35 Weeks: Baby Showers.

Baby showers. I’ve had four (small ones), all fun, if a little non-traditional. When I got pregnant, I didn’t even know if I’d have one! Most gifts were small and portable- I couldn’t really bring home big gifts from America such as cribs, car seats, bouncers, etc. So, we have lots of clothes and blankets, but still have a lot of bigger items left to get on our own. Which is totally fine because I knew that moving to South Africa would mean less “support” (socially and gifts) just because of the distance. It’s tough, but I am so grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received so far, because I know that some mommies never get a baby shower. 

The first one we had was thrown by hubby’s work. There are two female employees and hubby all having babies within two months of each other. So, his work threw a joint one for all of us. I knew no one there, so it was kind of awkward. We played a few games and we got some clothing and lots of bath care products. It was held at noon and lasted at the most 1.5 hours. We flew to the USA that same day.

Cute baby cake (picture by cousin)

The second one was held for me in abstentia in Colorado. My family there has been so excited for us, so they got family and a few family friends together and threw one before Christmas. There was a cute cake and I talked on speakerphone for a few minutes (couldn’t get skype to work). My mother and auntie brought me the presents, which were mostly clothes and blankets, when they visited during Christmas.

The third one was thrown for me a few days after Christmas by my family and friends. I got to have a little input in it, but was very low maintenance. My sister in law worked hard to organize it, and another friend held it at her house. About 10 people come, and it was exactly the people I would have wanted to be there. It lasted about 3 hours with food, games, present opening, and watching the 3D/4D video I’d had done earlier that day. I really loved it. Some of the gifts I got were clothing, a baby grooming/health kit, a toy, and gift card.

The last one was this Wednesday and was a total surprise. My belly dance friends from the gym and private lessons set one up for me after our class on Wednesday, lasting about an hour. Eight ladies came, and brought cheese and crackers and cakes and berries and crème fraiche. Gifts from them also included clothing and bath care items. It was really sweet, and my dance teacher told me “you know, we’re like your family here,” which totally made me almost cry. It’s still so easy to feel alone here, and disconnected from every one, so hearing that made me feel special.

The Bump and Baby Center say this about Week 35:

“Growing, growing, growing. Yup, baby and you. You’ve reached 35 weeks, and your uterus has grown about 1,000 times its original size, a number that might sound exaggerated to everyone else -- but to you it probably feels more like a million. You can expect to gain about a half-pound a week before birth, and baby’s beefing up, too.”

Honeydew melon.

 “Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete — she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.”

Pregnancy Tracking Questions

How far along: 35 weeks.

Size of Baby: Weight of a coconut or honeydew; about 42.-5.8 pounds.

Sleep: Was pretty bad at the beginning of the week, and started to settle down as I incorporated more pillows into my routine. I’ve been having a few vivid dreams this week as well.

Maternity clothes: Still going strong.

Stretch marks: Not yet. (Don’t think I don’t have any- my tummy’s already “pre-stretched” as I like to say.

Wedding Ring: Switched. My fingers are fairly swollen, as are my feet. They have periods where they aren’t so bad.

Things bought/given: Some more clothing and baby care items from the most recent baby shower.

Best moments this week: The surprise baby shower.

Worst moment this week: Arguing with hubby- if he could communicate his thoughts more clearly sometimes, we’d do much better during stressful situations.

Movement: She loves sticking out her butt, right up against my left ribs.

Miss anything: Fitting into my shoes! I got some sandals while in the USA, and now my feet are too wide!

Cravings: Again, there is nothing that I MUST have, but urges for sushi and sweets were common this week.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Annoyances: Getting out of bed is definitely a hassle now. I’m saying much more “honey, can you…” so that I can stay right where I am, and get the hubby to get me what I need (usually more ice water).

Belly button in or out: In for now! If I lean really far forward, it is pushing outward, but goes back inside when I sit normally.

New Aches and Pains: On my left side, several places like the middle of my abdominals and lower down in the crease of my leg were hurting. It was consistent, so it wasn’t Braxton Hicks.

Braxton Hicks: None yet. I think….

Looking forward to: Our 36 week Scan on Tuesday!

Song of the Post: That’s what Friends Are For as performed by Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross. Kinda sappy, but I thought it appropriate.