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Monday, January 19, 2009

Baby Update -- Week 31, 9 Weeks to Go!

Today marks week 31, which means there are just 9 weeks left. Of course, as babies go, they make up their minds when they want to come into this world. So, this countdown could be right on target, too far away or too soon. It all depends on when this little when decides it's time to make an appearance.

Tonight, hubby and I had our very first birthing class. There were 12 pregnant mamas (me included) with their hubbies or birthing partners. With 1 group of 3, that meant we had 25 in the class, so it was rather full. We'll be going for 3 more weeks, and I'm looking forward to sharing the experience with hubby. I know he'll be eagerly engaged and helpful. I've got myself such a keeper!

As for how I'm feeling, as my little miracle is taking up more and more real-estate in my belly, I'm doing my best to sit back, relax, and deal with the heartburn and increased lower back pain. I've started eating less with each meal, and instead am opting for smaller more frequent meals to help. When I can, I get off my feet and elevate them above my heart. Should would be nice if we had room for a recliner. :)

Now it's time for another entertaining entry from baby Stockton...



Ok, so here's the 4-1-1 for ya. By the way, that's me waving over there. First, I sensed a little sarcasm from Mommy up there, and that's all right with me. She does that a lot, and it often causes others to laugh. If I understood what she was saying, I might laugh too. Guess I'll have to wait until I'm on the outside for that.

Anyway, I'm growing a lot these days. This week, I've reached about 16-17 inches in length from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. I believe I'm somewhere between 3-1/2 and 4 pounds too, or I could be more. There isn't a scale in here, so it's hard to tell. My arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out with all that fat under my skin. As long as it's not too much and helps keep me warm, I'll be fine. It also means I'll be adding about a 1/2 pound of weight each week until I'm born. I'll try not to be too big, but considering the family I come from and all those tall or plump folks, who knows!

Oh yeah, and I've figured out how to turn my head from side to side. Again, not much to see in here. It's often rather dark. From what I hear, it's beautiful where I'll be living, so I can hardly wait to get out there and see it for myself, once my eyes adjust to everything. My fingernails are growing in too. It's a good thing I have all this liquid and padding around me, or Mommy might feel like I'm trying to claw my way out of here. :)

Mommy said she's been feeling stronger kicks. Whoops. Guess I've been kicking or punching a little too hard. But it's getting cramped in here. I'm running out of room. At least I'm not keeping her awake...at least I don't think I am. She seems to be taking it all in stride, and that's good, because all of this is a sign that I'm active and healthy.

Hmm, I have also been getting strong in my immune system. Mommy has a great one, I hear, and she's kind enough to share it with me. Don't want to be getting sick as soon as I'm born, and I know Mommy and Daddy don't want that either, so I'll do everything I can to help my system get even stronger. Oh, and although I'm sure this will change after I'm born, no one can accuse me of being a "hard-head" since the skull bones haven't fused together yet. That's only to help make my arrival into the world easier on Mommy. She's been so nice to provide this warm home for me, I don't want to hurt her coming out.

Lots of folks have a "soft spot" for babies. And I get to have a soft spot on my head for a little while at least. Now, if only I could see if I have a head of hair or just peach fuzz...




Mama is back. You know, tonight brought up a question in my mind. I've been blessed with a relatively easy pregnancy to this point. (Thanks, Mom, for the excellent genes!) I never had morning sickness, and even when I'm not pregnant, I only get cramps 2, maybe 3 times a year.

Hearing about the possibility of preterm labor pains both in the class tonight and from the other pregnant mamas on a forum I frequent, it's made me wonder when or if I'll recognize those contractions most books say are painless. I mean, so far, I haven't felt the tightening of the uterus or those things called Braxton Hicks contractions at all.

The closest thing I've felt is an introduction to my round ligament when I've twisted or turned too quickly. That sharp pain was easily noticeable. What about the preterm contractions or Braxton Hicks, though? If I can't feel those, will I feel them for the early stage of labor before getting into active labor? It'd be nice if labor didn't all of a sudden take me by surprise.

Guess I'll have to ask my doctor this week at my appointment.

The only other thing that's excited me is knowing I'll soon be a milk machine for my baby. In fact, it's already started, although I haven't noticed much. I'm sure that will change in the coming weeks.

Now, I'm off to work on my hospital bag list and "goodie bag" to start prepping ahead of time. We'll be getting some boxes of baby stuff from my shower back east, so it'll be exciting to open everything again and do some more nesting.

That's all for now...

Tune in next week for the latest. :) And if you want to receive an email each time I post an update, subscribe using the form over there at the top right. Thanks for coming along this journey with me.

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4 comments:

cheryl c said...

You and baby are looking great! :-)

Cheryl

Unknown said...

You look fa-bu princess! And baby looks just as fabulous, too. So excited for you!

Hugs,
Tina D

Kim said...

Where does the time go? Just the other day you were announcing baby was on the way, and now it's almost time to deliver!!

You look wonderful, and I'm so glad your pregnancy has been so trouble free. This is such a blessing!

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

Hehe, thanks for the compliments on looking fabulous. Sure don't feel it, but it's always nice to hear it. At least now, I know I LOOK pregnant instead of just feeling fat.

Yeah, Kim, I know. Hard to believe it's only 8 weeks now. Yikes!