33 and 34 Week Update

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 33 &34 weeks

Baby Stats: 

33 Weeks: Cole weighs a little over 4 pounds and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

34 Weeks:Cole now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. 

**info. from www.babycenter.com**

Movement: Still feeling lots of movement, mostly down low and up in the ribs, think he's running out of room!

Sleep: what sleep?! Dave has pretty much resorted to the couch most nights b/c of my snoring and getting up every 2 hours to pee! It is getting harder and harder to hoist myself out of bed!

Symptoms: I've had some pressure in my pelvis this week and some cramping. People say it looks like I've "dropped" so maybe the pressure is from that!

What I Miss: caffeinated pumpkin lattes!! I've settled for a decaf pumpkin coffee a couple times already! I have been craving everything and anything pumpkin :)

Best Moment of the Week: One funny moment came from one of my little second grade girls. She said "When is your baby coming again Mrs. Williamson?" I said, "Not until November!" She looks at my stomach with a look of panic "He's getting bigger and bigger everyday!!!!!" 

We have received a few shower gifts in the mail recently :) I've already wheeled our umbrella stroller around the house a few times! His sleep sheep is resting comfortably in the stroller until Cole takes over the position.

We also had a doctor's appointment today (Tuesday). I had been a little concerned because I have had some cramping that is unusual. Doc said everything is fine and normal. I am measuring right on time! I am in a panic he will come early, which I DO NOT WANT! Of course for health reasons I don't want him coming anytime before 37 weeks, but I actually don't want him coming a DAY earlier than his due date because it will mess up my paid maternity leave! I do not want to go back to school before Chrismtas! So Cole, stay comfy in there! Some people have told me I have "dropped", which means he is getting in the locked and loaded position! I, of course, asked the doc if this meant he would be early and she said there is NO way of telling when he will come, but, dropping is normal at this stage. Please, Cole, stay comfy where you are for at least another SIX weeks! (Yes, I know I may be eating these words in another couple of weeks b/c I may be uncomfortable, but I promise you, I'd rather be uncomfortable and have him stay in there for the full six weeks, promise I won't complain! :)

Getting big, and low apparently....please stay comfy in there for six more weeks Cole!!!!

Week 32 Update

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 32 weeks

Baby Stats: 

By now, Cole weighs 3.75 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in my uterus. I'm gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth.

**info. from www.babycenter.com**

Movement: Noticing a lot of rolling around now! Dave has had a chance to feel him rolling around too!

Sleep: Still not consistent.

Symptoms: Swollen feet and ankles. Also, some days I can't wear my wedding rings anymore :(

What I Miss: Not much, I Love being pregnant!

Best Moment of the Week: Where to begin?! We had a lot going on this week. Wednesday night we had our first birth class. It was pretty boring because it was mostly about pregnancy and information we already knew. There were about 7 other couples in our class, and one is naming their baby boy Colton/Cole too! Small world!
Thursday night we went to a Phillies game. Dave had gotten me Diamond Club tickets so we were 11 rows behind home plate! The game was originally scheduled for August 27th but got rescheduled because of Hurricane Irene. It was game 2 of a double-header. Besides the TERRIBLE traffic we experienced on the way there and back, the experience is one we will never forget! I can't believe how close we were to the players! I've included some photos at the bottom of this post. 
Friday I got to visit my cousin Amy's new baby Reese, he is so tiny and precious! I can't wait to see Cole and Reese grow up together!
While I was up North, I picked up the nursery bedding and accessories my Mom and Dad purchased for us! When I got home Friday night, I immediately got it out of the bag and started rearranging the nursery! Here are a few pictures of what we have so far! :)

The crib with the bedskirt, but no mattress yet :) I'm thinking about using the bumpers as a teething guard to protect the dark wood on the top of the crib. Not sure yet but I think it looks cute!

Tall dresser :)

Rocking Chair that Dave's Mom had refinished for us! It looks great! Thinking about using the part of the bumper I don't use in the crib as some sort of cushion.....will need Mimi's help sewing! :)

Changing Table/Dresser Combo. We are going to hang the comforter on the wall above this.

Antique baby hanger my grandmother gave me, it was hers when she was a baby!!!!!

On our way to the game! Good thing the shirt still fit....barely!

One bright spot in the TWO HOUR long, 45 mile trip! A double rainbow!

Our view was awesome! Jimmy Rollins up to bat!

Utley

Charlie before the extra inning.

Check out our view from the seats!

Ryan Howard to the rescue!

Celebrating!

We Won!

Baby Reese! :)

....which means, Cole is on his way, too! :)

Week 31 Update

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 31 weeks

Baby Stats: 

This week, Cole measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin.

**info. from www.babycenter.com**

Movement: still lots of movement, some more at night when I'm trying to sleep :)

Sleep: still not consistent

Symptoms: swelling hasn't been AS BAD as the first week of school; also very emotional lately

What I Miss: a normal body temperature, I am MISERABLY hot each and EVERY day at school, although I'm not the only one, the other teachers in my area are too who aren't pregnant!

Best Moment of the Week: On Tuesday I got to hear Cole's heartbeat again at the Doctor's office. He always says "You have a strong baby in there" :). Also, the nursery furniture is starting to come together. And best of all, my cousin Amy had her baby boy, Reese, on Labor Day! I can't wait to meet him and I know Reese and Cole will be best buddies! :)

Sneak Peek of the nursery furniture and a precious hat and booties my friend Amy Beitzel made Cole! :)