise! I didn't realize anything was special until both moms walked through the front door. Thankfully the snow didn't cause too many problems for anybody. We enjoyed a very good brunch and then opened gifts. I received some cute baby toys, onesies, a prego massage, baby food freezer storage and a bassinet. It was a great day to spend indoors with friends.

My belly is really reaching into my ribs now. If you look closely, you can see my belly popping out way up into my sternum. My belly is also starting to get really itchy in a few spots becuase it's stretching bigger!! My back is still very achey, but I carry around mini pillows in the car and at work to provide that extra back support.

Tonight is also our last baby class. Soon we'll see just how much information Kevin and I retained!

Gamble A Guess For Baby LaPean

My girlfriends put this website together:

http://www.expectnet.com/games/BabyLaPean

You can enter a guess as to the gender, length, time, date and weight of the baby. Cost is $10 (to be put in a pool that I am holding). The closest to actual Baby LaPean will get half of the pot of money. The other half goes to Kevin and myself for Baby. This contest will close on January 31st. Happy bidding!

It's in the water....

In a small office, four of us are pregnant, although one recently had her baby.

Beginning Week 34

We can't believe how fast things are moving along. Only 45 days left, amazing! I am feeling really good still, with the exception of my back. The mini-pillow I carry along is helping out a lot for lumbar support when I'm sitting down. Other than that, not many complaints! I am constantly hungry--that little baby must really be growing right now. Even though cookies are temping, I'm really trying hard to make sure the snaks I eat are fulfilling and healhty. I've been sticking to a lot of fruit lately (smoothies).

It's neat to look at my belly in the mirror. Kevin and I can't believe how my belly has started to creep up into my chest area. It has also expanded out further, as if that was even possible! I'm amazed to think that I'm still going to get bigger yet!

I visit the doctor again this week. We also had our breastfeeding class last Thursday. It was extremely informative and I know Kevin even got a lot out of it. This weekend we spent time in Green Bay visiting Roy and Elaine. On Saturday, Mom took me to the hospital to show me around the birthing floor. I also got to meet their lactation consultant and she walked me through using a breast pump. How lucky am I?! Then as my gift, Mom bought me a new pump. This way, I can make sure that Daddy will be able to feed baby as well.

as baby grows

Beginning Week 33

Our pediatrician was a really great guy. We spent 45 minutes talking with him and asking questions. I think it will be a perfect fit and it is very close to home.

At my doctor appointment last week I had a chance to meet the fourth doctor on the team. This was good because it's not 100% certain who will actually deliver our baby, although we hope it will be Dr. Lipinski. My overall weight gain is about 25# and I gained 6 pounds in the last two weeks alone! Dr. said it was fairly normal, but I am definitely laying off the cookies and sweets. With the kitchen finally finished, I have been cooking home cooked meals and eating more fruit and veggies. Have to continue to stay healthy!

On New Years Day Kevin and I went shopping for baby items! We spent a very long time at Babies 'R Us and Kevin was a trooper! He had a lot of input in the baby items we purchased. As you see above, we picked up a stroller and baby carrier with two attachments for each car. Colors are brown and red, which is neutral.

We also have another baby class tonight and our breastfeeding class on Thursday. (I'm sure Kevin is looking forward to that class!) My only biggest complaint right now is my back. It aches a lot, but isn't super painful. Not so much the lower, but my middle back. When I'm home I try to take pressure off it by laying on my side. I think exercise in the morning with some stretching is helping lots.