36 Weeks: This is getting real!

We finally realized that these last few weeks are going to pass quickly, and the baby could literally come almost any time now. Two women we knew, due on ly a week before us, both gave birth this week! So we realized that we might need to get our bags packed, have a place set up for the baby to sleep, buy some newborn diapers, finish washing all her blankets and clothing, and get the car seat base installed in the car. We got most of this list done or partially done. 

 And...

One last thing the be figured out- her NAME! 

We still haven’t decided.

The Bump and Baby Center say this about Week 36:

“Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.

Crenshaw melon (source).

At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position. But if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

(source)

Your due date is just four weeks away. Your once-poppy seed would probably be able to breathe on his own if he was born right now. Most of his systems are in working order at 36 weeks. Since baby really could decide to make his arrival any day now, try to put in a little prep work. Go over your plan for getting to the hospital, and all the what-ifs. Week 36 is also a good time to enjoy a date with your partner. We’re guessing you won’t be up for dancing, but a nice dinner might be just what you two could use.”

Pregnancy Tracking Questions

How far along: 36 weeks.

36 weeks. Compare me in the same shirt at 20 weeks here.

Size of Baby: Honeydew or Crenshaw melon.

Sleep: Has improved a little with more strategic use of pillows.

Maternity clothes: Still going strong.

Stretch marks: None.

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

Things bought/given: One of the mama’s that gave birth this week gave me baby book where you write memories and put pictures in for the child to look and flip through as they’re growing up.

Best moments this week: Our 36 week scan with my OB- baby is looking good, but has not really engaged into my pelvis yet. Got some final questions answered because we won’t see her again (unless there’s complications) and will only work with our midwife until the birth!

AND

Hubby’s birthday was this week- we had a fun day. We went to the Constantia Craft Beer Festival (yes I went, and no, I didn’t drink) and then to the V and A Water front for sushi and over priced Häagen-Dazs Dulce de Leche ice cream (so worth it though!). We watched street performers and strolled around. Nice time!

Worst moment this week: Having the grocery cashier tell me “You look tired, how much longer?” I didn’t mind her comment, but it made me realize just how tired I really was! My eyes suddenly felt like they had weights on them.

Movement: She still moves strongly at different times throughout the day. She usually moves after I eat (when she is eating).

Miss anything: Full mobility.

Cravings: The nectarines we bought this week were delicious.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Annoyances: All the grease spots developing on all the bellies of my shirts. Not how I like to present myself to the world. I’ve started putting napkins on top of my belly while eating.

Belly button in or out: In for now! Is it silly to be happy that it hasn’t popped?

New Aches and Pains: Just getting harder to get out of bed each time I wake up.

Braxton Hicks: None yet. I think….

Looking forward to: Meeting our little girl!

Song of the Post: Wouldn’t it be Nice by the Beach Boys. When we were dating so long ago, I used to think of this song…and I realized today that we are living it! Those were bittersweet times.