34 Weeks

that's the little guy who's causing all of this chaos in our life... hard to believe! we got some more 3D ultrasound pics at my 32 week appointment, which made him look much less mushy and alien-like than the previous ones. he's doing well, and growing fast. last week, at 33 weeks, he was measuring almost 36 weeks... 79th percentile in size and they estimate 5 1/2 pounds already. i was a huge baby when i was born (9 1/2 pounds) and the doctor told me that most women carry babies similar in size to the way their mothers did. seems weird, but appears to be true in my case. if we make it to 40 weeks, he could weigh almost 9 pounds! and if he happens to be late like i was... well, there you have it.

it's been awhile since i've written a post, which you can attribute to the fact that i am no longer on bed rest! the doc let me go back to work last week because my cervix was still relatively stable in measurement and at 33 weeks he really wasn't concerned about it anymore. i went back at the end of the week, after slaving away for four days (EXHAUSTING after weeks of doing nothing), and my cervix actually measured a bit longer: back up to 2.5! so he said i can pretty much go about my business. this week and next i'll continue to take it as easy as i can, but by the time i hit 36 weeks there are really no more concerns. though i'm not sure how much i will change my activity level then. i am already so, so tired and seemingly getting more and more enormous by the day. two weeks from now i will likely resemble a beached whale on my couch any free second i get.

other than the fatigue and overall body soreness, i am mostly feeling fine. my feet are still problematic in terms of swelling. obviously i don't have them elevated as much now that i'm up and around, and when they blow up they get quite uncomfortable. i'm hoping the weather will cool down a bit, as that seems to be an aggravating factor. but otherwise, honestly, i feel okay. i'm slow-moving and forgetful, but learning to cope. it's been great to be back at work... the time is moving much more quickly! i feel like the little guy will be here any minute.

but i hope it's not any minute. i desperately want to make it until the end of september. but at that point, i'm planning to put into action all the little tips and likely wives' tales i've ever heard about natural ways to induce labor. walking as much as i can, sex (hallelujah!), eating tons of celery and eggplant and whatever else crazy people think induces labor... 'cause i really don't want to be sitting around mid-october still waiting for him to get here.

the hubby and i feel ready... at least as ready as you can be. we know we're not totally prepared for the huge change in our life, but in terms of knowledge and gear and general preparation we've done all we can. now it's time to sit back and try to enjoy our last few weeks together as a twosome, which will be way more fun now that i'm not couch-bound. that said, i am very excited for the baby to arrive. i can't wait to meet him and to embark on this next stage of life. it's been a long time coming!