Baby Bump Wednesday: Week 33

We've got 7 weeks left and I still don't really believe this is all happening. Despite all the preparations and talking and imagining and such, I still don't feel like this is going to happen to us. I hope this is a common occurrence, because it makes me feel a little disconnected, even while picking and planning and buying. I keep thinking that we still need to purchase this, and do that, and get this ready, but the fact that this will all result in a baby is still a little out of my grasp. I try to imagine what it will be like, staying home, not working, feeding, changing, the sleep deprivation, the worrying, but it still doesn't feel real. Like when you used to dream about your wedding day while still in elementary school. You could picture it all day long, but in the end? You had no idea what to expect.

This week the baby is over 4 lbs, and somewhere around 18 inches. Again, he's got a lot of weight to gain still, but is pretty much there in terms of length, which I can totally attest to. I swear sometimes it feels like he's trying to get out of there, if he could just push a little harder, a little more, he might make it out. That seems to be his goal. He's fond of pushing from both ends, so that I feel it up close to my rib cage on the right side, and down lower on my left, so that my stomach resembles an egg rather than a big ball. At least it feels that way. We're constantly playing the Name That Body Part game, trying to determine if that's a foot, an elbow, his bum or his head. I still think his feet are on my right, and his head is somewhere on my left side, but who knows now. He might have switched positions entirely, that's how much he's wiggling around in there. Most sites reported that this week marks the point where the amniotic fluid is at it's peak, and from here on out it will start to reduce itself, reabsorb into my body. Maybe this is why my ankles are beginning to resemble that of an elephant, thick and fat. The weekly food comparison is a pineapple, and I wonder if that includes the pointy sharp leaves. It should.

As I mentioned, we made our first baby purchase, or I guess, our first clothing purchase. These adorable little wool booties, which will be perfect for this winter in our chilly single-paned window, non-insulated, gaping holes around the doorway, house. We have what Caleb fondly refers to as "central heating", meaning we have one large grate in the floor in the hallway that eeks out a little bit of heat, and that's it. Our hallway is toasty warm, and you can almost see your breath in the rest of the house. He'll be needing something to keep his little toes warm, and I think these will do.

 

I feel like I've grown a lot in the past week or so, I don't know if it's just my imagination, or if it's just because he likes to sit out there as far as he can, but little things are getting more difficult. Like putting on shoes that require tying or buckling. I just bought a new pair at Target, some cute yellow ones, and getting them on in the morning requires quite the coordination. If I'm really feeling lazy I'll beg Caleb, but most mornings I'm stuck figuring it out myself, contorting in several different ways until they're on. I remember thinking when I was first pregnant that I'd never get to the point that I would actually make grunting noises when bending over or rolling out of bed. Surely I had the restraint to not sound like such an animal.

I was wrong, it's almost involuntary.

Bending over to pick up the mail off the floor, or a stray dryer sheet (honestly, I swear those things reproduce in the dryer...I put one in and out come nine million and they scatter around as I walk into the bedroom to hang and fold), or feeding the mutt, or rolling over in bed (or out for that matter), or even just bending to put on pants all illicit some sort of pathetic grunt. I was talking with Bridgette tonight and she said it perfectly, you almost feel like you could throw up. Like the bending is going to force things in either direction, and you'd better be prepared. It's going to be so strange to not have this bowling ball in my way anymore.

And for the record, this underwire bra is driving me insane. My stomach keeps getting bigger and bigger and shoving that wire deeper and deeper. I might have to switch to...(hushed whisper)...a bra without one. I never thought I'd see the day when I'd willingly give up the wire. What would stop them from hanging to my knees?!?

This Saturday we have our birthing class. We opted for the one day course as opposed to the month long once a week deal, and I hope we don't regret it. It's from 9 am until 6 pm, and I'm praying they're merciful and let us out early. I'm really not into the practice sessions, the sitting on the ground pretending to breathe stuff, I get all sorts of uncomfortable. I'd rather it be formal, like a college course, where they hand out materials and go over terms and what to expect and where to go on The Day, and what to bring etc. I'd even take a pop quiz, just please don't make me sit there legs splayed along with dozens of other women, pretending to be in labor.

Speaking of what to bring, I'm anxious to pack the bag. I know it's early, but I can't help it, I've got to get it done. It's just a little of my A Type coming through, I can't sleep if I don't feel prepared. I've gone over a few lists I've found on websites and such and come up with a rough idea of items, but I'd love to hear of anything that you brought or didn't bring or wish you'd had.

A shot taken in Ouray, next to this gorgeous guardrail. So beautiful.

 

I'm giving my belly button another week or so until it pops out. Caleb has been awaiting the day since the very beginning. It's hanging on for dear life.

Comments

[Lindsay Chang]

Kim, you look lovely!
I have a request...please, please do not name your sweet baby boy Jackson. Actually, try and stay away from any name ending in "son". You can name him Calebson or Kimson, but stay away from any name that would mean he is the "son of" Jeffrey, Jack, James, John, etc.

[Sam and Danielle]

Kim you will not believe this but Sam and I have those same booties (but in orange). They are so cute! I believe it was one of our first purchases as well. Good taste :)

[turleybenson]

Hey, yeah, I'm just now commenting. One thing I was really glad I brought in my bag was yummy shower gels and lotions. That first shower "after" felt like heaven, and it was nice to not have to use hospital soap.