36 Weeks/9 Months

36 weeks/9 Months

Flashback to 26 weeks

Eli is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. Average babies at this stage weigh between 5 to 6 pounds and are more than 18 1/2 inches long. At the end of this week, he will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.)

We had our weekly doctor appointment on Monday and everything continues to go well. I asked Dr. Ye for her professional estimate for Eli's weight and she said about 5 lbs (just an estimate). My fundal measurement (measurement of my stomach) is about 2 weeks smaller than average, but Dr. Ye said it isn't anything to be concerned about. I am not dilated at all, which is good as he should stay in there at least a couple more weeks.

If you haven't already, please add your predictions below for when Eli will arrive and how big he will be! The winner gets to be the first baby-sitter!

Birthday Predictions

We are a mere 30 days out from our expected due date, but when do YOU think the baby will arrive? How much will Baby weigh? How long will the Baby be? Go ahead and post your predictions now (via the comment option below): birthday, weight, and length.

35 Weeks

Eli is now estimated to be over 18 inches long and tipping the scales at about 5 1/4 pounds. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight (about 1 ounce per day).

He is still head down as he was 2 weeks ago. I have had some major pelvic pressure (ouch!) which is a sign of "dropping" or "lightning". Most first time moms "drop" between 34-36 weeks. It doesn't mean that he is coming early...just that I will be waddling until he arrives!

Happy Birthday, Nick!

Happy 29th Birthday, Nick!

I love you!

Thank you, Everyone!

Saturday, my Aunts (my mom's sisters) put on a Baby Shower at my Aunt Ruth's home. Some of the neighbor ladies, and other Willmar friends stopped by as well. I have to admit, the highlight for me was just playing Group Solitare with my counsins and Aunts. It is a family tradition my Grandma Delores got us hooked on. We played that afternoon and that evening as well at Ruth and Roger's Lake Home where we had a bon-fire and hung out.

(Aunt Cynthia, Aunt Julie, Aunt Deanna, Me, Mom, Aunt Ruth)

Sunday, my mom had a little shower with my Dad's family. It was another beautiful Fall day. We took Hailey to the park where she decided to push Nick and Grandpa on the Merry-go-round.... how many 83 year olds do you know would get on a Merry-go-round? While we were watching Hailey spin Nick and Grandpa, Claire and I experienced the joy of being pooped on by some birds high above....

(Hailey spinning Nick & Grandpa on the Merry-go-round)

Claire & Me... after we cleaned the bird poo out of our hair...yuck!

A big thanks to everyone! It was such a great weekend just hanging out and enjoying the beautiful fall we are having!

A Family Name

One other cool thing about the name Eli... when I told my Grandpa Mac/McLaughlin we picked the name Eli, he told me that his Grandpa's name was Eli Rosera (who would be my Great-Great Grandfather). Eli Rosera was from Wisconsin and worked as a Lumberjack. How cool is that?

34 Weeks/8.5 Months

Eli now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is almost 18 inches long (both estimates). His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If he were to be born between now and 37 weeks (full term), he would maybe need to stay an extra day in the hospital for observation. Only 3 weeks until we are considered "Full term" and 6 weeks until we are "Due"!

It’s quite amazing how fast time has passed. Sometimes it feels like I have been pregnant forever, then other times it feels like it has not been anywhere near long enough to be giving birth in just 6 weeks!

Nick is doing well. I think he is beyond ready for the little guy's arrival! He has been so wonderful throughout everything, but I am not surprised... he is the best!

P.S. You like my pink pajama pants?