Week 34

I've noticed more stretchmarks this week, and darker in color.  My belly is very round and hard.  I definitely have the basketball look going on.  A lot of the same pregnancy pains as last week -- can't sit or stand very easily and when I lay down, my muscles seem to tighten up quickly.  I'm getting a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions and I feel like he's sitting low.  I do feel more pressure on my pelvic floor and waddle when I first get up from a chair while my bones and muscles realign.  I haven't noticed any swelling which is nice.

Now that I'm 34 weeks, if he were to come early, I wouldn't need steroid shots to speed up development of his lungs. His lungs should be developed enough to handle it if he comes early which is relieving news!

I had an appointment with Dr. Gaines this week.  He said our baby's heart rate sounds good and that he's probably head down given where he hears our little guy's heart beat at.  I may reschedule my c-section date to March 9 instead of March 14.  Dr. Gaines agreed that their records are off by a day for my estimated due date given that this is Leap Year so he will be ok with scheduling the c-section for that Friday, which is my 39th week based on my LMP.  I should know by early next week if we'll get to move it.  If so, I have at most only 5 weeks from today until we meet our little guy.  Based on when I'm full term, he could be here as soon as 3 weeks from now!

Last weekend, Emile painted the nursery and set up the crib, with help from the girls.  It is such a relief to finally be moving forward with getting everything ready for this little guy to arrive.  I'm still working on the decorations of the room but expect to have that done by next weekend.

Our baby is about 5 pounds now with a crown-to-rump length of 12 3/4 inches.  The baby responds as a newborn with its eyes open while awake and closed while sleeping. He is developing immunities to fight mild infection. Those sharp little fingernails are at the ends of the fingertips already.