Seven weeks to go.
Today’s visit to Dr. Imig (photo on right) marks 33 weeks. I am no longer “carrying small”, having gained now 33 pounds. One for every week I’ve been pregnant. Last visit, Dr. Imig suggested that the baby would probably weigh-in around 7 pounds. Today however, I was advised “You’re not going to have a small baby”, after which she optimistically added “But you will be fine, you can do it!” (As I’m thinking to myself, What Does That Mean??)
I remember sitting with Olchi in the park in Los Gatos one Sunday morning not too long ago. A bit of a tradition over the past 7 years for us. She overhead a little boy being called whose name was Dimitri, as we were discussing baby names, and her eyes lit up, “That’s nice!” she exclaimed. And a perfect fit for her heritage. The name Grigori is in memory of her maternal grandfather.
Mark and I spent the evening with Olchi and “Dimi” tonight, made dinner and listened to details of her experiences over the past 5 days. Looking at this little guy, suckling away, peaceful and happy, so hard to believe he was inside her belly and now in the world. The miracle of life. I guess it just seems all the more real when you’re in line for it to happen.
Your pregnancy: 31 weeks – BabyCenter: How your baby’s growing: This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She’s probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby’s kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy. Note: Every baby develops a little differently ? even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby’s development.”
Pretty much what Im feeling!
Went to Dr Imig this morning for monthly check up. She is lovely, very close to home, as is the hospital, and always has me leave with a warm feeling. When she uses the fetal doppler to listen to the baby’s heartbeat, after a few seconds, a broad smile stretches ear to ear and a glisten in her eyes. “Are you getting lots of movement” and I nodded with big eyes… “A crazy amount”. “That’s good!” she said, then speculating that I must had just eaten breakfast, as her heartbeat was responding to the increase of sugar in the blood, which is a good sign. It just makes you feel like everything is as it should be, and that what is happening inside is so special.
The baby is growing exactly to average weight and height, she is around 3.5 lbs. Dr Imig thinks she will probably double that over the next 9 weeks before due date. My cousin Shelley in Toronto just delivered a 9lb baby girl yesterday, (Congratulations Shelley and Rich!!) and I’m thinking 7 lbs seems pretty good, after hearing that. We also talked about epidurals in delivery…. that will be a separate posting.
My total gain so far is 25 lbs. Doctor says that we will assume everything will continue just as normally as it has been so far. We are starting to do “meet and greets” with a few pediatricians, recommended by a few friends, to choose one for care.
Last night we put up our first Christmas tree in our house, with the help of Roberta and Herb. I’ll take a photo and post it soon! We didn’t have one last year because we were in Toronto.
33 weeks, barefoot and ready for Santa’s visit…
