The Facts – Baby likely measures around 18.9 to 20.9 inches and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds.  Little on is gaining about 1/2 ounce each day, this fat helps her body regulate her temperature and keep an even blood-sugar level. The brain, and the skull that houses it, continue to grow.  Baby is practicing his or her breathing, but has increasingly less space to practice stretching and kicking. Little one’s intestines are also building up meconium, a greenish-black substance made of baby by-products such as dead cells, shed lanugo, and amniotic fluid. It’ll become baby’s first bowel movement, hopefully after she is out of the womb!  Baby is now considered “full term,” even though your due date is three weeks away. If he or she were to be born now, his or her lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb.

Baby – I think I said it last week, but this kid is doing everything.  It is still in the same position (head down), but doing everything from that position.  Baby moves so much and seems to be more active now than ever.  Little one stretches out and I get headbutts to my bladder and cervix and feet right under my ribs.  Baby has dropped, so slowly but surely little one is preparing more and more to come into the world.  I did get a little sneak peek at baby at my appointment this past week, and he or she was practice breathing.  It was so cute, the little lungs more moving and contracting so good and strong.  Its crazy, they were moving almost as much as the heart.  So precious!

Me -  Its getting real people!  My poor hips, bladder, and cervix are put to the test everyday.  Oh yeah, and pretty much my ribs too. Fortunately, no signs of pre-term labor.  Or I guess at this point labor!  I am having a good bit of Braxton Hicks, they are getting longer and more intense. I wasn’t checked at my last appointment, so I don’t know if I’ve progressed any since last week.  From the feel of things, I definitely believe I have.

Hubs -  The baby and him have an amazing relationship!  Baby loves when Hubs is around and is so active and responsive.  Such a good sign!  Hubs talks to the baby everyday, as well makes sure that my belly (and other parts) stay moisturized.  He is also facilitating in getting me ready physically, by…um, you know making sure I don’t tear (use your imaginations…tastefully of course)!  Anyway, he’s doing a great job with everything and enjoying work!

Alright, alright, alrightttt :::in my Kevin Hart voice::: folks, on to week 38 next week!  Let’s go!

Happy bumping!

xxoo,