Weeks 37-Delivery: Watermelon

"At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning bay is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world...meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you'll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you consider giving birth, consider what it's most like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life," (theBump.com).

I can't help but notice that the lines on the outside of the watermelon look like green stretchmarks...Poor watermelon. I feel your pain. Don't listen to anyone if they try to tell you to rub cocoa butter or any other lotion/oil on your stretched out skin...you are just going to have to live with them.

Weeks 33-36 Honeydew

"Baby's senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to different songs... time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of the month," (theBump.com).

Anniversary

In response to a request about getting pictures of "real" people on this blog, I decided to post a picture Brian took of me and my belly on our anniversary. I dislike having my picture taken in general, so it makes sense that I haven't posted any of us on this blog yet...

We had just gotten home from a delicious dinner that I could barely eat half of. The view from Stanley and Seafort's is amazing. I can't wait to go back for our next anniversary. I think we will make it a tradition.

Weeks 29-32 Squash

"Baby's energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you've also probably noticed -- they don't necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments," (theBump.com)

Weeks 25-28 Eggplant

"Let your spouse put an ear to your belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes." (theBump.com)

Weeks 21-24 - Papaya

From now on the updates will come every month, as my belly continues to grow bigger and bigger each day. "Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. That little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop. " (TheBump.com)

Much Needed Vacation

We recently got back from a cruise to the southern/eastern part of the Caribbean. It was so nice to rest and relax before having to head back to work. You get so spoiled on a cruise. We got so used to having someone clean our room and make our meals, we forgot how to take care of ourselves! We can't wait to take another vacation like this in the future. Royal Caribbean's Adventures of the Seas Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

Week 20 - Cantaloupe

"Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed!" (TheBump.com)

Week 19 - Mango

"Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might actually get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature." (TheBump.com) (Delightful thought!)

Exciting News

After a phone call from the doctor's office said that we might not be able to travel, we rushed in to have an u/s done to make sure that I was healthy enough for a much needed vacation. Everything looked great. The baby is progressing just the way it should be.

Our u/s tech, Sue Ann, kept us in suspense until the very end of the scan. She let us know that we are having a little baby boy. The proud daddy even has the proof hanging on his tool chest at work! We are so excited to welcome a little man into our family.

Just like last time, we had the traditional and 3-D u/s. The clarity of the 3-D machine is still mind boggling, yet I can't help but feel that it makes the baby look a bit like an alien...

Week 18 - Sweet Potato

"The fetus has become amazingly mobile (at least compared to you), passing the hours yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking and swallowing. And, baby's finally big enough that you'll be able to feel those movements soon." (TheBump.com)

Weekly Updates

My new goal is to complete a weekly update for whats going on in my belly. I will be using the images from thebump.com to illustrate how big the baby is becoming each week. While not necessarily the most medically reliable, the visuals are entertaining.




I am just starting my 17th Week, so right now baby is about the size of an onion.

According to thebump.com: "Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. The umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes are now topped by one-of-a-kind prints."

Big News

We are happy to announce that we are expecting our first little one in January. This has been a very smooth pregnancy with practically no sickness, just extreme exhaustion. (Naps have become a new favorite hobby!)