Week 36

The countdown continues! We have made it through 35 weeks of pregnancy (actually, it's only been 33...but the lovely 40-week method gives you those first two for free!). It's been a bumpy ride for me, but I'm really happy to report that it actually seems to be getting easier, rather than harder in these last few weeks.

I have more energy than I've had since before I got pregnant. I'm not sure what that's about. It might have something to do with it being spring, and our flowers are planted. I love walking outside in the morning and seeing the bright Petunias already flowering and smelling the mulch that covers our flower beds. I love waking up with the window open and listening to the sound of the birds rising with the sun. I love the cool air of the morning, the mild crispness that promises warmth and comfort through the day. I love the way that the trees have flowered, the beautiful yellows, whites and pinks of the blossoms. I love the green grass poking up from the dead winter grass and the way that the fat little Robins hop along it digging for worms.

This is such a wonderful, waking up time of year. It feels like I am coming out from under the drudgery of winter and the barren coldness of the dead landscape. This winter was especially hard for me, having spent the vast majority of it not feeling well.

We have 7 more weeks of pregnancy at the absolute most. If Bailey is not born on her own by the time we finish week 42 (or May 16th), we will induce labor and make her come. I don't think our little love will spend that much time inside of me, though. It's possible, and if that is her choice than I'll attempt to wait it out patiently...but I just don't feel like she's going to take that long. Maybe close to it...but not THAT long!

I think about that time frame. 7 weeks. That's not very long at all. I have dreamed of having a child for years. Literally for years. 7 weeks is nothing compared to that!

This weekend we will finalize everything for Bailey, except the carseat. We'll have our suitcase packed for the hospital and all of her room ready and clothes washed. It will truly be a waiting game at that point. We are very nearly finished the preparations for her.

All that is left is to enjoy the next couple of weeks as a child-less couple (if you can ignore the fact that my belly pretty much gets in the way of everything!!!!). There isn't much time left for us to just enjoy each other, without distraction. This weekend, next weekend...maybe the couple of weekends after. The countdown is on...

Here is what's up for Bailey's development this week:

Fetal development in pregnancy week 36:fetus in ninth month

The countdown continues… and in fetal developments: most of the bones (soft skull aside) in their little body are now completely hardened, providing a solid structure from which they can now make their grand debut. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we are structurally ready for a secure launch. In physical fitness news: their muscle tone has also improved over these past few weeks, and you’ll definitely be impressed by their steel-like Ulnar grasp (a newborn reflex that occurs if you lay your finger in their palm). And in genital development: if you’re having a girl, her labia are now fully developed. Finally, in the fluids/excretion department: the amniotic fluid-to-baby ratio has fallen over these past weeks, although they’re still swallowing fluid (building up even more meconium for that historic first poop), and some vernix caseosa. They will be more than ready to swallow and digest milk after birth. Just in case you didn’t get it quite yet: you’ve got yourself an adorable and hungry 6.5 lbs 20 inch baby—are you ready?

And how's mom doing?

If you haven’t done so already, you’re going to need to take the time to do some baby-proofing. We know you don’t have loads of energy right now, but waiting until your little crawler is getting into the Drain-o or sticking their finger in a light socket just isn’t the safest strategy. There are plenty of articles and check lists to assist you in making sure your home is a safe place for your new explorer (check out sites like: amazon.com’s safety products, and BabyCenter's buying guides (follow link to safety section). Go ahead and fix those broken cupboard latches and window screens. Hide or toss out harmful chemicals, detergents and aerosols as newborns are typically very sensitive to air-born agents and toxic cleaning supplies and if exposed, babies can easily breakout with rashes, have belabored breathing and watery eyes, along with others signs of irritation. Simply thinking about removing all these products can be overwhelming, so start small if necessary. Use vinegar to dust instead of Lysol, and if you’re planning on painting the nursery, try to stay away from the industry-standard synthetic mixes. Also, think about purchasing organic or dermatologist approved cotton comforters and pillows for the crib. It’s a nuisance to think about right now—but trust us: once your child is on the outside, you’re going to have a lot less time to be dealing with baby-proofing.