Week 35

Sorry for the delay on posting this week, just had a busy beginning of the week!  This is Gary's last week of classes for medical school so everyone is back in town and there is a lot going on.  I just can't believe how fast these last 4 years have gone- and I can't believe that he graduates in 2.5 weeks!  I have been a bad wife and am still working on getting things arranged for his graduation but there has been some last minute changes.  I think I finally have it all figured out now.   Gary has worked so hard the last four years and he deserves to celebrate.  For some reason he doesn't think graduating is a big deal but I do!!!  Lets just hope baby doesn't decide to make an appearance the weekend of graduation!

35.5 weeks down, 4.5 to go (theoretically).  I can't believe how close my due date is getting.  We are so excited and at this point feel ready at any time.  The baby's bag is packed for the hospital.  This weekend I have to get my bag packed or at least make a list so we know what we need to grab.  We will probably instal the car seat in my car this weekend as well.  I feel like that is going to make it all seem so real- if my constantly moving belly wasn't enough of a reminder.  The baby is doing very well.  He or she is still very energetic and has to be the most polite baby ever.  They are still allowing me to feel wonderful with no real painful kicks, no swelling, not much discomfort at all and a fair amount of energy.  I am still sleeping well and only having to get up once a night which I am very appreciative of.  Our little one gave us a slight scare Friday evening with contractions (presumably Braxton Hicks) occurring about every 5 minutes for a good 30-45 minutes.  Fortunately we were able to get them to stop and I have just been having them intermittently.  We were driving in the car when I told Gary I had had 2 or 3 contractions in a row in a short time frame.  He tells me worse case scenario he will deliver the baby in the car- just what I wanted to here.  He is so laid back about everything it is very reassuring.  I would just like to make it to 37 weeks till our little one is considered full term then whenever he or she wants to allow us to me them we would love to.  I have my next OB apt tomorrow afternoon and then go weekly thereafter.   I should get a little more information about how I am progressing at my appointment tomorrow.  Here is a picture of how my belly is progressing- I think it looks huge in the picture.  I don't quite feel it is that large which explains why I keep getting wedged in place I can't fit or bumping into things.

Quick update on baby this week.  They are over 18 inches long and approximately 5 1/4 pounds.  Most of their basic physical development is now complete they are just continuing to put on weight.  Their kidneys are full developed and their liver is now able to process wastes.  They are just beginning to run out of room in there so most likely the baby will stay in the current position (head down).

This past weekend we were in State College to visit with Gary's family.  Gary's oldest brother, Eric, and his wife Cara were in town visiting from Colorado.  It was great to get to spend some time with them.  While they were in town Gary's family did a small baby shower for us since they were unable to make is to either of my other showers.  We had a very nice time catching up with everyone and thoroughly appreciated their generosity.  Here is a picture of the cake Gary's mother made.

And finally (sorry this was such a long post) Gary got a new toy which he is completely loving!  He purchased a new digital SLR camera just in time for our little one.  Sasha has been his main subject at this point in time.  Here are just two of the great shots he got of Sasha while she was running around this weekend.  I can't wait till we can take pictures of out little one, though Sasha is very cute as well.  

Hope you are all doing well and staying warm though it sounds like we will want to stay cool this weekend or at least us Pennsylvanians!!  We will try to keep you updated if anything progresses over the next few weeks- at least with a quick post though I am sure news will spread by word of mouth very quickly as well.  We are very anxious to meet out little one and can't wait to introduce him or her to all of you as well!!