Weeks 37-39

Day 1 of week 39. We are officially full term Baby and have made it longer than with Sophie! (full term is 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the due date) I had a prenatal appointment this morning and my doula came too. Things are moving along with another 2.2 lb gain in 10 days (despite curbing my sweets intake). Dilated to 1 cm, 50% effaced, and still at stage minus 2.

Things that help me during pregnancy:

• red raspberry leaf tea (twice daily, infusion method) with honey
• Medela Maternity Support belt (to help hold up the baby and ease back pain, Braxton Hicks contractions, and lesson trips to bathroom)
• Knee pillow to ease hip and back aches
• Prilosec when Tums and Pepsid no longer cut it
• Occasional Tylenol PM when insomnia kicks in (and don't think you can get away with half decaf coffee in the AM)
• Water aerobics with other pregnant women for: camaraderie, escaping the house, relief of extra weight for 1 very short hour, great exercise, pull excess water from where it should not be, ease aches and pains, especially back pain
• Medicine/exercise ball (the big kind) for sitting on or even exercising, is comfortable and creates good positioning of pelvis, and is helpful during labor (from previous experience)
• Neti pot for allergy or cold sufferers who cannot take meds during pregnancy
• One banana a day for potassium and reduction of leg cramps

We did a plaster of paris belly and breast cast on Saturday night as we have done for all 3 kids now. It's really a cool experience and bonding time for me and the hubs. You can buy kits (usually $25-$40) or just go to Hobby Lobby and get the plaster of paris strips for $9 and a small tub of Vaseline for under $3. Google decoration ideas and 'how-to' videos.

I've nearly done all of my self assigned chores to prepare for Helena including making a picture book of the hospital for Alexander and Sophie. The rest that are left to do are really not a big deal if they don't get done. I'd really like to make it to the Trillium event on Friday, May 1st, but the only other date on my mind is Mark's last day of teaching on May 5th. I've already got a pedicure scheduled that day just in case I'm still pregnant and need a little help getting started. Can you tell I'm hoping NOT to go all the way to the due date of May 10th (or gasp - later!)?

So I think it's time to set up a pool. If you care to wager a guess, leave a comment on her birth date, time, weight, height, length, or whatever you feel like. As a reminder, Alexander was born at 39 weeks plus a few days at 9 lbs. Sophie was born at 37 weeks 4 days at 6 lbs. 10/12 oz (never could get a straight answer as she was born in the ambulance).

And now for the belly shots. all pics can be enlarged by clicking on them

Week 37

Week 38

Week 39

WARNING

Bare belly shots below complete with unedited stretch marks and gall bladder surgery scars. Can't handle it? X out now.

Week 37

Week 38

Week 39