Weeks 36 & 37

Baby is the size of a Winter Melon

At 37 weeks pregnant, your baby’s lungs are likely mature — but that doesn’t mean he’s finished growing yet. In fact, until the end of week 38 he’s technically considered “early term” and he's still packing on about a half an ounce per day or half a pound a week. At this age, the average fetus weighs about six-and-a-half pounds — though boys are likely to be heavier at birth than girls. And here's a bit of baby boy trivia to back that one up: Moms carrying boys tend to eat more than those expecting girls (a foreshadowing of teenage refrigerator raids to come!). That makes it a little crowded in your uterus, so he may not be kicking as much, though he’s probably stretching, rolling a bit and wiggling (all of which you’ll be able to feel!).Practicing for Birth - So what's keeping your little one busy while waiting it out until D-day? Practice, practice, practice. Right now, your tiny superstar is rehearsing for his big debut, simulating breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, sucking his thumb, blinking and pivoting from side to side (one day you feel his bottom on the left side, the next it has flipped around to the right).Baby’s Head Is Huge! Here's an interesting fact: Your baby's head (which, by the way, is still growing) will be at birth the same circumference as his chest. And guess what's making an impression (literally) these days on those shoulders and hips? Fat — causing little dimples in those cute elbows, knees and shoulders, along with creases and folds in the neck and wrists.



Baby watch has officially commenced and I have just about made the transition from wanting to put off the day that our love bug has to enter the "real world" to anticipation and feeling a little more ready. This is mostly due to my own growing discomfort - I hate to complain because I know that I have had such a healthy and active pregnancy on the whole, but the back pain and fatigue is getting real. One particularly rough evening I had to just assume extended childs' pose in bed and wait for the throbbing to subside- it actually crossed my mind that it might be the start of labour and gave me a bit of a scare into really getting things ready! Over the next week I packed the hospital bag, visited our fire station for a car seat check and prepped some freezer meals for after the baby's arrival. 

Another big to-do item that we were able to finally check off the list was a new automobile! Thor and I agreed that my little Subaru Impreza was not the ideal family vehicle and we have  spent months looking into other transportation options for our growing family. After driving mini-vans and SUVs and trucks galore, we settled on the Volvo CX 90. I LOVE it - feels safe and sturdy for our "precious cargo" (salesman speak when referring to a child that drove Thor and I bananas), spacious for visiting family members and a bit classy for mum! hehe

I also taught my last RIP and Zumba classes. It was a blast and I will miss teaching for the next couple of months but I knew I just couldn't commit to being there and being on my A-game for the students for much longer! I have continued to take a few classes but I am slowing down a bit now!

I also did what will likely be my last pre-baby hike up Canfield - I feel so fortunate that I was still able to climb mountains in the final couple of weeks of my pregnancy and I can not wait to share that past time with the love bug. 

The nursery is just about done and is waiting for me to snap some photos for a 'Nursery Reveal' on the blog - goal for this week!!!

As I mentioned earlier, I have prepped a few meals for after the babies arrival. So far in the freezer we have Lentil, Potato and Carrot Soup, Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, Veggie Chili and 2 versions of Shepard's Pie. Waiting to be made is a yummy vegan lasagna. I'm clearly anticipating enjoying some fall comfort foods! I also made a batch of Oatmeal, PB and Chocolate chip cookies last night- but there is a chance that between myself and a certain cookie monster I live with, they will suffer the same fate as the banana muffins and vanish before d-day! :). 

Our love bug still gives me lots of wiggles and rolls to enjoy in my belly, although I can tell she is running out of room as she sometimes tries to occupy the same space as my rib cage. Thor still loves to feel her motions as well and I can tell he is getting anxious to have her on the outside and be able to really snuggle with her. He also gets very worried and concerned about her well-being when she has the hiccups - it is a little distressing since she gets them at least once a day and her entire body will jump every second or so. We hope that they do not bother her too much!

Well I think I am going to sign of and possibly make a lasagna or photograph the nursery! Or make lunch and take a nap....

Only a week to go so its time to get moving on those final to-do items!