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Week 34

Fruit/Veggie

Cantaloupe (weight)

Size

Almost 18 inches, about 4.75 lbs

Baby Changes (Source: BabyCenter.com.)

His fat layers - which he'll need to regulate his body temperature once he's born - are filling out, making him rounder. His central nervous system is maturing & his lungs are continuing to mature as well.

Best Moment this Week

Josh & I had a good day & a half together Sunday afternoon & Monday after we both got back in town from our respective places. We got some stuff done in Elliot's room, then just had some fun doing things like test driving Mini Coopers (just for fun) & going to a museum in town, then Josh grilled us some steaks last night. It was just a good time together!

Gender

BOY! Elliot James.

Movement

I'm pretty sure he's now head down (yay!) after flipping a couple of times on Friday. We're not necessarily in the clear, since he can still move around a lot & could easily flip back, but we are really glad to know there is not something that is keeping him from being head down (like the cord or something). I'm thinking he has some pretty long legs too, like his dad, because when he stretches his legs out, his toosh sticks out on one end & his legs on another, so I can gauge the length, & they seem pretty long to me!

Food Craving

This week's fruits: apples, bananas, grapes, peaches. I am getting more picky about food; some things do not settle well in my stomach now, & a lot of things just don't sound good to eat.

Sleep

Yuck. I'm pretty uncomfortable now, & wake up not just to go to the bathroom but to turn over or adjust my back/shoulders that are so sore now, pretty much every day.

What I am looking forward to

I am excited about a couple of upcoming things in the next few weeks, but mainly at this point I'm looking forward to Elliot being here!

Symptoms

A little nausea (it seems water makes me nauseous again now), exhausted, back & shoulders sore, not sleeping well, Braxton Hicks (those are not fun!), easily upset tummy.

To-Do List & Progression

-Wash clothes newborn - 3 mos.

Status: done! I might wash the rest of his clothes just for good measure.

-Wash diapers

Status: prefolds & covers washed; pocket & AIO diapers, wipes not washed

-Get bookcase done

Status: not done (Josh's job)

-Hang fabric circles, other decor

Status: not started

-Pack hospital bag

Status: not started (waiting a couple weeks)

-Install car seat

Status: car washed & car seat base installed!

-Make room in kitchen cabinets for bottles, sippy cups, plates, etc.

Status: not started

-Make up crib w/ mattress pad & sheet

Status: done!

-Buy home coming outfit

Status: done!

Week 33

Fruit/Veggie

Pineapple (weight)

Size

Over 17 inches, over 4 lbs

Baby Changes (Source: BabyCenter.com.)

He's rapidly losing that wrinkled alien look & his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move & slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal.

Best Moment this Week

We got a lot done in Elliot's room Saturday. Josh cleared out the rest of his stuff from Elliot's closet & we got a small shelving system to go in there. I got a few loads of blankets, sheets, towels, etc. washed & folded (& yesterday I started on his diaper stash). We got everything opened & most things put away somewhere, although there is still a lot to do.

Gender

BOY! Elliot James.

Movement

He's still squirming around a lot, but unfortunately still breech. If he doesn't flip by the 21st, an OB will do an external version to manually try to flip him. We are praying hard that he flips, I don't care how, but the sooner the better!!

Food Craving

This week's fruits: apples, strawberries, blackberries, white nectarines, grapes. I find myself these days being more picky about what I want to eat; things are starting to sound not good, not because of an aversion necessarily, but I think I'm getting tired of eating. Yuck.

Sleep

I'm starting not to sleep as well. I have a hard time falling asleep after getting up to go to the bathroom (for the 2nd or 3rd time), usually in the early morning around 3 or 4. I am getting uncomfortable toward when it's time to get up; my hips & back hurt.

What I am looking forward to

This weekend I'm going to run a few fun errands with my mom, as well as hang out in the pool (which is one recommendation for getting babies to flip). I'm looking forward to a bit of down time.

Symptoms

A little nausea, super tired, lower back pain, swelling, thirsty, HOT.

(& I'm going to add a new one... this will help me keep track of what I need to do.)

To-Do List & Progression

-Wash clothes newborn - 3 mos.

Status: not started

-Wash diapers

Status: prefolds & covers washed; pocket & AIO diapers, wipes not washed

-Get bookcase done

Status: not done (Josh's job)

-Hang fabric circles, other decor

Status: not started

-Pack hospital bag

Status: not started (waiting a couple weeks)

-Install car seat

Status: not done, but getting car washed today in order to install (fresh seats, you know)

-Make room in kitchen cabinets for bottles, sippy cups, plates, etc.

Status: not started

I'm sure I'll figure out more things to add to the list... I need to get busy!!

Week 32

Fruit/Veggie

Large jicama (what on earth?) (weight)

Size

About 16.7 inches, 3.75 lbs (although an ultrasound this week showed him to be closer to 4.5 lbs)

Baby Changes (Source: BabyCenter.com.)

He'll gain a third to half of his birth weight over the next 7 weeks. He now has toenails, fingernails, & real hair (which we also saw on the ultrasound).

Best Moment this Week

We received our car seat in the mail yesterday that was bought by our wonderful bff's Zac & Cara. We were so touched to get such a gift from them! Zac has always been one of the most selfless, giving people we have ever known, & Cara fits him so well & we are so excited they're getting married & thankful for their friendship! (Not to mention the car seat is ADORABLE!! We hadn't seen it in person yet, but I love it!)

Gender

BOY! Elliot James.

Movement

I'm not 100% sure on Elliot's position today, but during the past couple of days he has been moving around a lot, often ending up transverse across my belly then making his way back to head-up. But I'm encouraged that he's still moving around so much, so he's not just deciding to get stuck breech. Still praying for a flip & stick! :-)

Food Craving

This week's fruits: peaches, strawberries, honeydew melon, apples, grapefruit.

Sleep

Still SO tired. I am getting sleepy earlier & earlier during the evenings lately. I'm sleeping fairly well still, altho his movements during the night are becoming more noticeable so I wonder when he'll start to keep me up.

What I am looking forward to

I'm getting ready for Elliot to actually be here. I don't even feel like finishing up all the organizing & preparing (not so much nesting going on). But he can stay in there a few more weeks, I'm okay with that.

Symptoms

A little nausea, super tired, lower back pain, swelling, way thirsty all the time.

Week 31

Fruit/Veggie

Four navel oranges (weight)

Size

Over 16 inches, 3.3 lbs

Baby Changes (Source: BabyCenter.com.)

He is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, & his arms, legs & body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin.

Best Moment this Week

My shower was last weekend. We had friends & family come in from out of town, which I am so thankful for, & I was amazed at the effort that my friends put in to throwing my shower (everything looked so cute!) & at the love that was showered on us. The women at the shower prayed over me & Elliot at the end, & it meant so much to me to hear their words spoken over him.

Gender

BOY! Elliot James.

Movement

I found out at my appointment this week that Elliot is frank breech, so we are praying that he turns head down very soon. We definitely do not want a C-section! He's still moving pretty good, so I don't think he's really running out of room yet.

Food Craving

This week's fruits: white nectarines, strawberries, apples, & mango. I don't think I've really been craving anything in particular....

Sleep

I have been really tired lately. I think it's a mix of normal pregnant tired plus being super busy lately. I'm still sleeping pretty well.

What I am looking forward to

We actually have no plans this weekend, except to do stuff around the house. We haven't had an empty weekend in a couple of months. We'll probably sleep in, then I think Josh is going to work on a bookcase for Elliot's room while I work on organizing all the things we were given last weekend.

Symptoms

A little nausea, super tired, lower back pain, swelling (fingers, feet a little - I can't wear my wedding bands anymore so I'm wearing the fake version now).

Week 30

Fruit/Veggie

Head of cabbage

Size

About 15.7 inches, almost 3 lbs

Baby Changes (Source: BabyCenter.com.)

His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision (which we learned last night means when I cradle him, he can see to my face - God is so smart!).

Best Moment this Week

We started childbirth classes last night. I think we're really going to enjoy them, though it's going to be a bit overwhelming to have them twice a week for four weeks (then once a week for four more weeks). But I was so impressed by Josh (& I think everyone else there was too!). He asked questions & participated in the exercises we do, even though he looked silly (like everyone did). He really is the best, most supportive husband!

Gender

BOY! Elliot James.

Movement

No change in movement lately. I can't figure out which position he's in, but at this point it will be easier for the midwives to be able to tell at my appointments, since he's getting bigger.

Food Craving

This week's fruits: watermelon, peaches, bananas, apples, pears. I have still been pretty thirsty so I'm trying to drink as much water/Crystal Light as possible.

Sleep

I'm having a little trouble falling asleep some nights, but I'm still sleeping pretty well. Still super tired tho.

What I am looking forward to

My shower is Saturday! We have friends coming in that we haven't seen in a while, so it will be fun to catch up with them. I am so thankful for my friends who are so wonderful to put time & effort until throwing my shower!

Symptoms

Nausea, exhaustion, loose hips, back pain, getting swollen fingers pretty much daily (IT'S SO HOT!).

Week 29

Fruit/Veggie

Butternut squash (weight)

Size

Over 15 inches, 2.5 lbs

Baby Changes (Source: BabyCenter.com.)

His muscles & lungs are continuing to mature, & his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in his hardening skeleton each day.

Best Moment this Week

On Sunday we got to go to the church we went to in high school in Midland (also where I met Josh & where we got married). I love going back there. It holds a special place in my heart, for all the growth that I experienced in high school: learning how to have a relationship with God, experiencing being part of the Body of Christ, the relationships that are still so important to me.

Also, I had an appointment today & learned that not only did I pass my glucose test, but I passed it with flying colors, & the rest of my blood work looked awesome. It was encouraging to know that eating well & exercising has helped me stay healthy which in turn makes for a healthy baby!

Gender

BOY! Elliot James.

Movement

I found out today that Elliot is indeed transverse, lying horizontally across my stomach. But it was encouraging to know that he was breech at my 20 week appointment, so he is heading in the right direction. Anyways, that being said, I now know that the bump by my belly button is indeed his toosh, & what I thought were his feet are actually his head & hands. The type of movement hasn't changed in the past couple of weeks.

Food Craving

This week's fruits: watermelon, white nectarines, strawberries, blueberries, & oranges. This isn't really a craving, but I have been really thirsty lately, so I have been downing as much water as possible (& when water makes me nauseous, Crystal Light lemonade).

Sleep

The hip & lower back pain still wakes me up around 4 & I am uncomfortable for the remainder of the night. It sure makes getting up easy, because it just doesn't feel good to keep laying down at that point.

What I am looking forward to

Next week we start childbirth classes. They will be twice a week for the rest of August, then once a week for all of September. So we'll be busy, but I think we'll enjoy it. I'll also be 30 weeks Saturday, which seems like a milestone! 10 weeks to go!

Symptoms

Nausea, exhaustion, loose hips, back pain, continued stomach issues (can't eat too much at once, some things make me feel yucky).