Week 33

I really, really, really think this baby is a boy. I can’t tell you why, it’s just a recent development for me. Like our politicians, I have been flip-flopping on what gender this baby is. However, now I have a strong feeling that it’s a boy. And although I really don’t care what this baby turns out to be, there is a part of me that wanted a girl. I know girls. I have so many girls in my family. I feel equipped to deal with a girl. A boy scares me a little, but they are terribly adorable as well. And then they grown into wonderful men (like my husband). I would be very proud to raise a little boy that closely resembles his father in temperament, kindness and humor.

But who knows. This baby could still be a girl. I would be shocked, but it could be.

Eric and I had another doctor’s appointment yesterday and the heartbeat has slowed down dramatically to the 120/bpm range. Eric just smiles every time the heartbeats get slower. Supposedly (according to an old wives tale) a slower heartbeat is a clue for having a boy. I think he’s as nervous about having a girl as I am about having a boy. He’s now getting more excited thinking that it’s a boy. There was a period of time a couple of months ago when the heartbeats were in the 150/bpm range that Eric thought it may be a girl. I know that made him a little apprehensive. But when we left yesterday he had a smile on his face. I think he likes the idea that if our baby is a boy then he will have a little boy cousin to pal around with too. Even though our nephew Julian will be 1½ years older then our baby they are still close in age and we hope they will grow up to be close friends. Eric never had any cousins close to his age. His brother is 7 ½ years younger then he is and his cousin is 9 years younger. Because I was lucky enough to have so many cousins and siblings close to my age there was always someone to play with, talk to, etc. I want that for my baby and my future babies. I want them to have someone their age to share anything they want with. It’s a special bond between siblings and cousins. And if my family begins with 2 young little boys playing around and having fun then I really couldn’t be happier. I really hope Julian and this baby have so much fun growing up together. I’m very excited to see what the future will bring.

So I have gained 19 pounds as of yesterday. Right on schedule and doing fine. I have 57 days until the official due date, but then again that’s at best a guess. I could have this baby on Christa’s birthday (12/12) and it would still be considered on time. Anywhere from 2 weeks before the date to two weeks after is normal. It’s a birth month approximation, not a due date. I think I will be highly disappointed if I don’t have this baby until mid December. I’m already tired and in some type of pain most days. Bedtime is my favorite time of day. I can’t wait to go to bed with my big body pillow. I don’t want to do much else once I get home. My back is tired, my feet are tired and my belly is tired. I can’t imagine going through another 7 weeks+ feeling this way and getting bigger but I am also not the only pregnant woman that feels this way 32 weeks in. I feel fine, I’m in good spirits, I’m just pregnant.

So here is the fun info. The baby is head down now. It’s been that way for a few weeks, but I guess the baby has settled. So hopefully he/she will stay there! The baby also has a daily routine. There are definite times during the day where the baby is active and times when I believe it is sleeping. According to some, once the baby is born it’ll most likely continue with its in-utero pattern. Along with its routine, the baby has favorite positions. Right now the baby is more on my left side, and it has been that way for quite a while. The baby weighs about 4 pounds and stretches to over 11 ½ inches in length from crown to rump. Below you will find the weekly renderings.