34 weeks
We have approximately six weeks left to go before the arrival of baby. The baby is now about the weight of a cantaloupe and is approximately 18 inches long. No wonder my belly seems huge! About mid-July I felt that the baby had a growth spert, and I feel that he is in the middle of one now. The hubs was gone for only three days this week and he said I looked bigger when he got back. Today I feel really big (for whatever reason). But then again, my books are telling me that the baby is to gain approximately 1/2 a pound per week from now until delivery. I almost can’t really imagine where else he is going to go – I’m kind of running out of room in my belly.
And speaking of my belly, it’s starting to feel very tight and heavy. My hips and bones in the general area ache a lot (thanks to the hormone Relaxin which is causing the bones to relax and prepare for labor). I’m definitely tired more during the day (partly due to the fact I wake up a lot at night) and my upper back is starting to hurt almost every day (I guess from carrying around the extra weight). Fortunately I haven’t had much swelling at all, and I still feel pretty good all things considering. I know that some women get sick again in their third trimester, but fortunately enough for me that has not been the case. I’m trying to keep up with exercising by walking the dogs and doing some stretches at night. But I just look down at my belly some days and wonder where else he is going to go!
But alas, he will grow and soon the hubs and I will be mom and dad. We have our first baby shower tomorrow at my parent’s home in Winston-Salem, hosted by my sister-in-law. I’m really excited about seeing people from Winston that I haven’t seen in awhile and we’re looking forward to a good time tomorrow. And I’m really grateful to my brother and new sister-in-law for planning the shower in the midst of planning their own wedding (which took place three weeks ago in Wilmington). It will be a good times with friends and family tomorrow and I will be sure to post an update about the festivities.
