35 weeks pregnant...less than five weeks to go!

35 weeks pregnant

How far along? 35 weeks and 5 days today.

Total weight gain/loss: I dont want to know anymore. I refuse to answer this question.
Maternity clothes? My shirts are becoming too short. Thank goodness for tank tops!
Sleep: Eh. Hit or miss, and usually miss. Plus I wake up so sore, because sleeping only on your side for hours at a time isnt that comfortable. Poor back.
Best moment this past week: I had my work shower this week, and everyone was so generous. I will miss them all, and I so hope that I can end up back there next year. I would be so sad if I didn't. I now have every single thing I needed for Mr. Jake. We are ready for you!!
Movement: He has definitely dropped. I feel hiccups waayyyy down in my pelvis, and I can put my entire hand between the top of my uterus and my chest. Previously I could put maybe a couple of fingers?
Food cravings: Chocolate. And anything really. I have noticed I am a bit more hungry lately, which sucks because I can only eat so much. I made the mistake of eating only cereal and soymilk before work one day this week and I was literally shaking about 30 minutes before lunch. So I ended up having to eat a Luna bar in front of the kids. Oh well. Lesson learned!
Gender: Boy, John "Jake" Aaron.
Labor Signs: Still been getting cramping on and off all week. He has definitely dropped although I know that this too does not mean labor is anywhere near imminent. So basically nothing.
Belly Button in or out? Innie, maybe it will stay that way?
What I miss: I HATE dropping things. Seriously. Loathe, loathe, loathe, having to bend over and pick things up. And it seems that I am more clumsy now and drop things all.the.time. Thus forcing me to bend over all the freakin' time. HATE.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing jake in a few short weeks!! Come on Jake!
Weekly Wisdom: Put your feet up often. Take our rings off at the first sign of swelling, don't wait until your fingers look like sausages okay?
Milestones: Everything is ready for Jake, absolutely everything. Now we just need the baby!

Baby Week 35:

Baby's now the size of a throw pillow!
From now on, baby's growth is mostly in the plumping up department -- though he won't get much longer, he'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth. (He's about 15 percent right now and will be about 30 percent by full-term.) His hearing is totally developed (tip: baby responds best to higher pitches), and if he really is a "he," his testes have probably completed their descent.

Holy crap that is a big pillow. But strangely enough this scares me less than the pumpkin from last week. I think its the long and thin shape that is more appealing. Yes, thats it.

By the way, we had an appointment last week and I am still measuring at 37 weeks. So there was no extra growth from week 33.4 and week 35.4. This is good, but they still want to do a growth ultrasound to make sure everything is fine. They will probably order it next week at my appointment. I am on a weekly schedule now. They are only slightly concerned with the swelling in my legs/hands. The doctor seemed to believe it could be exacerbated by the fact that I work 7 days a week, and am on my feet much of the day with my teaching position. I was told to let them know of any signs of Pre-eclampsia (dizzyness, headaches, spots in vision). Hopefully I wont have to!

34 weeks....37 days and counting!!

34 weeks pregnant

How far along? 34 weeks and 5 days today.

Total weight gain/loss: Around 33. I had a huge weight gain at my last appointment, but I sincerely believe this is partially water retention. My feet, ankles, and calves are so swollen by the end of the day that they are tender. That has to be part of it, right? RIGHT?!
Maternity clothes? I just had to buy a new shirt today. Because for some reason 2 out of the 5 shirts I wear regularly have tiny holes in the belly. With one of the shirts its because my cat clawed me, and put the holes there. With another my ginormous belly grazed the side of the shopping cart and caught my shirt and pulled a hole. I really didnt want to buy anymore clothes, but what can you do?
Sleep: Hmm this week was a mixed bag. Some days this week were horrendous, and I barely slept. A couple of other days this week were actually good. I woke up feeling refreshed and couldnt remember waking up more than 2x throughout the night. Yes, that's right I was excited because I only woke up 2x. How wonderful, right?
Best moment this past week: Looking forward to my shower!!
Movement: He is definitely getting squished in there. He really doesnt kick as much as he used to, much more rolling and he LOVES to stick his butt out. It is amazing to me how he already has a "schedule." He is quiet in the morning until around mid-morning and wakes up for a little while. Then he is quiet again until after lunch when he wakes up to "eat." Then quiet again until early evening when he really starts to get rowdy. He is busy throughout the evening (on and off of course) and when I wake up at night I regularly feel him kicking around and moving during the night. I definitely have a night owl!
Food cravings: My very favorite thing to eat right now is roasted Tofurkey, w/ cheese, lettuce, and alfalfa sprouts on multi-grain bread. Sooo good!
Gender: Boy, John "Jake" Aaron.
Labor Signs: Well I have started having contractions sporadically this week. At least I think they are contractions, maybe they are Braxton Hicks contractions. I have been having BH contractions since 2nd trimester and they were never painful. The contractions I have been getting since Wednesday are similar (very) to period cramping. And they are very low in my pelvis (my BH's have been my entire uterus). I have been having at least a couple per day since Wednesday. This probably means absolutely nothing except that I get to experience the wonder of contractions for 5 more weeks. Yippee.
Belly Button in or out? Innie, maybe it will stay that way?
What I miss: There are so many things that I miss. This week its sleeping. I suspect I will miss sleeping for a very long time.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing my friends and family today at my shower. Such awesome women I have in my life!
Weekly Wisdom: Write things down. Because otherwise you will forget them due to "pregnant brain."
Milestones: 5 weeks left to go....37 days!!

Baby Week 34:

Baby's Length: 19.5-20 in.

Baby's Weight: 5 lbs.

Baby's Size: Medium pumpkin (Um holy crap that is a PUMPKIN!)

Longing....

8 weeks pregnant VS 34 weeks pregnant

This is insane right? Seriously? I have never been what you might call svelte. I tend to carry my extra weight in my stomach (ironic isnt it). So I had a bit of a belly before I got pregnant. But looking at my eight week picture makes me absolutely long for that body back. The body that could put on its own shoes and socks. The body that could lay on its back. The body whose feet didnt swell up like a balloon by mid-morning. I miss you body, please come back soon! You weren't perfect, but oh how I miss you now!

33 weeks and a "BIG" boy!

33 weeks pregnant

A quick update from our doctors appointment this week. We met the final doctor in the practice at our appointment Thursday. She is very nice and DH liked her a lot. She took my measurements as usual and we found out that I am measuring at 37 weeks. At the time I was only 33 weeks and 3 days. So this is a significant difference. After palpating my uterus and locating his butt/head she estimated his weight at between 7-7 1/2 pounds. At this point I went into shock. I have 6 weeks left until my due date, and babies should gain about 1/2 a pound per week until birth. That would put Mr Jake at 10 or 10 1/2 pounds. Holy crap! I am aware that these measurements could be off, but even if she is off by a pound or a pound and a half he is still around 5 pounds now! So we may be getting a growth ultrasound done soon to make sure he is not actually ginormous like the doctor thinks. Her words were "you may just grow big babies." Um, you think?

How far along? 33 weeks and 5 days today.
Total weight gain/loss: Around 33. I had a huge weight gain at my last appointment, but I sincerely believe this is partially water retention. My feet, ankles, and calves are so swollen by the end of the day that they are tender. That has to be part of it, right? RIGHT?!
Maternity clothes? My shirts are becoming shorter and shorter. Might have to invest in a few more.
Sleep: Ugh, the beginning of the end I fear. I am not sleeping well at all. I toss and turn all night trying to get comfortable. Then I wake up when my shoulders/hands/hips get sore or fall asleep. I am pretty happy I made it this far without losing much sleep though. I suppose this will only prepare me for his arrival right?
Best moment this past week: We had a nice time at our Bradley class, and we got to go to dinner and spend some time together before it. That is always nice.
Movement: He is definitely not kicking as much. I think he is running out of room. As I type this I believe he has a foot jammed into my rib. His butt is literally underneath my sternum, and his head is as far down as his head can get (and still be inside). He kicks, and elbows, and punches but its usually all in the same place. He isnt rolling around too much. But he is definitely still head down, and I would say in the anterior position most of the time.
Food cravings: Eating more fruits and veggies this week, yay me!
Gender: Boy, John "Jake" Aaron.
Labor Signs: More Braxton hicks contractions, and strange sudden pains randomly. Almost like round ligament pains?
Belly Button in or out? Innie, maybe it will stay that way?
What I miss: Being able to read aloud a story and not feeling out of breath if its longer than 10 pages. Seriously I get out of breath if I have to read out loud for too long. Its sad.
What I am looking forward to: Next weekend is our shower!! Yay! So glad to see friends and family!
Weekly Wisdom: If you are going to have a baby, consider getting a king size bed first. Seriously you will be glad you did.
Milestones: 6 weeks left to go!!

Baby:
Week 33-36
Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.

**Stay tuned for an upcoming post about cloth diapering!**

32 weeks and counting.....

32 weeks pregnant

How far along? 32 weeks and 5 days today.
Total weight gain/loss: 26 (yikes) pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight at my last appointment.
Maternity clothes? My wardrobe has become veeeery limited around these parts.
Sleep: Apparently I have begun to snore. Well not snore exactly, breathe loudly through my mouth. This is weird. DH is the one who snores in our relationship. Although its kind of funny that he gets a taste of his own medicine. I do feel bad that though that I am keeping him up. I on the other hand am sleeping fine!
Best moment this past week: We got to meet with our doula, and its now certain that she will be with us for the birth!! So glad we will have her knowledge and support, its such a weight off my mind.
Movement: Definitely feeling less kicks and more rolling movements. I can more easily tell where he is, especially when he jams his butt/foot into my ribs. He prefers the right side of my body. I rarely feel him more on the left side. Hopefully he is still head down like a good fetus.
Food cravings: Same ole', same ole'.
Gender: Boy, John "Jake" Aaron.
Labor Signs: No although I am definitely noticing an increase in Braxton Hicks, and he may have dropped a bit because I am literally in the bathroom every 30 minutes (at least).
Belly Button in or out? Innie, maybe it will stay that way?
What I miss: Being able to see my feet. I miss you feet, we shall meet again soon!
What I am looking forward to: My shower is soon! And hopefully I can start my implementation asap.
Weekly Wisdom: Take naps, many, many naps.
Milestones: I am 8 months pregnant. It sounds so much better than it really is. Only 7ish weeks to go.

Baby:

Ready or not, baby's getting ready to emerge. He's probably in the head-down position by now, with his bottom facing up. This is the comfiest way for his body to fit in your increasingly cramped womb and will make his eventual exit (only a few months away now!) much easier. (If he's still head-up, don't panic -- there's still time for a flip before birth.)

31 weeks and where are my feet?

31 weeks (please forgive the "deer in headlights expression")

How far along? 31 weeks and 5 days today.
Total weight gain/loss: 26 (yikes) pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight at my last appointment.
Maternity clothes? Yeah, and I dont think I can even wear the vast majority of my pre-pregnancy shirts anymore.
Sleep: Jake is a night owl. As soon as I lay down he is rockin' and rollin' and kicking around.
Best moment this past week: Finishing my literature review. I am hoping its smoother sailing from here on out for my practicum. I am starting to feel like *maybe* I can complete this thing.
Movement: He has been pretty darn active this week. And is beginning to wedge his body under my ribs more frequently. That sucks by the way. Its like having a broom handle poking up underneath your ribs. Not a favorite Jake!
Food cravings: Oooh I made some heavenly cheese/broccoli lasagna this week. So good I may have to make it again next week!
Gender: Boy, John "Jake" Aaron.
Labor Signs: No although sometimes I feel like he is sitting pretty far down and putting pressure on my cervix.
Belly Button in or out? We're still "in" here.
What I miss: Not having my shoes become too tight by the end of the day.
What I am looking forward to: Getting things all finished up for Jake before he gets here.
Weekly Wisdom: Get yourself and organic bamboo velour (OBV) blanket, they are heavenly!
Milestones: Coming up on 8 months pregnant (boy that sounds deceiving doesnt it) and having our shower soon. We also will be touring the hospital very soon.

Baby:

Baby's now the size of a squash!
Baby's going through major brain and nerve development these days. His irises now react to light, and all five senses are in working order. (He won't pick up anything from his nose until after birth, though -- smell is transferred through air, not amniotic fluid.)

30 weeks and yes there is only one!

30 weeks pregnant

How far along? 30 weeks and 5 days
Total weight gain/loss: 22 (eep) pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight at my last appointment.
Maternity clothes? Yes and some of them are getting kinda iffy.
Sleep: I take what I can get. Finding it more difficult to get comfortable. I still lay on my back (sue me) because sometimes its the only way I can be comfortable. Jake seems to be the most active when I am on my back so I dont worry that he is in distress.
Best moment this past week: Seeing my family whom I never get to see. I miss them! They came down for a funeral (this was the sad part) but I was truly glad to see them, whatever the circumstance.
Movement: Friday and Saturday of this week Mr Jake was veerrry quiet in there. I felt a lot of "rolling" sensations, but not as many kicks. Well he is making up for it. He started going crazy late Saturday night and is still going!
Food cravings: Cheese grits, cereal and cold soy milk, veggie burgers w/ cheese, and everything really.
Gender: Boy, John "Jake" Aaron.
Labor Signs: Nope although I have been getting Braxton Hicks.
Belly Button in or out? Still holding strong to the innie.
What I miss: bending over without being out of breath.
What I am looking forward to: Finishing my masters thesis one day.
Weekly Wisdom: Dont try to work 50 hours a week, try to finish a master's thesis, and have a baby at the same time. Its just not a good idea people.
Milestones: My to-do list is getting veerry short (thank goodness) and my shower is coming up soon!

Baby:
baby's now the size of a squash!
As baby's skin smoothes out, his brain just keeps getting more wrinkled. All those grooves and indentations increase surface area, meaning more room for that oh-so-essential brain tissue. He's also adding some brawn -- his grip is now strong enough to grasp a finger.

29 weeks and a 3D ultrasound!

How far along? 29 weeks and 5 days
Total weight gain/loss: 22 (eep) pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight at my last appointment.
Maternity clothes? Yes and wearing the same combination of clothes every week is getting reeeeallly old.
Sleep: Sleeping pretty well this week. Waiting for my OBV blanket in the mail to make it that much better!
Best moment this past week: Getting to see my son in a 3D ultrasound. Getting to see him healthy and kicking around and doing silly things (like sucking his foot)! Our first glimpse of his face.
Movement: Well the movement I feel makes more sense now. Mr Jake is head down and pretty far down in my pelvis. So the kicks that I am feeling near (or on) my ribs are making more sense.Silly baby is also getting pretty smushed in there according to the ultrasound tech.
Food cravings: Cereal and vanilla soymilk. MMMMM.
Gender: Boy, John "Jake" Aaron.
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? We are still "in" here!
What I miss: Not being out of breath when I have to raise my voice (to be heard) at school.
What I am looking forward to: The 30 week milestone. I like big round numbers!
Weekly Wisdom: Dont have a baby and try to finish your Masters program at the same time. Seriously, just don't. Yeah I think I am going to just leave this here for awhile.
Milestones: Jake is head down, and I only have just over 10 weeks left. Wow.

The baby:
Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

Also this week we got our 3D ultrasound done. Mr Jake was NOT very cooperative, but still very amusing. He is head-down and facing out towards my side. So the ultrasound tech had a very hard time getting a good face shot. She noted that he was very smushed already and that I have an anterior or front placenta which makes it hard to get great pictures. Here are some of the better ones:
We got to watch him bring his foot up to his mouth and start chewing/sucking on it. The U/S tech thought it was so funny!

His sweet little face

**Stay tuned for finished nursery pictures in my next post!!**

28 weeks!

28 weeks

How far along? 28 weeks and 6 days
Total weight gain/loss: 18 (eep) pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight at my last appointment.
Maternity clothes? Yes and wearing the same combination of clothes every week is getting reeeeallly old.
Sleep: School stress is keeping me up, and its getting more difficult to find a comfortable position.
Best moment this past week: Finding out I passed my 3 hour glucose test! YAY!
Movement: Still waiting for him to be regularly kicking me hard enough to see on the outside.
Food cravings: Carrot sticks. NOT baby carrots, or carrot chips. Carrot STICKS. Thats right from publix, they must be in stick form or I want nothing to do with them.
Gender: Boy, John "Jake" Aaron.
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? We are still "in" here!
What I miss: Being able to comfortable bend over and pick something up (or put socks on, or tie shoes).
What I am looking forward to: Our 3D ultrasound is Monday!
Weekly Wisdom: Dont have a baby and try to finish your Masters program at the same time. Seriously, just don't. **REPEAT THIS 12X**
Milestones: Getting closer to 30 weeks all the time!

The baby:

Baby's lungs are mature enough that, if born right now, he has a pretty good chance of surviving (with help from medical technology). Her skin is still pretty wrinkly (one byproduct of living in amniotic fluid) but will smoothen as fat continues to deposit.

**Stay tuned for more nursery pictures as we get things done on Monday!**

27 weeks and lots of stress....

27 weeks pregnant

How far along? 27 weeks and 5 days
Total weight gain/loss: 18 (eep) pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight at my last appointment.
Maternity clothes? Puh, since 8 weeks. Elastic waists are COMFY!
Sleep:Sleeping like a rock this week. YAY!
Best moment this past week: Getting the nursery closer to being finished!
Movement: Lots of movement when I am laying down, and lots throughout the day. Kicks are getting harder and I am feeling them a lot higher.
Food cravings: Veggie burgers with cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Yeah weird I know.
Gender: Boy, John "Jake" Aaron.
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Still in, and hoping it stays that way.
What I miss: Being able to sit comfortably for long periods of time.
What I am looking forward to: Finishing up the nursery, and our 3D ultrasound soon.
Weekly Wisdom: Dont have a baby and try to finish your Masters program at the same time. Seriously, just don't.
Milestones: Getting closer to 30 weeks all the time!

The baby:
Baby's now the size of an eggplant!
Baby's lungs are going through some major developments these days, which (combined with the opening of previously plugged nostrils) means he's now able to practice inhaling and exhaling. The lack of air in your womb means every "breath" is filled with amniotic fluid, but hey -- it's progress.

As for me this week. I have started my final class and project for my Masters degree. And I have to say that I am terrified. The class is going to be much more rigorous than I previously thought, and my due date falls squarely within a time when I am required to be working on my project. I will most likely have to apply (and will hopefully get) an emergency extension. If not then I will likely fail the class due to giving birth and being unable to complete part of my required project within the required time frame. So the stress right now is immense. I am also working hard to get my portfolio to where it needs to be. I must have a portfolio filled with 35ish completed and high quality projects from my two years in the Masters program. It must also contain paperwork completed by all of my professors. And due to me not completing things the correct way, I am scrambling to contact professors and get my portfolio in order. Its a HUGE amount of work, but I must do it in order to graduate and be eligible for my certificate. Combine this with two jobs, and preparing for a baby and its all a *little* overwhelming.

This week I had to do some labwork for the pregnancy which required that I take the day off of work (due to the length of the test). So Friday I completed my test and then came home and worked a little more on the nursery. The magazine rack, lamp, nursery art, and growth chart are still in the mail. But I did manage to hang curtains, shelves, pictures, a mobile, and get the glider in the room yesterday. I would say the room is about 75% complete. Here are some pictures of whats been accomplished thus far....


and I got a little sticky hook to hold my hanging wet/dry bag. I am hoping it works. Otherwise I will probably end up attaching a wall hook to the side of the changing dresser.

26 weeks and down to double digits!

26 weeks pregnant

How far along? 26 weeks and 5 days
Total weight gain/loss: 18 (eep) pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight at my last appointment.
Maternity clothes? Puh, since 8 weeks. Elastic waists are COMFY!
Sleep: Sleeping pretty well this week. My ribs are still hurting me, and I find that if I lay on one side for too long it starts to bother me more.
Best moment this past week: Kissing my DH at midnight on January 1st 2010, and knowing that we will be welcoming our son this year.
Movement: He is kind of a brat already (-: He will be kicking away for just me, but as soon as I try and let someone else feel him he stops. My mom FINALLY got to feel him kick on New Years Eve, as did my 6 year old niece. He has started waking me up early with his movements.
Food cravings: Dark chocolate chips (frozen)....NOM!
Gender: Boy, John "Jake" Aaron.
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Still in, and hoping it stays that way.
What I miss: Being comfortable in my body.
What I am looking forward to: Ordering some things from my "nursery" list that I need to finish the nursery.
Weekly Wisdom: Go to bed early, sleep is your friend.
Milestones: I am technically into the third trimester now. And I am down to double digits, with only 90-some days left.


About the babe:
The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

25 weeks and Merry Christmas!

25 weeks pregnant

How far along? 25 weeks and 5 days
Total weight gain/loss: 18 (eep) pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight at my last appointment.
Maternity clothes? Puh, since 8 weeks. Elastic waists are COMFY!
Sleep: Sleeping well this week. Got to try out my Christmas present last night, a pregnancy wedge. Its GREAT!!
Best moment this past week: Many good moments, I stink at choosing just one. I enjoyed spending time with my family on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. My mother-in-law got to be the first one besides DH to feel the baby kick. I tried to get him to kick for my mom, but he was being stubborn.
Movement: I do notice that he likes to move most when I am laying on my back. It will be completely still in there, and then as soon as I lay down BAM he is moving like crazy. Lots of rolling sensations yesterday too.
Food cravings: Holiday food and chocolate.
Gender: Boy, John "Jake" Aaron.
Labor Signs: No thank goodness!
Belly Button in or out? Getting a little more "out" each week.
What I miss: Being able to bend over without getting breathless.
What I am looking forward to: Setting up the crib and dresser tomorrow and working on the nursery this week.
Weekly Wisdom: Take naps as frequently as possible. And get a pregnancy wedge for sleeping, its awesome!
Milestones: Someone other than DH and I got to feel Jake kick!

About the babe:
Let your spouse put an ear to your belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.

24 weeks and getting things done!

24 weeks pregnant

How far along?24 weeks and 5 days
Total weight gain/loss: 8 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight at my last appointment.
Maternity clothes? Puh, since 8 weeks. Elastic waists are COMFY!
Sleep:Eh when I feel well (i.e. no cold, or intestinal problems) then I sleep great. Otherwise not so much. Not much sleeping this week.
Best moment this past week: Lots of fun holiday memories this week. I still love when Aaron gets to feel the baby kick. He caught him last night. And I have decided I am going to get an "at home" (as opposed to a classroom) copy of The Polar Express and I am going to read it to Jake on Christmas Eve. Hopefully the start of one tradition.
Movement: He moves lots and lots. I am still waiting for the kicks to become hard enough to "see" on the outside. That will be exciting.
Food cravings: Ummm everything? They come and go. But when they come, I follow.
Gender: Boy, John "Jake" Aaron.
Labor Signs: No thank goodness!
Belly Button in or out? Okay I seriously never thought I would end up with an "outtie" but the way things are going I may. Its getting reeeaallly shallow.
What I miss: Being able to do everything I wanted and needed to do without becoming exhausted by 8pm.
What I am looking forward to: Getting our nursery furniture for Christmas. Cant WAIT to start setting up the nursery!
Weekly Wisdom: You should probably not overdo it on the holiday feasting. There is only so much room left in the belly after the baby and vital organs.
Milestones: This week was a HUGE milestone! We are at 24 weeks, which is the beginning of viability outside the womb. This is kind of a downer to think about but if something happened right now Jake would have at least a chance of survival. That is comforting in some strange way.

About the babe:
Your baby is almost completely formed, and is beginning to deposit brown fat on his or her body. The purpose of the brown fat is to retain body heat. Newborns are bad at regulating body temperature at first.

Babies born at this point have some chances of survival with very special care. They will be in the Intensive Care Unit, probably for many months. A major problem with premature babies is lung development.

S/he weighs in at 1 lb 5 ounces (595 grams) and 30 cms or 11.8 inches total length!

As for me this week:
Its been a busy week with school ending for Christmas break. I thought I would be finished at the current school on Friday, but that is not the case. The teacher I have been subbing in for will not be back until at least the 14th of January. But no one else seems to think she will be back then either. So I will be happy to continue on at the school until they tell me to leave! I stayed home sick on Wednesday, because I hadnt been feeling good on Monday or Tuesday and didnt get any sleep Wednesday night. So I napped on and off all morning and went back to school on Thursday. Friday was the school Christmas party. I was honored that the other teachers wanted me to come. So DH and I joined them on a nice sunset cruise and dinner afterwards. It was a lot of fun, but like the pregnant woman I am, I was pooped by 9:00. So we didnt dance the night away like everyone else. I have been working hard to get some things finished for Christmas and for Jake. I have finished his hat/booty set, and am almost finished with a second pair of longies. They arent great, but they are better than the first pair. So if I continue to practice the pattern then one day I will be REALLY good at making them! I also finished sewing a Christmas present for my neice. Its a huge chalk mat for her to draw on. I hope she likes it!
Here are the finished projects:

Second pair of longies from the Sheepy Pants pattern.
Chalk mat for my niece's Christmas present (along with chalk and eraser).
Hat and booty set w/ cotton yarn.

Okay I didnt make these. But I did buy them for Jake to come home in. They are freakin' adorable. Its the little sea turtle from Finding Nemo!

That's all for this week! Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!

Very late 23 week post....

23 weeks pregnant

Sorry for the crappy picture. I take them myself with my phone. I try to make DH take them but our schedules dont always coincide. No fruit update for this week. And not much new to report so look for my 24 week update soon.

Make a Smilebox slideshow