Week 36: Almost done, mommy!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 36

~length
18.6 in | 47 cm

~weight
5.8 lbs | 2.6 kg

The countdown to your sweet lil' womb hi-jacker's eviction is closing in!
In fetal developments: most of the bones (soft skull aside) in their little body are now completely hardened, providing a solid structure from which they can now make their grand debut into the world.
In physical fitness news: your mini-champ's muscle tone is improving, and you’ll be impressed by their steel-like Ulnar grasp (a newborn reflex that occurs if you lay your finger in their palm).
Your baby's nearly done baking!
And how's mom doing?

Hey mama, are you big, warm, pee-tastic, tired, and feeling just a bit anxious?
Welcome to week 36!
Mom is feeling your kicks, they seem to get stronger and stronger these days.  She was up at 4am this morning due to your kicks, and movement - no more sleeping right through the night for mom  ;) Hormones are getting stronger and mom has felt a shift this last week.  She senses the changes as her body is getting prepared to meet you soon!  Mom also had another dream last night that you were a boy!!!  In the dream she was holding you in her arms and you were just about to open your eyes when she woke up.  Mom and Dad were also in the middle of picking out your name as you opened your eyes......Mom was hoping to have an answer to that ? from the dream but no such luck.
How is dad doing?
Dad has been a trouper!!  He has given mom foot and back massages almost every night the last week plus picking up on what mom can't do around the house anymore!  He is ready to meet you and getting more and more excited each day.  Yesterday he told mom that they should practice changing diapers, really!!!    Tick Tock are you here yet?!?!

Week 35 Belly Photo

This week was filled with lots of food, fun, laughter and family!  Mom & Dad got the Christmas decor up and also got a start on the hospital bag!  They are still amazed that you are due in less than one month, if the eta is correct.....  Here is your first photo in front of the Christmas tree, Mom and Dad are so excited for your to join the family.  You will have soooo much fun with them, including Jet ;)

Mom's belly is still growing along with her frustration that she cannot do everything she is use to.  Mom is excited for her energy and mobility to return once you arrive.  Although as shown in the picture below she enjoys putting her feet up these days and enjoying the fact she gets to watch dad do some work!

Mom's belly along with Jet as they watched dad string the lights on the Christmas Tree from the couch!

Thanksgiving Day!!  Lets say by the end of the day mom was full and the belly was plumper!

Week 35: It's getting cramped in here!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 35

~length
18.2 in | 46 cm

~weight
5.25 lbs | 2.4 kg

Congratulations! You’re now carrying over 5 pounds of baby-goodness - not counting their amniotic fluid, the umbilical cord, or the placenta itself.
Developmentally, your wee womb-tenant has the fat-factory running at full tilt while their digestive system puts the finishing touches on critical organs in preparation for their first meal (remember - before birth, all of their nutrition was blood via the umbilical cord).
With their first meal in mind, it's time to look forward to one of the most important things you'll do for your infant - namely, keeping them alive with nothing more than your breasts.

And how's mom doing?
Mom is doing good but tired often.  She has never been one to sleep past 7am and you cannot get her up prior on the weekends that is ;)  Mom is feeling ready and anxious to meet you - trying to determine if it will be a boy or a girl!  Feet, hands, legs, her whole body is starting to swell by the end of the day but dad has taken great care of her with a daily back and foot rub - he is the best!! Mom is still feeling your kicks, they like to jab her in the upper left side.  As much as it startles her it is the best feeling ever.  (besides the foot rub)  It is thanksgiving week, and Mom is happy to be surrounded by friends and family that are all rooting them on and care so much for how they are doing.  Mom can't believe how many times she gets asked, "how are you doing?"  This week will mark the countdown for a month - 4 weeks to go on Saturday, if you make it that long!  Hugs from Mom & Dad for the future weeks to come - keep on growing!
How is dad doing?
Great!  Dad is excited and anxious.  He has been soaking in all the information at the birthing class and will be the best support for mom during the labor process and also afterwards.  You can ask him the three stages of birth and he would be able to rattle them off, plus different positions, breathing techniques, and where to go once we get to the hospital.  He has gotten all your fun toys filled with batteries and the house ready for your arrival!

Mom had a dream......

Last night Mom had a dream that she had a baby boy!!!  It was quite a confusing and weird dream but lead her to believe that maybe Baby Weldon could be a baby boy after a few weeks of having a feeling it was a little girl.  (funny thing is mom's twin sister also had a dream last night that it was a boy!  Her dream was a little more confusing but still weird they had it the same night)  I guess we will have to wait to find out :(  Maybe this dream was why mom was soooo tired today, she could have fallen asleep by the push of a button which made the work day a little hard but she was overwhelmed when she came home to find out dad completed his whole to-do list and more. Plus he feed her and you an amazing grilled dinner.  Cheers to 34 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy!  

Baby monitor tested and approved!!

Last night dad got the baby monitor all ready to go and what better way to test than to use Jet as yet a prop again ;)  Mom and dad put Jet in the crib and left the room - to our surprise he laid down and feel asleep in the crib but also the baby monitor is ready to go!!

Week 34 Belly Photo

The belly is growing and growing  for Mom which makes every bend over a little harder.  She still gets out of breath just by putting on one shoe and brushing her teeth or drying her hair seems like a chore these days but all and all mom is feeling good.

Mom is still able to go to the gym and do her classes but with restriction on some moves.  There are three other preggers women in her classes and they have clung together.

Mom ready for work but wanted to get one last look at Baby Weldon.

Week 34: Mama, I'm movin' downtown!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 34

~length
17.7 in | 45 cm

~weight
4.7 lbs | 2.1 kg

Your amazing baby is on the move!
Until now, your wee womb-squatter's been living fairly high up in your poor stretched-out womb - blithely compressing your poor lungs and internal organs.
This week your baby's going to pack their tiny bags and make the epic shifting move to your pelvis - commonly referred to as the time when baby "drops".
If you haven’t noticed it already, you’ll be feeling the weight shift indicating your baby is most likely out of breech position.

And how's mom doing?
Mom is doing good!!  She had her 34 week Doc check up and everything still right on track!  Blood pressure great, weight great, measurements of belly great - hoping this is leading to a healthy baby!  Heart beat was 150, a little higher than times in the past but you must be getting excited to meet your family.  New cravings this week - FROSTING!!!   A late night treat was Cinnamon rolls with lots of frosting.  Does not help with the gall stones but when you are craving you need to treat it!  Seems like daddy doesn't mind the craving as well, pretty sure he had more than mom ;)  Mom is still feeling good besides battling a cold this week that made her miss some work and get lots of sleep but today feeling almost back to herself.  Mom is also feeling some upper abdominal pain but doc says it is the muscle stretching from the weight of the belly, so she will keep on moving.
This weekend Mom and Dad finished your room!!  They cannot wait to share it with you and know you will love it.  They also got all your toys put together - car seat check, pack n play check, swing check - they are ready for you or almost ready.
And how's dad doing?
After a few birthing classes dad is excited and amazed on what a women's body can do!!  He was highly impressed while watching videos and listening to the instructor talk about the whole process of pregnancy.  Dad has also been busy with project after project but he has enjoyed it as it has made him feel a little more handy around the house ;)  He is still keeping up with his book, "Baby's First Year for Dummies"  where he shares surprising facts with mom as he reads.  Dad loves to touch Mom's belly to get a feel for you and make sure you are doing well on a regular bases - mom enjoys it too!

Baby Weldon's Nursery is Complete!!!

After a weekend of projects by both Mom & Dad the nursery is complete along with plenty of the toys for Baby Weldon put together!!!  Clothes & blankets are washed and after some birthing classes mom and dad are feeling ready (or almost ready).  The excitement is here and now it is on to pack the hospital bag but first lets get a quick peak at the nursery!!

Room is filled!!  Thanks to all the lovely gifts from friends and family!

Love the stripes - thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Weldon!

The ABC wall!

The crib where lots of sleeping will be done by Baby Weldon :)

Changing table

The growth chart made by Grandpa Schmitt - just needs to be hung yet.

Week 33 Belly Photo - Baby Weldon Votes!

Mom took Baby Weldon with her as she went out and voted, an experience that will be an option for you in years to come!

Hard to see the sticker with the growing belly ;)

Week 33: I'm a chunky monkey!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 33

~length
17.2 in | 44 cm

~weight
4.2 lbs | 1.9 kg

For all the weight and bulk you’re lugging around these days, you’d think your little champ would weigh more than a mere 4 pounds!
But once you add in the placenta, amniotic fluid, and extra blood, you've got at least 10 pounds of baby and their life-support gear smooshed up against your organs!
In terms of appearance, your sweet lil' looker is getting cuter and pudgier every day as they pile on that adorable baby fat.
And as you know all too well, your womb kick-boxer is getting stronger with every passing day. Heck, it’s even possible to observe a well-placed belly-wobbling kick just by watching your belly!
And how's mom doing?
Forgetful!!! Mom cannot remember where she puts anything these days, and needs to put everything in her phone calendar for constant reminders.
Noticing a trend that you, Baby Weldon, loves to kick when mom drives - she is hoping that does not lead to a trend that they will have to get in the car to put you to sleep :)
Mom's tummy is feeling large, gets in the way and Mom continues to have a hard time bending over and gets out of breath with just putting one shoe on.
Nesting has started for Mom, she has a list every week of cleaning she wants to do along with organizing the house - she has started with their junk drawer and is moving to cleaning the walls this weekend.
Mom is excited but feeling overwhelmed with the timing of your arrival coming so fast!!  Mom feels as if she has so much time but then it could all come to an end at any time.....Mom loves the fact that she has now started talking to you and plays games with you.  Such as pushing where your feet are until you kick - almost just trying to wake you to make sure you are still there ;)  She loves the kicks but wow do they get hard.

Mom's Dream.....Boy or Girl?!?!

Mom had a dream last night that almost provided a sign if you will be a boy or girl.  Mom was at the hospital and it was shortly after delivery.  Both your grandma's were in the room with mom and mom was just sharing how you were a beautiful girl, or that is what the doc informed mom of.  But Grandma Weldon opened your diaper and said, "no I am sure its a boy!" Mom said no they told her that it was a girl but Grandma Weldon and Grandma Schmitt insisted it was boy after opening the diaper a 2nd time.  So this dream didn't really provide an answer yet to boy or girl.......time will tell!!

Baby Weldon Blessed With Another Amazing Baby Shower

Today was another special baby shower for Baby Weldon.  Mom enjoyed a special day with Dad's family.  Dad's sisters (your aunts) hosted an amazing shower with yummy food, and plenty of loving family and friends from the Weldon's and Hennen's.  Baby Weldon was blessed with amazing gifts for bath time, special made blankets, pack n' play, adorable Christmas outfits, and the list goes on.  You are truly surround by lots of love from family & friends who are excited to find out if Mom and Dad will be blessed with a boy or girl!

Grandma Schmitt & Mom

Mom with the two Grandmas

Jenny and Mom

Mom, Karen, Mckenzie

Mom opening your amazing gifts

Carolyn, Julie and your cousin Makenna

Lauren & Jess

Julie & your cute cousin Gabby

Aunt Liz & Gabby

Aunt Amy & Gabby

Your amazing Aunts - Liz, Amy, and Mom

You future cousin Makenna - she is ready to play!!

Your other future cousin Carter - who is just waiting to have another boy to play with

Your aunt's had a fun game where dad had to answer questions prior to the shower and then mom had to answer them at the shower to see how close they were.  Dad did pretty good with his own special touch to each question.  Your aunt's did a similar game at their wedding shower - LOVE IT!!
This is the email between your aunt Liz and Dad....

Alright here they are. Just answer on here and email it back to me. You can make it funny or serious to answer some of these questions:(no googling answers)

1. Do you think it's a boy or girl? Why? I think it's a girl because mom and dad had2 girls first, and the majority of Dez's family has a lot of girls.

2. Decided on a name? Sharing it? Not decided on a name. Not sharing it because we are still going back and forth each day. 

3. How many diapers does a newborn go thru in a day? Around 7 I believe. We're planning on just getting cloth diapers and using 1 diaper that we'll just wash the whole time. That's what mom and dad did right? :) 

4. What does Des crave the most while being pregnant? Anything that has to do with peanutbutter. At first it was potatoes during her 1st trimester but that has gone away.

5.What are the 5 S's to help make a happy baby or even get them to sleep? Not quite sure. I know that we study that the last week of our baby classes.

6. How often will the baby need to eat? I think every 2-3 hours so roughly 7-8 times per day. Right? 

7. What's 1 physical trait you hope the baby gets from you? Hopefully my height and hopefully way taller than me.      Des? Her smile, and beautiful eyes. 

8. What trait (not physical) do you hope the baby gets from you? My spelling skills Des? Her good looks and humorous personality, organizational skills, .

9. What's the most surprising thing about Des being pregnant? mood swings, her stomach hurting, how many times she goes to the bathroom. More gas being past perhaps.. (behaviors? symptoms? etc)

10. What about Des will make her a good mom? Her lovingness, kindness and her ability to solve problems in creative ways. 

11. Des yells "Matt my water broke!" What do you do 1st? I say "Oh shit. Here we go." and of course grab the bag and head to the hospital.

12. The baby has been crying for 30 min. You have tried everything. What do you do? Call Diane, mom, you, and then Amy, then nanny 911.

13. What is Desitin? No clue. Short for Desiree?

14. What is freaking you out the most? Financially how we are going to do this and then the 1st time taking the baby home and then when Dez leaves the baby alone with me the 1st time.

15. What are you most excited for? Getting to see and hold our baby for the VERY FIRST TIME!

So do you email me back the answer key to these questions right? Hope this helps. Have fun!!!