32 Full Weeks, Starting Week 33

Kathryn, this is the start of a few "growing" weeks for you.  This week you will grow to weigh a little more than 4 pounds (a good sized pineapple) and might top out at 19 inches for length.  You are almost finished growing length-wise--then you will really start to fill out width-wise!  The amniotic fluid has maxed out, meaning there is more of you than there is of fluid.  On one hand, that'll mean your kicks are more sharp (less cushioning), but you may do less of them because there is less room for you.  Also this week, I am passing along a lot of antibodies as you build up your own immune system.  At this point, you can only protect yourself from the mildest bacteria and germs.  We love you very much.

I have gained 21 pounds as of a week ago (it's probably 22 by now).  That's good--the average is 22-28 by now.  More good news: I am still sashaying as opposed to waddling.  I'm not having to deal with headaches, hemorrhoids, protruding navel, shortness of breath, or "leakiness" from my breasts.  My blood pressure still looks great and I don't have gestational diabetes or dangerous swelling.

However....my acid reflux continues to try and kill me.  My ears can sometimes feel blocked and I have increasing trouble with sleeping.  I have a smattering of stretch marks, spider veins and varicose veins, and a lot of achiness and pelvic pressure.  I'm wearing my new support band and applying the vitamins (see last week's post) most of the time, and it does seem to help a little.

I never imagined that I could stay so busy without having a job to go to!  It's crazy how much there is to be done in the house, in the yard, or with running errands or scheduling appointments for various things.  I manage to stay busy all day, every day.  Kathryn's second wall decal FINALLY arrived yesterday (after five weeks of waiting and opening a case on Etsy against the shop owner), so maybe we can get back to decorating and arranging the room.

Our next shower is Saturday, hosted by our moms, and then we'll have one last shower two weeks after that, hosted by our church connect group.  Next birth center appointment is in two weeks exactly!