33 Weeks and Counting

Whew!  This week brought along a lot of new 'changes' but all of which are to be expected, I suppose.  My fingers and feet/ankles have begun to swell so I've sadly tucked my wedding rings away.  They still fit, but as the day progresses, my rings begin to cut off circulation so my finger began to ache.  I'm not a fan of swollen feet and ankles either, ho hum.  I haven't been to spinning in two weeks because all my free time has been dedicated to packing and moving so I wonder if exercise will help with the swelling?  I'll know next week because I plan to resume my gym activities.  Also, since the baby's head is down, my pelvis feels like it can't hold him in place any longer.  It's the weirdest feeling, but I mainly notice that when my bladder feels overly full, which is all the time, even though it really isn't.  The baby is using my bladder as his trampoline...

I have also quickly learned my limits, especially since we are moving.  It's a little harder for me to move a round and my giant belly seems to get in the way.  I haven't been handling any of the heavy boxes.  I did try to scoot a box across the floor and it was uncomfortable so I quickly learned to leave all the heavy lifting/moving to Rich.  

Tonight, Rich and a friend were supposed to begin moving the majority of our boxes but there are threats for some very severe storms/tornadic weather heading our way this afternoon, so the moving may be postponed.  Tomorrow is the big day when everything will be relocated to our new house.  We are so thankful for seven of Rich's friends and their generosity to give up a few hours on Saturday morning to help us.  Rich bribed them with some BW3's wings and a cold beer once they are finished.  

Rich moved everything for the kitchen, master bath, all our hanging pictures and one TV last night so I was unable to unpack and get those two rooms organized.  It is nice to move in stages because unpacking/organizing is much easier.  Thankfully we have an attached garage so all the boxes of "I don't know what to do with this stuff" can be stored there until I have the chance to find a new home for those items.

One thing I did notice is that my condo had more cabinet space/drawers in the kitchen and master bath than the new house does. I was surprised and I will miss the drawers in my bathroom vanity.  But that is a small price to pay to be into a house!  I'll take it. 

33 Weeks - Third Trimester 

 

Size: 17 inches long and weighs about 4 pounds - the size of a pineapple

 

Development: The baby is quickly losing his wrinkled alien look while his skeleton is hardening.  The bones in his skull are not yet fused together which allows them to move and overlap sightly, which makes it easier for him to fit through the birth canal.  The bones in his skeleton won't fuse together completely until early adulthood so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.  Since the birthing experience is so intense, many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance, which is only temporary. 

How far along: 33 weeks (a little over 8.25 months)

Total weight gain: Remaining steady at 26 pounds

Sleep: I have a hard time falling asleep, mainly because I am in and out of bed for potty breaks.  But, even though my sleep is highly interrupted, I haven't felt exhausted, which is strange.  Maybe my body is preparing for a newborn?!

Movement: The movement is more intense and I love it.  He moves around primarily in the morning and night at bedtime.  When I put my hand on my belly, he responds just about every time.  I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing...is he telling me to leave him alone?! We haven't been counting movement or kicks yet, but that will come after my next doctor's appointment next week. 

Gender: Boy

Belly Button in or out: In, but I have a feeling not for much longer!  It is close to the edge and looks bruised.  I guess that is normal?  I need to ask my doctor next week. 

What I miss: Wearing my wedding rings

What I am looking forward to: My next doctor's appointment.  I really want to know how big he really is, but we won't know that unless I get another ultrasound.  I'm also curious if he's still in the head down position because my pelvis sure feels that way.  Sometimes I feel like he's going to fall out! 

 

My first baby shower is on Sunday - I am really excited about showering our sweet boy with lots of love from family and friends.