I’m sorry it’s been so long since I’ve wrote! The closer we get to having Dexter, the less extra time I seem to have.
I posted the week 28 belly picture on the correct posting (thank you, Kira, for letting me know how to get that image off my phone!), and for this posting, I’m showing week 32. This is a picture of my sister, Lacey, and me at one of my baby showers. In actuality, I’m at 35 weeks now, but because I’m so behind on postings, I’ve uploaded my 8 month photo. So, hopefully, next week, I’ll post the 9 month (36 weeks) photo. Did I just throw enough numbers at you? Ha! So, in review, today, I am posting week 28 and week 32 (months 7 and 8 respectively) even though I’m actually 35 weeks pregnant now. Next week I’ll post a 9 month picture. Okay, okay. This stuff is confusing. =)
They say by this point that the baby stops moving as much because he’s running out of room. Apparently, I’m roomy as a Cadillac because Dexter has not slowed at all. He has, though, moved from a transverse position (lying horizontally in my belly) to a breech position, with his butt down and head near my ribs. The doctor has not confirmed this, but from my perspective this is what has occurred. No worries, though. There is still plenty of time for him to get situated in the normal, head first birthing position.
I’ve started keeping track of my Braxton Hicks contractions. These false labor contractions seem to only occur at night, and I groggily write down the time, duration, and location throughout the night. Dr. Mah thinks we might start to notice a pattern in the contractions as my body gears up for the real deal. I go back to see her on Friday, the 26th, so we’ll see if any patterns have revealed themselves in the notes I’ve taken.
The countdown is on! Five weeks remain! I am ready to see this little guy and not be pregnant anymore! But I know he still has a few weeks left to bake, so I’m okay with that. My sausage-like ankles, itchy skin, achy back, and overall exhausted body, however, are not so patient. =) I comfort my body with a heating pad, raspberry sherbet, and preparations for Dexter.
Sam has been busy with school, putting together baby stuff, putting down flooring, taking care of house duties, my hormonal demands, and basically everything else you could possibly throw at him. Although we both get exasperated at times…okay, a lot of times…he’s doing an amazing job at holding it all together. He’s going to be a great dad! I’m working hurriedly on a rather large grant, “supervising” the projects around the house, and trying to help how I can.
We’ve had two showers so far, with one more to go. The response from family and friends is just astounding! I’ve never seen such generosity. I wish I could do more than just write thank-you’s—it is so nice to know that our little boy will be so well taken care of when he enters this world. And to those of you who have hosted the showers: you’ve done amazing jobs, and I couldn’t ask for better family and friends! Thank you all so much!
In the midst of all this joy, we’ve had several bits of bad news on Sam’s side of the family. I ask that you keep them in your prayers, thoughts, and positive vibes.
Later on, I plan on posting more belly pictures, pictures from the showers, pictures of Dexter’s nursery, and one more set of ultrasound pictures. Until then, enjoy this first day of spring (though it doesn’t feel like it with snow in the northern parts of the state and frigid rain closer to us), and I’ll keep you updated on Dexter’s goings-on!
