#babybutlernumerodos is 36 Weeks!!

Growth: Babycenter.com says “Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long (about the size of a head of romaine lettuce). He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his 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 his first bowel movement.

36 weeks: Your baby is about the size of a head of romaine lettuce

At the end of this week, your baby will be considered "early term." (Full-term is 39 to 40 weeks. Babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term, 41 weeks is late term, and those born after 42 are post-term.)”

My Symptoms: I can tell my body is getting ready because I can feel more pelvic pressure & he is hanging a little lower. Sometimes I have some slight discomfort down below too where I can really feel his head pressing down. I don’t think he has dropped quite yet, but my belly does rest on my legs when I am sitting.  Wearing the prenatal cradle really helps with support.  I can also feel my hips widening! Any time I feel any discomfort, I do some type of stretch to counteract the pressure (pelvic rocks, tailor sitting, etc.) and it helps. I wouldn’t say I am nesting, but I also don’t need naps during the day anymore. No swelling anywhere. Stretch marks are coming on a little heavier right around the center of my belly. And my belly has been a little itchy a few times, so I am trying to keep it moisturized. Appetite is back to normal now. Overall I still feel really great!! This week was a little tougher mentally/emotionally because I felt a little overwhelmed with how much I want to accomplish before he comes, but physically I feel good. No rush for him to come quite yet. I’m definitely not miserable (even though I’ve had a few people tell me I look that way??) and I know even these last few weeks he is doing some important developing.

Weight/Baby Bump: Up about 20 pounds total. I’m pretty much all belly this time. I am carrying differently this time for sure- definitely carrying alllllll in front. My belly seems like it is absolutely stretched to the max though & it’s hard to imagine it still has some stretching to do over the next 2/3-5ish weeks. I have always thought it would be cool to have twins (and they run pretty heavily on both sides of our families), but I honestly can’t imagine what my belly would look like with two in there! It looks like a twin belly now and there is only one! Ha!

{Ignore the dirty basement mirror selfie. I felt like the lighting was really capturing the full essence of the torpedo, so I didn’t want to miss a photo opp.}

Here’s the only other picture from the week. Love these sweet girls!

Gender: Precious little fella.

Maternity Clothes: I do not like maternity clothes. I still wear quite a few “normal” clothes with some maternity pieces thrown in. (Yes, the same ones over and over.) I am ready to fit in normal clothes. It drives me bonkers that I can’t find t-shirts to fit. Jonathan’s fit and I wear them sometimes, but I get me belly oil all over them when I do.

Movement: Fetal movement has definitely changed as he is running out of room. He is still a mover though!! It is the coolest thing.

Sleep: I’m not sure if it’s because I’m going to bed a tad earlier or what (I spend about an hour each night reading before bed), but I am waking up WAY earlier than normal. Like, before my alarm clock early.

And I have been having CRAZY dreams that are packed with lots of random faces of people I know/have known.

Cravings/Aversions: Give me ALL the popsicles!! This time of the year with Jase, I had already delivered so I didn’t experience any summer heat. I know it’s not nearly as hot as it’s going to get (shout out to all you mamas who carry through the summer), but I have had a few “hot flashes.” I bought some popsicles for the kiddos to eat while playing outside at Jase’s party and forgot to get them out of the freezer in the garage. But don’t worry, they aren’t going to waste. I eat 1-2 a day.

Appointment: No appointment this week. I see the doctor next week at 36 weeks & 6 days, and then of course weekly from then on. I always look forward to appointments so I’m excited to go on Wednesday!

Accomplishments: The bedding came in, and it is GORGEOUS. Super nice, very classic. Really happy with it. I also brought everything up from basement we will need in the early days. I have started getting the house ready & set up the sleeping area set up in our bedroom. Wrote and mailed all thank you cards.

Best Pregnancy Moment of the Week: Jase’s birthday party! Also, we have been around a few younger kids who were REALLY interested in my belly. I had the cutest little conversations with them.

When Jonathan & I talk to Jase about Kade, he lifts up his shirt and pats his own belly. He still doesn’t quite get it, but it melts my heart to hear him say “baby Kade.” And he definitely recognizes everything that is for a baby anywhere we go.

Work Outs: We had a busy week with AdvoCare so I only went to yoga twice and took pump once. I need to start walking more. I always feel tons of pressure when I walk.

Goals: Put the car seat in the car. Wash newborn clothes. Pack hospital bags. Make goody bags for nurses. Nursery if we can get to it? If not, no biggie- there is time for that one.

Thoughts: I cannot WAIT to meet this sweet baby!! Being a mom makes my heart so full & happy. I have NEVER been more fulfilled than I am being a wife and mother…it truly is incredibly rewarding, and even moreso when you recognize it as your #1 ministry. It’s also exciting to know I could go into labor any time from now up till 5 more weeks. That just makes it more fun not knowing when he will come! We cannot WAIT to snuggle our sweet boy.

So thankful to everyone for the love, support, encouragement, and prayers as our family grows.

Comparison:

36 Weeks with Jase