34 weeks!

"Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies."

I had my 34 week appt today and all went well! I'm measuring right on track. His head is still down, although has moved more to the center - which explains some of the sharp jabbing pains I get. I think his head is hitting a nerve - since there are some guy readers I won't tell you the message board lingo for this wonderful feeling. He also seems to be getting a little lower - I can breathe better now and there is different more pressure in the lower belly. I tend to want to walk around with my hands under my stomach now, not sitting on top.

And when I say "walk around" I really mean waddle. I'm pretty sure I'm waddling now.

I also found out that this lingering cold that I've had for several weeks is actually now an ear infection and possible sinus infection. It makes me feel better to know that at least some of the exhaustion is because I'm sick - not all pregnancy related. (Although according to one of my websites, "By this week, fatigue has probably set in again, though maybe not with the same coma-like intensity of your first trimester. Your tiredness is perfectly understandable, given the physical strain you're under and the restless nights of frequent pee breaks and tossing and turning, while trying to get comfortable. Now's the time to slow down and save up your energy for labor day (and beyond).") So no wonder I've been tired!

We're making a lot of headway on the nursery and at this point have the basics - we could bring him home tomorrow and he won't have to sleep in a dresser drawer. Once we get a little more done I'll get some pictures posted.

We're looking forward to (finally!) starting our Childbirth Education classes this week. The snow last week caused it to be canceled. Tomorrow night we have our breastfeeding class and then Thursday night is the first childbirth/newborn education class. Can't wait to be overwhelmed with all of the information!