37 Weeks: Less Than 20 Days To Go!

Now I am officially full term. If I were ready, I could come out now and would be just fine! I think instead I will probably hang out here a little longer and just keep getting bigger. Since I am over 6 lbs and over 19 inches (think stalk of Swiss chard), it's hard to imagine I need to get much bigger but both my mom and dad were bigger when they were born so it's only fair.

People keep asking mom if she is "ready". I think she is - but not because she is tired of being pregnant; I think she is just excited for me to be born. She has a few "end-of-pregnancy" symptoms but nothing unmanageable. Her ankles are always swollen now (probably because she doesn't sit enough!) and she seems to need to go to the restroom more frequently. I continue to move around quite a bit which is more dramatic now than ever before. Mom is sometimes afraid an elbow or knee will poke right out of her skin! She will admit, though, that for as much as it sometimes hurts, she is going to miss it.

Last week at the doctor there had been little progress. Mom is still dilated to 1cm and I have dropped only slightly (from -2 to -1). She will see the doctor again this week and is hoping for good news. There are a number of guesses from family and friends about my birthday, time of birth and gender - she is hoping the October 24th guess is wrong.

Almost Full Term - 36 Weeks

At 36 weeks, I am about 6 pounds and 18 1/2 inches long. Mom isn't as excited that I get bigger and bigger by the day (almost by an ounce) and figures now would be a good time for me to be born. I am considered "full term" by the end of this week so she feels like I should be ready. I'm thinking I just might hold out. Besides, it's more fun each week to find out what fruit or vegetable I am going to be likened to. This week = Crenshaw Melon.

In terms of development, there really isn't a lot I am working on these days. My bones are getting harder but my skull will stay soft to make it easier to move through the birth canal when I decide it is time.

Mom continues to walk about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes every day which I think contributes to her ongoing comfortability. She still has no real problems moving or getting around (unless her large belly gets in the way or knocks something over). All the walking is also keeping my dog, Griggs, nice and trim. Mom thinks it's good for him to be the best walker he can so once a stroller is brought into the picture, he won't be shocked.

Both mom and dad continue to be entertained by my frequent and obvious movements each day. I do most of my strongest moving later in the evening so dad can see it. I am having fun with my elbows and knees - they seem to be the best poking devices. It makes both mom and dad laugh when they see it certain body parts shifting around, though I think it sometimes hurts a little. I also get hiccups at least twice a day now. At first I think my mom liked it but now I think she would prefer they wouldn't last so long. I can't help it, though!

When I write next week, I will be writing at full-term. I am getting closer and closer all the time to my birthday!

35 Weeks and Educated

Were you aware honeydew melons weigh about 5 and 1/4 lbs? Were you also aware that is is what I weigh this week? It's probably appropriate I continue to gain some weight since I am now over 18 inches long. Everything else is well-developed and from now on, I will be working primarily on gaining more weight. I think mom would just prefer I come now so that I will be healthy but no bigger.


Last week mom and dad had pictures taken with me. My Aunt Amanda and Uncle Jonathan took them. They turned out incredible and I can't wait to be able to look at them one day and imagine what mom and dad were like when they were pregnant with me. You can see some of the pictures (there were hundreds!) at www.amandajulca.com/blog.

Mom and dad also went to a day-long childbirth class this week. They learned a lot about what it will be like the day I decide I am ready to come. Dad was nervous about it but I think he felt better after going to the class. I think mom was a little overwhelmed but they sent her home with a lot of reading material so she will be able to study and prepare.

The other thing mom and dad did this week is pick out my "go home outfit". After a great deal of agonizing, researching, and shopping at 4 different stores, they picked out a couple of outfits for a girl and a couple for a boy. Once they know what I am, they will be able to take back the one they won't need. It will be tough, though - they are all so adorable!


We are at almost one month until my due date. Time is flying fast! From now on, mom goes to the doctor every week. This week, the doctor started checking more than usual. Mom was weighed of course (up almost 24 lbs altogether!), my heart rate was taken (this time 138-140 which is lower than usual but not by much), and mom's belly was measured (really, it's more like measuring me). Everything is moving along well. This time, though, the doctor checked my position and I am head down, as I should. She also said mom is dilated to 1cm which is not much but the doctor said that is normal for 35 weeks. Mom expects more changes in the weeks ahead. Though she has enjoyed being pregnant, I think she is getting more and more ready (and excited!) for me to be born. Oddly enough, so am I!

All Showered: 34 Weeks

Held a cantaloupe lately? If so, imagine it is like holding me - now at about 5 pounds. I'm not quite as round, but I do stretch to around 18 inches. Mom can tell I am taking up more space since she thinks at almost any given time, she can feel some part of my body poking her.

Last week was another great week. Mom was showered by family on Saturday and it was beautiful! My Aunt Dayna flew in from Atlanta to be there, along with cousins and my great aunt from Florida. There were also so many people from Columbus - I can certainly tell I am loved (even across the miles)! Mom opened a lot of great gifts that day - a travel stroller/car seat system, pack-n-play, blankets, bottles, diapers, toys, books, booster seat, lightweight stroller, booties, hat, and even the blanket my dad came home from the hospital in when he was born! If they didn't feel totally prepared before, they certainly should now.

Mom and dad also went on a tour this week of the hospital Maternity Unit. They were shown where to drive to when I decide I am ready to come. They were also shown the kind of room I will be delivered in (equipped with a mirror that mom is fairly certain she will not be using!). The tour took them to the post-partum room mom will stay in once I have been assessed and fed. It all looks very comfortable... except for the couch/bed dads are provided to sleep on. I do think both mom and dad feel better having seen everything, but it certainly made it seem more real than ever before. In fact, they both were able to see a baby in the nursery that had been born only 6 hours prior - at 35 weeks! Needless to say, mom started packing her hospital bag this week just to be safe.

It's hard to imagine there are less than 40 days between now and my expected birthday! I grow more and more excited all the time to meet you all!

33 Week L'il Punkin

4 1/4 pounds may seem small, but the weight is going on quickly! I will continue to gain about 1/2 pound or so each week until I reach my final birth weight. With a mom and dad that weighed more than 8 pounds at birth each, it's entirely possible I will also be a big baby (though mom is hoping it's not indicative). At this point, I have surpassed the 17-inch mark (head to toe) and from head to bottom, I am about the length of an average pumpkin. Seems fitting with autumn right around the corner!

My eyes are now able to adjust to bright or dim light, though I don't get a lot of bright light in here. I get the feeling that will come in handy in a few weeks, though. At 33 weeks, too, mom's amniotic fluid has reached its maximum. Unfortunately for her, that means there is less fluid to cushion me and in turn, the kicking and flipping and moving around I am doing may be more and more uncomfortable. I feel a little bad about that since she has found it to be a bit painful already.

This week mom will go back to the doctor and soon, she will be going weekly. I don't think she is excited about that. She has done some more painting in my nursery and dad hung some shelves for me. Though it is not yet equipped with diapers, it is (for the most part) ready for me! Let the countdown continue...

It's Jicama Week 32

That's right, at 32 weeks and nearly 4 pounds, I am about the size of a jicama (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%ADcama). And, at almost 17 inches, my comfortable home seems to be getting smaller and smaller. Don't worry, though, I am still able to kick and move around enough to actually inflict a little bit of pain (sorry, mom!). The good thing about week 32 is that my skin is getting softer and smooth as it fills out more and more in preparation for my arrival.

Mom is having a little bit of trouble sleeping now, but mostly in that she has a lot of dreams and wakes up a few times during the night. She is not necessarily uncomfortable, just easily awaken. Imagine how difficult it is to sleep in a room that is only slightly bigger than your body, though! I still think she's got it good.

It has been an amazing week. My Aunt(s) Amanda, and Sara, and Marit threw a baby shower for me (and mom) on Saturday (http://amandajulca.com/blog/). It was by far the most beautiful shower ever created. The food was incredible, the decor was perfect, and the company was amazing. I know I am loved because people came from as far as Chicago to be there! Everyone brought a book for me - most of them favorites from their childhood. I am so excited to have them read to me. I already have a significant library to choose from. In addition to the books, mom opened a lot of wonderful gifts for me. I now have a handmade blanket, Bumbo, Boppy, bath set, activity center, crib sheets, changing pad and covers, sling rider, Ox (an adorable ugly doll), and some clothes and toys! Mom and dad now have a diaper bag that has been filled already with travel-sized items. I think they are getting closer and closer to being ready for me... at least physically.

Another thing that happened this week is mom was surprised with a shower/dinner from Grandma and Grandpa McMillen's long-time neighborhood friends. They all surprised her at a restaurant with a cake and a gift - my swing! I intend to spend a lot of time in there so it was terribly appreciated.

All in all, it has been a fantastic week. I'll continue working on packing on some pounds and will update you again next week!

I told you I would be growing a lot! This week, I am already at about 16 inches long head to toes, comparable (evidently) to the length of a bunch of bok choy (head to bottom, not counting legs). I weigh over 3 pounds now, too - about the same as the weight of 4 naval oranges. Much like my mom, my arms, legs, and body are beginning to fill out but for me it is needed fat. My reproductive system is continuing to develop, but I refuse to give away the secret by telling you which parts are being worked on. You'll find out soon enough! This week, I am also already able to use all five senses, though I can admit there isn't much to see, smell, or taste in here. I am excited to know what touch is like and I am already looking forward to feeling my soft blankets and sleepers. Bring on the cuddling!

Mom is starting to have a little trouble sleeping. She dreams a lot and wakes up at least once in the middle of the night. I figure it's just practice for after I am born - if she thinks once a night is bad, just wait till my first month at home!

For fun, mom and dad have been looking at various old wives' tales to determine my gender. Some of them seem completely silly but it's fun to watch them guess, nonetheless!

Chinese Lunar Calendar calculates: GIRL
Mom is carrying weight out front: BOY
Mom's feet are not colder than before: GIRL
I am being carried high: GIRL
Maternal Grandmother (Grandma Helmrich) does not have grey hair (dyed or natural): GIRL
Dad is gaining some weight, too: BOY
Mom didn't have any morning sickness: BOY
Mom craves sweets and fruit: GIRL
Mom's nose has not spread during pregnancy: GIRL
Mom has no desire to drink orange juice: BOY
Mom will eat the heel of a loaf of bread: BOY
My heartrate is more than 140 (usually just barely over): GIRL

If you believe in these superstitions (though some of them very odd), you would assume I am a girl. Unfortunately, you will have to wait another 2 months to find out the truth!