36 Week Update

I had my first weekly doctors appointment this morning and everything looks good.  I am only measuring 1/2 week early now, which I don't mind because the thought of a baby in two weeks freaks me out while four weeks seems more manageable!  My cervix was still closed, but I am thinning out some.  So now we are just in the wait and see stage!  My mom is coming up this weekend to help wash and organize clothes, sheets, blankets, burp cloths, etc., and then the next weekend both mom and dad will come back up to hang everything in the nursery, put together the pack and play and swing, pick up any last minute items, and get everything organized and ready for Caleb's arrival!  Sometime next week we will also be getting both the car seat bases installed - it helps to know a firefighter who will come to my house and do this for a free dinner :)

We were also blessed with two showers this week and we got lots of great stuff.  I still have my work shower to go, but after that we should be pretty much set!  I also spent all weekend crafting at my Aunt Donna's house and got Caleb's name blocks ready for above his crib, his hospital wreath ready, and monogrammed and appliqued a few burp cloths and onesies.

Here is a quick update on Caleb during Week 36:

With a mere 28 days to go (give or take a few), you're almost at the end—and the beginning of your new life. Finish up your final prep by stocking up on diapers, washing the onesies and making sure the nursery is good to go. Then, even if baby comes early, you're still ready. Of course, every new parent feels wildly unprepared regardless of how operational the nursery is, but at least you won't be diaperless!

Just when you think you can't possibly stand another day of your baby kicking your lungs and crowding your stomach, your baby will drop it like it's hot. This process, called lightening, will probably make it easier for you to breathe, but with your baby's head resting directly on your bladder, you'll be breathing all the way to the bathroom.

When your baby drops, you can rest assured that your pregnancy journey will be over within the next few weeks. Make sure to know the many signs and symptoms of labor so that you won't be caught with your pants down (both figuratively and literally).

Your baby continues to put on weight at about ½ pound each week. This layer of fat will help your baby regulate his body temperature after leaving your climate-controlled womb. In fact, your baby will be 15 percent fat at birth (and you ... well that's another story). Even in the womb, your baby can listen, feel, touch and see. The only thing separating him from living in the outside world is a little thing called the birth canal. Other highlights this week:

His gums are firm with ridges that look somewhat like teeth, though his actual pearly whites won't start breaking through until he's between three months and a year old.

Your baby has definite patterns of sleep and wakefulness—opening his eyes while awake and closing them while sleeping. Your baby will become alert and turn his head toward light and sound just as a newborn would.

Your baby is now around 18½ inches long and nearly 6 pounds—just about as big as a breadbox!