Ladies and Gentleman…we’ve reached “Full Term”

I find that I don’t have a lot of non-baby-related news to share this month. We’re officially 37 weeks pregnant and therefore have reached a milestone known as being ‘full-term’. In the past month I have discovered I am not genetically blessed to be stretch mark free as baby and I have continued to grow. Baby has also developed a fun hiccup habit and continues to squirm a ton–mostly during the day–for which we are all thankful. When I have the energy (which is not very often lately) I’ve been preparing for Baby Bx’s arrival. Today’s list includes washing the first batch of baby things–mostly bedding, burp cloths, receiving blankets, and hooded towels. I plan to wash a few ‘newborn’ clothes, and a few 0-3mos clothes and then wash all the rest when he gets here and we’re certain what size he’s going to be. Tomorrow’s project will be pre-washing all the cloth diapers, although we probably won’t start using them until his umbilical cord is all healed up. If I have extra energy (which is again not likely), I may try to defrost our freezer and get a few things made to put back in there. As Jason would be certain to tell you, it has been months since I have stocked our freezer with a major cooking weekend. Although I cannot tell you exactly when Baby Bx will decide it’s his birthday, I can tell you that I have a maximum of 3 weeks left at work before I start maternity leave…which feels good.

Over the past couple Saturdays we attended a 2-part 3rd trimester class at the hospital where we will be delivering the baby. It was very informational.

This Saturday, as part of the 2nd class, we toured the labor and delivery area which I was excited to see. We also got to see some newborn babies in the nursery…and I realized I haven’t seen a baby that was less than 72 hours old since we brought home my little brother! Jason’s assessment of the first class was quite humorous so I have decided to include it: According to Jason: “Steph and I attended a “how to have a baby” class at the hospital. This was the first half of the class, where they explained that the baby is going to no longer reside inside Steph, if she can breathe correctly. I am supposed to remind her how to breathe properly, until she gets sick of my voice and tells me to be silent. Then I am supposed to be supportive by making hand gestures to remind her to breath. I’m pretty sure these hand gestures could start a gang war in the shadier areas around town, and I’m not sure the class teacher has considered the implications of a gang war started by a woman in labor. Luckily, they later explained there is some sort of magical shot they can give the pregnant woman that will make her unable to use her legs, which should greatly improve my chances of running away safely. The second half of the class is coming up, and I can’t wait to see what kind of strange ideas they have coming next.” Jason says he doesn’t have anything exciting to add about the 2nd half of the class, partly due to him having a cold, and partly due to it not being as entertaining as the first half. From his assessment of the situation, he is in charge of taking care of me after the baby comes, so that I am better able to take care of the baby. Kiki may be on her own for a few days.

Winter continues to be spring, with the exception of the 2″ of snow we got overnight. A weekend ago Jason took advantage of some 50 degree weather and even got out on a mid-winter caving trip, admittedly his last for some time since I want him close until well after the baby arrives. My mums are trying to bud, as well as my tulips. I hope this doesn’t turn out very badly for all of them. It has just been so warm (40’s and 50’s) that they are confused. A lot of days I have been able to get away with just wearing a fleece outside, which has saved me from spending money on a maternity coat. Sometime in the next month Jason will plant tomato seedlings and get them started under the grow lights. I’m not sure I’ll do much with flowers this spring, as I may be rather preoccupied. I have told my mom and dad that when they visit for a week to meet the baby I will have lots of yard projects lined up for them in case they are bored.

A final note from Jason:  “Thanks to everyone who has attended baby showers, and provided useful gifts and advice. I think we have managed to donate enough money to the general economy that we will be allowed to bring our baby home from the hospital. We have the required car seat, cute outfit, and other items that the hospital wants to see before they release the child into our custody. Based on my recent observations of the baby room, on a daily basis our child will be cleaner, better dressed, and better protected than I am. I may have to look into 5 point harness accessories for my everyday items. I’d never worry about falling out of bed or the recliner if I were strapped in every time. And with diapers, I wouldn’t need to get up so often from them either…”

Take Care until next time! One of these upcoming blogs will feature the debut of our new family member!

Steph~