Jackfruit- Week 40

This week you are the size of a jackfruit! (Again an unknown fruit- it must be big though!) The average baby is 6.2-9.2 pounds and 18.9-20.2 inches; we won't know what size you are until you are born! You are continuing lung development, growing hair and nails and shedding your vernix caseosa. We can't wait to meet you! Your "Estimated Due Date" was July 12th, Saturday. We didn't expect you to come then- we are hoping you will be born early on July 18th- have the same birthday as your daddy! This week I have been pretty comfortable- as far as being 40 weeks pregnant can be. I am a lot slower to move around a sit a bit more- but am still taking Odin for walks. To kill some time and take our minds off waiting for you we checked out National Harbor on Sunday. We went for lunch- it was a hot, but not too hot day, and sunny- perfect for going on the National Harbor Wheel- a huge ferris wheel that lets you see all around the harbor and DC in the distance.

National Harbor, Maryland

Monday and Tuesday was cleaning up and getting ready- not only for you but for Chamein and Phil to come stay with us. You were a trooper while I was on my hands and knees vacuuming under the beds, cleaning toilets and "nesting" We also got another lunch date at tacos while you were still on the inside- probably the last tacos until you're here.

Sunday belly shot- Linda Miller Photography

Sunday I also got some last minute belly shots in. I was the model for a photographer looking to build her portfolio- got some great outdoor shots! I also called Jeni to see if she could do some black and white, more intimate belly shots. I went to her studio Wednesday morning before Phil and Chamein came into town. I'm so lucky to get them just day(s) before you arrive!

Belly shot from Jeni on Wednesday 7-16

Chamein and Phil got into town on Wednesday afternoon- I got adjusted and pinned- and then to move baby down we toured Belvoir and the PX before heading to National Harbor for dinner. Walking around I had more contractions- actual cramping and uncomfortableness that got my attention. I was able to walk around and eat dinner without too much discomfort. Last night (Wednesday night) I was up every hour or two with contractions- it felt like I had to really go to the bathroom or throw up. One time I got out of bed so quickly Stephen woke up and said "are you ok? you just went from getting out of bed at elephant speed to cheetah speed." I also had a headache that didn't let me fall asleep right away- not sure if it is from hormones or dinner (crab cakes) or a combination of both. Today (Thursday July 17) I had my "41" week appointment with the midwives. Before the appointment I was adjusted and pinned again before going to breakfast at Great Harvest Bread and going to Costco. More contractions- all back pain right now. By the midwives' calculations I am 40.5 weeks today. You had to do a non-stress test. This means I had to be hooked up to a fetal heart rate monitor for 20 minutes and every time I felt you move i had to push a button. They were looking for good accelerations in your heart rate when you moved- and then a deceleration back down to a normal rate. You passed with flying colors! I even had a contraction during the test. Side note: thank goodness I don't have to be hooked up to a monitor- that was uncomfortable, itchy and I hated the position I was put in- ugh! I don't know how the women in the hospital do it- so uncomfortable. I was then checked and the midwife did a "stretch and sweep" of my membranes. This can start labor and increase contractions. When she did her check I was 75-80% effaced and 3cm dilated. My uterus was doing work last night! Right now my uterus is still doing work- I'm trying to distract myself from the back pain but it's difficult. I keep having to use the bathroom- really I should just hang out in there. I think I will take a shower soon to see if that helps. It is going to be a toss up if you are born on the 17th or 18th.....

How Far Along: 40 weeks

Total Weight Gain: 53 pounds

Maternity Clothes: yep

Stretch Marks: yep

Sleep: can get about 6-7 before needing to go potty, hard to get comfortable to fall asleep- pillowmageddon!

Best Moment This Week: knowing we are super close to meeting you! finding out I was 3cm dilated- thats only 7 more to go!

Miss Anything: seeing my toes ;)

Movement: feeling kicks up top and your tweaking movements- feeling less strong than before- you have less room!

Food Cravings: no room for food

Aversions: ugh smells- always the smells :( Gender: boy Labor Signs: much more tightening and now pre-labor contractions Belly Button: in Wedding Rings: on Exercise: walking Odin, labor exercises Mood: generally happy- like a normal person (not a crazy preggo lady) most of the time- tired! Looking Forward To: seeing what you look like and holding you in my arms!