Baby Bump Wednesday: Week 39

Still pregnant! Woo! Which is fine, right? No biggie. But after Sunday I'm officially declaring this child a freeloader. Moochin' off my womb. It's time to get on out here. Join the air breathing! Come out so I can dress you in all these lovely smelling baby clothes. And sniff your neck and stuff. Kiss your baby down hair. Or your no-hair, whatever, just GET OUT HERE. We're ready.

Baby is maybe 7-ish pounds, 20-ish inches, the size of a mini watermelon. He's developing more layers of delicious baby fat, and losing the lanugo and vernix he's had protecting him thus far. That's about it, that's as much info as the pregnancy websites I frequent said this week, and they had just as much to say about what's going on with me. In fact, most sites have moved past the pregnancy, talk a bit about labor signs, and are now offering tips, info, and advice on what happens immediately following the birth. I mean besides all the gory stuff. Most mention at least something about the "baby blues" that affect about 80% of women and last a "short period of time". This is due to the sharp drop of hormones that happens immediately following the birth. It only makes sense that after living on such a huge amount of hormones for over 9 months that your body goes through some sort of withdrawal. You just hope it doesn't last.

I'm slowly getting used to this not-working thing, and am incredibly glad that I chose to take the two weeks prior to my due date off. So glad. I have been more tired lately and know I would have been pretty useless between that and my back. My upper middle back is also starting to hurt more, which is an early labor sign, and one I'm not going to complain about because of that. Any early labor signs are welcome here.

Caleb has been not-so-slyly trying to get me to walk more, though I'm not sure how effective my slow waddle is. Last night we went to an outdoor mall so that I could show Caleb the dish set I have been thinking about getting, since we are hosting Thanksgiving this year and currently own...service for four. Blue plates we got from Target for our wedding. Definitely have worked for us so far, but we decided it was high time to upgrade and get a proper white set for eight. And this is the funny part, I went in thinking I'd show Caleb the one I liked, hopefully he'd like it, and we'd talk about it for a little while, maybe I'd look online for a deal...you know, the typical girl shopping style. We walked in though, Caleb approved, and then said, "Well, let's get it." And I just stared at him for a minute. Really? Just...get it?! Now?! But...what about...don't you want to... I was totally not prepared to shop the "guy way". It was refreshing though, to walk in, like something, and get it. Novel! I could get used to that!

Anyway. I was talking about walking. So after we bought our set we decided to walk to the other side of the mall to get an ice cream cone from Ben & Jerry's. The mall isn't that big, but at my speed it took us quite a while. We got close however, and saw that the line was two stores back. Apparently they were giving out free ice cream cones for election night. Quickly deciding to opt for hot chocolate and ice cream at home, we turned around and slowwwwly walked back to the car. I was slightly aggravated at walking all that way with a backache for nothing, but Caleb was loving every minute of it, and kept suggesting I take the mutt on a "long walk" this morning.

Question #1: Anyone have any great ideas for inducing labor? Besides walking? Again, I don't think my slow shuffle is doing anything.

On to more fun topics. Like crib bedding.

 

Via a slanted picture. Very classy, I assure you.

 

Bought these little guys on sale at Target. They're ready to be gnawed and slobbered on. I opened them the other night to place them in the crib and discovered that the giraffe rattles and the rhino squeaks. Fabulous. I'm already trying to figure out how to convince the mutt that the baby's toys are not for sharing, and a squeaking stuffed animal is not going to make things easier.

Question #2: How do you keep the dog's nasty mouth off your preshus baby's toys?

In the meantime, I'm going to be looking up ways to tell if your baby is sitting posterior, inducing the dreaded back labor. So far I believe he is sideways.

I'm also mourning the remaining remnants of my caramel candy corn. Though this is probably for my own good. Until next year, sweet candy.

Notice the late morning sun pouring through the window. I couldn't pull myself out of bed today. I wanted to, I tried on several occasions to get up, rolling onto my other side, throwing back the covers, and each time that was as far as I got before I slipped into sleep again.

Also notice my belly button nubbin. That may be all we get, folks. A nubbin that pokes out just enough to make it visible through my shirts. A super hot trend, you should all be so jealous.

Comments

[La Petite Chic]

Ohh, that has got to be the most adorable crib and crib set that I've ever seen! I love it! Just think, this time next week you could have a baby in your arms!!

[Liv]

You're amazing! That crib bedding is adorable!!

I don't have any labor-inducing advice other than to watch the episodes of "Friends" when Rachel is trying to get her baby outta there. Maybe you can laugh the baby out?

[Sensibly Sassy]

my mom has always said that if you want to induce labor you should walk with on foot up on the curb and one in the street for a couple minutes. I guess this is supposed to make it so that the baby gets into position. Or you could always eat some spicy food. I can't wait till the baby gets here!! (p.s. nice bedding, super cute!)

[lauren]

i hear sex is quite helpful. ;)

but seriously, i have a few friends who say it worked for them.

[Abby]

I was going to say the sex thing, too. Just think, this could be the LAST baby bump Wednesday post your write!!
The bedding looks awesome, btw. Love it all. You have very good taste, my friend. That's why I'm friends with you. Well, one of the reasons anyway.

[Leslie]

Ok, not that I am a pro or anything but I DO have 4 kids. So here goes:
Labor inducing activities:
1-Jumping on a trampoline (it works...I have done it)
2- Get a pedicure and have them focus on certain points on your foot (if they are good they will know where.) A foot reflexologist works great too.
3- S-E-X...nuff said
4- Caleb is right--long walks really do help.
5- Jumping jacks, aerobics, and every other activity that you would not even think about doing right now because you are so tired.

Sorry I am long-winded here but the postpartum thing is very real and if you feel like you are getting the blues give me a ring. Been there.

I am super excited for you! Any day now you will be holding that precious baby, smelling the sweet smell and the nubby belly button will be gone...but it will be stretched out. Kinda fun. It is all very magical and amazing. I get very nostalgic just talking about it.
P.S. Love the bedding.

[Kjersti]

I can't wait for this baby! I'm so excited to see him! Please call me when you go into labor, even if I'm at work. I wish more than anything that I could be there with you, but I'm sure you know all about that.
I also love the crib!

[JoAnna Moss]

Well, I contribute the early labor to CJ. He took me on 2 four wheeler rides and 2 motorcycle rides. I specifically asked him to aim towards the pot holes. I also did a few kangaroo hops up and down the stairs many times. It did pay off. Evan came two weeks early!