Watch Spence Chew on a Bone!

Baby B is 6 lbs, 5 oz!

I'm 38 weeks along and Baby B continues to grow. Friday we had an ultrasound to confirm her growth and learned she is 6 lbs, 5 oz! She's like a little newborn still in my belly. Our bags are packed and we have everything ready to go. Tonight we have a dinner reservation to celebrate our 3rd anniversary. We also took Spence to the park to play and stopped by to see little Ava. Baby B hasn't dropped yet so I think we have a little longer to wait... Here's what she's up to now at 38 weeks:

• If she is the "average baby," she weights 6.8 pounds and is 19.6 inches.
• Have you noticed she hiccups a lot? Because there is no air around her, those breathing exercises cause amniotic fluid to get into her windpipe. The result? Hiccups!
• Your child's intestines are accumulating lots of meconium. Meconium takes on the role of being your baby's first bowel movement -- removing the waste that has accumulated.
• She may have a full head of hair now -- an inch or more long! Don't be surprised if it's an unexpected color. Some blond couples have dark haired babies; some dark haired couples have red-haired babies; some couples have babies with only peach fuzz! It may just persuade you to take a closer look at your family tree!
• Circumference of head and abdomen are about the same size for your baby. No wonder it's so hard to get a t-shirt over a newborn's head!

Baby B is full term!

Baby B is 37 weeks today. Here is what she is up to:

-This week, the average size is about 6.3 pounds now and 19.1 inches length.
-She is official full term now but can still benefit from extra days in the womb.
-Your baby continues to practice breathing movements. Isn't it amazing how she can breathe "under water?"
-Grasp is firm now. It won't be long until you'll feel that strong little fist confidently grasping your finger (or tightly clenching your hair)!
-A few weeks ago, your baby would move her eyes toward light. Now she turns towards light outside the uterus.
-As the uterine wall stretches and thins allowing more light to permeate, she develops definite daily activity cycles. You will want to be sure to establish good patterns yourself at this time, thus encouraging them in your child. Ever heard of a baby getting his days/nights mixed up? Now's the time to try to avoid that!

Pet of the Week

Blair & I couldn't be any prouder of Spence for being named Pet of the Week in the Midlothian Exchange paper! http://www.yourmidloexchange.com/spps/ahpg.cfm?spgid=23

One month from today...

It is unbelievable, but my due date is one month from today!! We're relaxing this weekend and doing some last minute shopping. We have both car seat bases installed and ready, and practiced snapping her infant carrier in. We also had our 3rd lamaze class this morning. I think the breathing techniques will be very helpful I just need to practice. Last night we had a date night at a restaurant called Andre's Grille. It was nice to spend time just the two of us since our baby-free days are dwindling...

I'm feeling okay most of the time, but when I move around or roll over in bed it is uncomfortable. I've gained about 27 pounds and my body is adjusting to the extra weight on my belly. I need to pack my hospital bag this week so I'm prepared if she decides to arrive early!

Here is what Baby B is up to at 36 weeks:
-Your baby is almost ready and most likely, so are you! The only organ still to mature is the lungs. While certainly you are both growing anxious to meet, remember that each day that your little one stays within your womb will multiply her chances to breathe on her own.
-If she hasn't already, this week your baby may drop into the birth canal. While breathing for mom becomes easier, walking may be the exact opposite!
-Fat is dimpling your baby's elbows and knees, and forming creases in the neck and wrists.
-Her skin is growing smooth and, shall we say it, "baby" soft.
-Her gums are very rigid. It won't be many months before you'll see her teeth.
-She has a fully developed pair of kidneys and her liver has begun processing some waste products.
-Your child's average size is now 18.66 inches and 5.78 pounds. Between now and birth she will gain about an ounce a day!

Our sweet niece Ava came by for a visit over the weekend. Uncle Blair let her try out Baby B's arm chair. She seemed to like it!

35 weeks & Andrea visits

Andrea & Heather

We're down to the last 5 weeks! Everything continues to progress well which is a blessing. I'm feeling pretty good but the heartburn is terrible! And it's also tough to get comfortable when I sleep. All minor issues of course.

I'm so glad Andrea could come visit for the weekend. We basically did a lot of relaxing and catching up which was great!

Here's what baby b is up to this week:

-The average baby weighs almost five and a half pounds now.
-Most babies born now will survive and without many long-term problems.
-Fat accumulations plumps up the arms and legs this week. These layers of fat will help her regulate her body temperature. They also provide those cute little dimples on elbows and knees!
-Her hearing is fully developed, so be sure to talk to your daughter. Do you find yourself speaking in a high-pitched tone? That's okay since some studies show babies respond better to higher pitches.
-It's getting crowded! Your baby is now taking up most of the uterus and you may even feel like your chest has run out of room! Soon enough though, baby will move down and you'll be able to breathe easily again (just not walk so easily!).
-Your baby is 18.2 inches long and weighs 5.3 pounds.

HWB & baby b@ 35 wks


Spence loves his Aunt AB

Kennedy Family Visits

Our friends Jason and Beth, and their boys Calvin and Casey, visited during Labor Day weekend. It was a lot of fun to have them in Richmond and to spend time together!

Beth, Casey (9 mo.) and HWB

Jason and Calvin ride the train @ Short Pump

Jason, Casey, Calvin, and Beth

34 weeks for baby b

Baby b continues to grow and is midway through week 34. I now go to the doctor every Thursday morning until her birth. We also start our lamaze classes tonight. Everything is moving so quickly!

Here's what she is up to this week:

-Your baby acts completely like a newborn, with her eyes opened when awake and closed when sleeping. You may also find her settling into more of a routine for sleeping & awake times.
-She has learned to blink. She can also see more clearly when there is a bright light on your stomach and probably has the outline of all your organs memorized!
-Antibodies from your blood are being tranferred to her. These immunities continue to build until birth. Then breastmilk will add even more protection against disease.
-Your baby has proabably already turned to a head-down position in preparation for birth. If she is your first baby, she is most likely settling into the pelvis with her head pressing against your cervix.
-Fingernails have reached the end of the fingertips now. She may scratch her face even before she is born!
-Your little one's length is 17.7 inches and weight is about 5 pounds.