Week 39

Hello and Welcome to Week 39!

I am so pregnant it hurts. I don't want to hear any more about people that are having babies unless it's me. This week 3 people that are all on their 1st baby and due within a week or 2 of me had their babies this week, early. One woman was a month early and still had a 6 lb 5 oz baby! Everyone is healthy and happy and no longer pregnant. Now, I had enjoyed most aspects of being pregnant. On more then one occasion I have mentioned in these messages all the pros and cons of my pregnancy but I hope with a distinct emphasis on the pros. Today I am fully in the con column. My feelings will probably change tomorrow. I am just jealous of the families that currently can hold the babies they've been carrying for the last 8-9 months. I know my time is coming soon, but right now time is moving at a snail's pace.

Eric and I both have colds. We are getting over them now, but it's been annoying all week. I think I've had 6-7 hours of sleep over the last 2 days. I am uncomfortable all the time and the heartburn is destroying my esophagus. I am actually concerned about any lasting damage to my esophagus because the acid from my stomach has been an issue this entire pregnancy, but it is insanely bad right now. It is keeping my up at nights and I have no idea what else I can do. Giving birth is the only thing that will relieve my stomach. I am also snapping at Eric and I don't mean to. I am just so tired and uncomfortable and I have been taking it out on him a little because he lives with me. I am trying to be nice however my success rate has dropped dramatically. And I don't want to do anything. I don't want to cook, clean or think. I have to get my bag together for when I do go into labor and I haven't even done that yet. It's as if Eric has to hold my hand and walk me through all this. I know what has to be done and I have no motivation to get anything completed. The only thing I want to do is finish the blanket I began knitting for the baby a few months ago. I haven't touched it in 6 weeks and the last 3 nights I've had marathon knitting sessions. It is almost done, but it will probably take another 10 hours or so.

I had a wonderful baby shower last weekend. Everyone was so generous with their time and gifts. And it was so nice to see family that I haven't been able to in the last few weeks or months. It was great. My Aunt Andrea was kind enough to host the event, and I have to say I'm glad she did because I sometimes forget the vast number of my extended family and she has a very large house! I know that she and my mother worked very hard to make it a lovely event so I want to thank them both very much. The baby is definitely set for the first few months and I don't think I'll need to buy any baby lotion, shampoo and soap for at least a year! This baby is very lucky to have such a large family that is so excited to have a new member. And I am very lucky to be able to be a part of its arrival. And during the shower I found out that my cousins wife is expecting twins! How wonderful is that. I love that we are beginning a whole new generation.

Eric and I went for my weekly check-up yesterday. So far I've gained 29 pounds and the midwife is pleased with the amount of fluid surrounding the baby. She estimated that the baby is about 6.5 pounds and the heartbeat was in the 140's. And she basically told me to get comfortable. Although the baby could come at any time she said that Eric and I should go out to eat, see some movies and enjoy ourselves. Great advice if I felt like doing anything and if Eric wasn't up to his eyes with work. Right now a date with my couch is all I'm really looking forward to!

Now for the fun stuff: The baby's internal organs and systems are now fully developed. The baby is ready to enter the world. Its once spacious home inside my uterus has become cramped, and it has little room to stretch out arms and legs. The baby is now 6 pounds 13 ounces (so this baby is right on target according to my midwives) and is about 14 inches long from crown to rump. Below are the weekly renderings.

Love to you all!

Desiree