Wednesday's Week 33

      Honeydew Melon

8 months? I'm in my 8th month of pregnancy? HOLY. 

Am I ready for this? I guess I have no choice. I'm trying to be as pro-active as I can. Today I'm putting together my In-Case-of-Emergency cards - a list of contact information for all those who need to know if I go into early labour. My maternity leave is scheduled to start on September 22, which is exactly a week before my due date. But should baby come early there are people who need to be informed.

I have my next doctor's appointment on Thursday, and this weekend I think I'll pack my hospital bag. I have the bag, and the what-to-pack list, and I'd rather be prepared. Just in case. Neurotic? Maybe. But I'll be happy it's done! ha ha

And another random thing quickly before I update you on baby's progress this week - I HIGHLY recommend Butterfly Weed Earth Mama Belly Jelly for any expecting moms. I've been using it for the past few months and I love it. It goes on smooth and doesn't leave you feeling greasy, and it smells nice too. And since I still have no stretchmarks, I'm going to say it works to help prevent them. I lather it on every morning.

Baby probably weighs about 4.2 pounds / 2 kilograms and measures approximately 17 inches/ 44 centimetres from head to toe this week. She should be getting ready for delivery by turning upside-down - at my last appointment the doctor checked to see which direction she was pointing in but it wasn't clear, so I'm anxious to see what she says this week. 

Baby’s senses are continuing to improve - when light peeks in through my belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, she can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing those lullabies! The big news this week is lung development—baby's respiratory system is almost completely mature. And although she's getting stronger, our bigger-by-the-day baby is losing space to move around, so the actual rate of movement will drop off in the last few weeks, despite that powerful drop-kick she's been working on. Apparently I’ll continue feeling their movements even during labor. Oh my.