baby #3: 37 weeks

(written September 29th)37weeksBaby’s size: We had our growth scan this week, and the ultrasound technician estimated her to be around 6 pounds 2 ounces. However, her disclaimer was that she personally usually overestimates size, so her real guess is that the baby will be about that weight at delivery. This puts her in the 20th percentile, so she’s where she needs to be, just on the smaller side.

Funny enough, we had a scan with Kaelyn at 36 weeks, and she supposedly weighed 6 pounds 2 ounces too. Obviously, she came out a bit smaller!

Maternity clothes?: Yeah.

Gender: Sweet baby girl!

Symptoms: Still some sciatica, but usually only at the end of the day.

Labor signs: I think I’ve been having some contractions when I’m running… There’s just so much tightness and pressure! I should obviously know what they feel like by now, but sometimes it’s hard to tell. The first time I felt one, it almost felt good… I’m ready for my body to start working toward getting my baby here. I haven’t had my cervix checked, so I have no idea if I’m dilated or effaced at all.

Sleep: I wake up several times at night, and I’m always up before my first alarm these days. I absolutely need a nap in the afternoon, otherwise it’s really hard to make it through the day. I’m really hoping that this baby will take good naps, or that I suddenly have so much more energy once she’s born…

Movement: She is still wild and crazy, but I think she’s slowing down a little. There’s just not too much room left for her to dance.

Cravings: None.

What I miss: Not feeling humongous!

Anything making you queasy or sick?: I’ve had a few nauseous moments, but definitely nothing serious. I actually want to eat (which is something I haven’t felt for most of this pregnancy), so it’s almost strange to have an appetite again!

Belly Button in or out?: Flat and sometimes poking out.

Exercising?: Ran 19.9 miles. Fitbit total: 77,759 steps.

Mood: I got to see my favorite midwife (who delivered Kaya!) at my 37-week appointment this week, and her optimism really put my mind at ease. She’s so supportive of natural birth (i.e. no painkillers), so while she does want me to come to the hospital as soon as my water breaks due to the Group B strep, she told me to do whatever I need to to feel as comfortable as possible (especially since this could mean I labor at the hospital for much longer than I’d hoped). I’m planning on bringing essential oils, my own blanket and pillow, music, snacks and my water bottle, and my own lamp. I’m praying she’s the midwife on call when I deliver!

Best moment this week: Seeing this little girl at our ultrasound and hearing that she’s a good size, her organs look healthy, and amniotic fluid levels are in normal range. Also… seeing this beautiful little face made my day! It’s not the best picture (and it was easier to see her in person), but I already love those squishy cheeks and her sweet little nose. She reminds me a whole lot of Kaya as a baby… but I guess we’ll know who she looks like for sure in a few weeks!37weekultrasound_face

Looking forward to: My in-laws visiting this weekend, General Conference, and maybe taking the kids pumpkin picking this weekend.

Big sisters: Somehow, Kaya still insists on her middle name being “Sunshine”. We’ve already jokingly been calling her “Baby Sunshine”, so we’ll see if that nickname sticks once she’s born. Her real name actually has a meaning that has to do with light, so it almost kind of goes together! Haha.

Comparison: 37 weeks with Kaya; 37 weeks with Kaelyn.