Today is my thirtieth, THIRTIETH!, birthday. I don't feel like I am 30, although I am not sure what "30" is supposed to feel like. Jonathan, the sweet husband of mine, is pampering me for my birthday with gift certificates for a pregnancy massage, pedicure and manicure. I also get to go shopping for something special for me (been brainstorming on what that will be -- jewelry, fancy diaper bag, or shoes??). I'll get the massage next week (I have to have a doctor's note for the massage and my next OB appointment is next week). Manicure and pedicure will probably happen next week too (I need to let my fingernails grow out a little more for the manicure). Jonathan is getting off work early tonight (early for busy season that is) and we'll go out to dinner to celebrate. Will be a great day. Only wish that I could spend all day with Jonathan, but that can wait until Sunday when he's home all day.

Posted By Lucia

I really like reading about our baby's development each week and that is why I share the information here. I think it's amazing how she's grown in the last 8 months. This is what's going on with her this week, the 33rd week:

Our baby now weighs about 4.4 pounds and measures about 12 inches from crown to rump and about 19.4 inches in total.

Now that our baby is running out of room in the womb, we can see mom's belly moving as our baby kicks.

Our baby may dream as she sleeps and when awake she may be alert, listening, feeling and even seeing dim shapes.

Though our baby is still inside the womb, she is learning all the time as billions of neurons are making connections.

Our baby is probably in her birth position by now.

Our baby's lungs may be sufficiently developed by now, though if she were born now, she would probably still need an incubator to stay warm.

Posted By Lucia

It has been almost 6 weeks since I last took a picture of my belly. I definitely feel bigger than 6 weeks ago, but I wasn't sure if I looked any bigger. After looking at today's picture and comparing to the one from December, I can tell that I am getting more round.

We have made some progress on getting the nursery ready for Mallory/Paige/Sabrina/Gabby:

• walls have been painted
• molding has been added/painted
• crib and dresser have been assembled and/or added

I still have a bit to do until it's officially finished:

• paint armoire
• sew crib bumper, crib skirt, curtains and a couple of other items (if I have time)
• create art for the walls

I took "before" pictures of the nursery and will post them along with "after" pictures when the nursery is done.

Posted By Lucia

There's really nothing new to report here. I go in tomorrow for a glucose screening test to check for gestational diabetes. After this appointment, I begin to see my doctor every two weeks.

The nursery is nearly cleaned out and I will probably go and buy paint today and maybe the room will even get painted this week. We are still a couple of weeks out from receiving the nursery furniture.

Here's an update on our baby this week, the 29th week:

Our baby now weighs about 2.7 pounds, measures about 10.4 inches from crown to rump, and is around 16.7 inches long. She is plumper and rounder, and her head and body are beginning to be in proportion.

Our baby now uses all of her senses. She can see, taste, recognize touch and the sound of our voice.

Posted By Lucia

Today marks the first day of the third trimester. Only three more months until we meet our daughter (if we stay on schedule). Tomorrow I go in for a routine prenatal appointment. Jonathan is going with me since he has the day off and it's the last time he'll have the time to go with me for an appointment since busy season starts Tuesday. His busy season schedule has him out of town and/or working late most of January and February. According to his schedule, he's supposed to be in town the month on March, in case the baby decides to come early.

Posted By Lucia