Baby Human, week 37 (September 18, 2011-September 24, 2011)

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: I am 37 weeks pregnant! Full term!

Size of Baby: Baby is as long as a stalk of swiss chard!

Cravings: Cheerios.

Symptoms: Fatigue, strange dreams, some swelling and contractions.

Best Moment this week: My fluid was 8.2 on Monday, and 11.2 on Thursday! That bedrest works after all! We couldn't be happier. While we were prepared mentally for an early arrival, we are thrilled that our son is thriving and continuing to grow strong and healthy in his uterine home. Speaking of strong and healthy... I had another growth ultrasound on Thursday, and our son is officially at the 100th percentile for weight at 8 1/2 pounds at 37 weeks and 4 days! What a big boy!

Baby Human, week 36 (September 11, 2011-September 17, 2011)

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: I am 36 weeks pregnant!

Size of Baby: Baby is the size of a crenshaw melon!

Cravings: Grapenuts cereal.

Symptoms: Fatigue, strange dreams, contractions.

Best Moment this week: That I am still pregnant! I saw Dr. G on Monday, and my fluid was 6.8 (10-20 is normal, less than 5 necessitates delivery). Baby Boy was happy and active on his monitoring. On Thursday, my fluid was 6.2, but everything else remained satisfactory, and he scored 8/10 on his biophysical profile... he was practicing his breathing the whole time!

Baby Human, week 35 (September 4, 2011-September 10, 2011)

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: I am 35 weeks pregnant!

Size of Baby: Baby weighs as much as a honeydew melon!

Cravings: Toast with butter.

Symptoms: Fatigue, strange dreams, some contractions.

Best Moment this week: Well, it didn't start as the best moment... I had an appointment and growth ultrasound on Thursday, and learned that I had oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid), and Baby was not very active. I had been sick with a bad cold, so Dr. G was hopeful that with hospitalization and fluids, both would improve. I was in the hospital overnight, and received two doses of steroids to prepare the baby's lungs for a preterm birth. We learned that our son was a good size for 35 weeks and 4 days at 6 1/2 pounds! We were released on bedrest, drinking 3L of water a day, and will see Dr. G twice weekly for ultrasounds, NST monitoring, and visits until delivery. We are so grateful for such a proactive, skilled, compassionate doctor.

Baby Human, week 34 (August 28, 2011-September 3, 2011)

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: I am 34 weeks pregnant!

Size of Baby: Baby is 18 inches long and weighs as much as a large cantaloupe!

Cravings: Toast with butter.

Symptoms: Fatigue, strange dreams, some contractions, a little swelling.

Best Moment this week: Reading and talking to this big boy, and learning that he loves the Price is Right on television!

Baby Human, week 33 (August 21, 2011-August 27, 2011)

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: I am 33 weeks pregnant!

Size of Baby: Baby is the size of a pineapple!

Cravings: Anything sweet and unhealthy!

Symptoms: Fatigue, strange dreams, some contractions.

Best Moment this week: Celebrating our son at a baby shower at Bryan's Mom and Dad's house! We had a great time!

Baby Human, week 32 (August 14, 2011-August 20, 2011)

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: I am 32 weeks pregnant!

Size of Baby: Baby is the size of a jicama!

Cravings: Oatmeal cream pies!

Symptoms: Fatigue, strange dreams, some contractions.

Best Moment this week: Bryan got to come with me to my appointment, which included a growth ultrasound. Our son weighed 4 1/2 pounds!

Baby Human, week 31 (August 7, 2011-August 13, 2011)

Pregnancy Highlights: How far along: I am 31 weeks pregnant! Size of Baby: Baby weighs as much as four navel oranges! Cravings: Oatmeal cream pies Symptoms: Fatigue, strange dreams. Best Moment this week: My baby shower at Aunt Linda's! It was a great time of fellowship with friends and family, celebrating the upcoming arrival of this little boy!