WEEK 29: TONI BRAXTON HICKS

Hello Bessie Fans,

Here's an update on this month's progress. Through weeks 29 to 32 her size will go from 15.2 inches to 16.7 inches and her weight will increase to 3.8 pounds!!

Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

Thanksgiving was a raging success.  I'm a regular Martha Mutha Grubbin' Stewart.  Homemade napkin rings, a bird that was neither dry nor under cooked, a houseful of satisfied guests, and contractions!

Not real ones. 

I have now learned what happens when you spend 2 solid days on your feet in your third trimester.  Braxton Hicks, and (pardon my lack of decent, descriptive vocabulary), they kind of suck.  They're discomfort inducing, worry inducing, and land you in bed for a a day or two afterwards.

Not knowing what the difference was between these and real contractions, obviously I had to call the on call doctor on her day off to find out that no, I am not going in to labor, and yes, more fluids and laying on my left side is really all that can be done.  And then I was promptly sent to bed.

My worry was induced for naught and most likely stemmed from a combination of reading too many books and watching way too much I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant.  The show has since been banned in the house.

Anyway, Bess is doing GREAT!  As I type this, she's kicking the crap out of my insides and having a lovely time punching my stomach.  She was oblivious to the contracting, and has no interest in coming out.  The onus is on me to not over extend myself for the next 11 weeks.  I think I can handle it!  It beats spending the entire day on your left side!!

WEEK 28 - AND SO WE'RE DRAWING TO A CLOSE...

Well, here we are - the THIRD TRIMESTER.  Look at the size of that belly!  She just keeps getting bigger and STRONGER.  If anyone finds a pair of baby-sized golden boxing gloves, let me know, because Bessie needs 'em.

If you flip back to week 13 and then look at this picture, you'll see it's in the same spot of my house, same outfit, same stupid face.  I think it's pretty remarkable.  The best part is - not even near finished yet.  We have 12 weeks of huge-getting ahead of us.

Bess is punching just about everywhere now.  She's really expanded her real estate and most of the time (when it doesn't take my breath away - literally, not Belinda Carlisle-style) it's really amusing to me.  I went to a movie on Saturday and she punched and squirmed her way through the whole thing.  Probably something to do with the butterfingers I ate.

The moving is going to start to slow down by week 34, so I'd better take it all in.  I can't believe that she'll be out soon and I'll have to share her with everyone.

Speaking of being out soon - everyone we know is having or has had babies in the last month.  I got to hold one of them today.  She's just as cute as can be, and already a little over a month old.  I could have sworn she'd just come out.  I had her resting on my belly - which of course made Bessie kick right where the other baby was resting.  (Green eyes already, Bess?  Tsk Tsk!)  Some other friends of ours just had their baby boy on Friday and another friend of mine starts week 13 today!   Bessie will already have some pretty terrific friends at her disposal. 

WEEK 27: I LOVE YOU GUYS!!

First of all, the part you all eagerly await - this week's addition to growing list of monikers for our wee one. Go ahead an add B-Nut to the list.

Also, how is it that it never occured to me that Elizabeth Wagner and Emily Williams are both EW? I never made the mental connection until I saw the decorations for THE GREATEST BABY SHOWER IN ALL THE WORLD'S HISTORY OF BABY SHOWERS! I attached a picture. And how great is that? I guess we can add EDubb Jr. to the nickname list now!

And check out those paper flowers. Courtney made those! I know, I couldn't believe it, either!

Robyn, Courtney and Jessica lined up pedicures and mimosas, then we went to a really amazing restaurant/bar across the street where there were appetizers and a cake that Duff Goldman would have been impressed by! Did I mention they handed out white onesies that everyone got to paint and decorate?

I got choked up a few times. Who wouldn't? Everyone's gifts were amazing, and just reading all of the thoughtful messages in the cards made me tear up! I am not at all convinced I'm a good enough friend to any of these people to deserve what was nothing short of LAVISHING.

Also, when you're 6 months pregnant, it's hard to bend over long enough to reach your toes, so pedicures? GENIUS!

WEEK 26: CROWDED HOUSE

Hey everyone.  Kind of early on the post this week.  My sister moves in to Bessie's room tonight, and my Aunt and Cousin will be here with her through the weekend.  With how my weekdays at work are going, and considering my weekend is basically over come 5pm today, I figured I'd better just update you now.

Wednesday will mark Week 26 for BTown, Bessie, Bess, Xiao Mi Feng, e-Lizardbreath, Turd Furgeson, Busy Bee, Bess the Builder, Zach's Biggest Fan.  She's between 13 and 14 inches and is almost 2 pounds this week!

Here's her development as of week 25 through 28:

Let your spouse put an ear to your belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.

Not sure if that means she's soaking up my H1N1 or regular flu shot, but I sure hope so!

Don't get me wrong, I'm kicking my sister out come Jan 15 to her brother's house, but I am also really excited to have her here.  She's going to get to share in some pretty amazing things as her niece grows.  The nightly womb dance parties that start at 7pm and continue to a few minutes before my alarm goes off for instance...Bessie can get really used to hearing her voice, too - maybe there will be a third person that will be able to help when she starts crying??  (Meridith is probably thinking 'no thank you' on that one!)

Also, my abdominal region was actually lopsided yesterday.  haha!  I don't know why I thought babies would evenly distribute their body parts in utero.  So many things you  don't know about pregnancy (like, when they kick - you fart.  period.)  until it happens.  You THINK you know things, and then there is a dance party on your bladder, and you pee a little.

Better get back to cleaning - pregnant or no, I have guests coming, and you know me!  That means this place has to SPARKLE! (jazz hands style)

C'mon everybody, and move your feet,
Em

WEEK 25: THIS HAS BEEN A HUGE WEEK!!!

I have the following for you today:
1.  You can feel AND see her moving now.
2.  New bump picture
3.  New Nursery Photos!

Busy Bee Bess is not only kicking about every 3 hours now, but YOU CAN SEE HER DOING IT!  This is about the time I say absolute and total shenanigans on the 'I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant' people.  If you can see your stomach moving from underneath - or if OTHER PEOPLE can see your stomach moving from underneath your skin, and you don't think you're pregnant, then you should probably go to the doctor.

It is so great to finally be able to share her activities with other people.  She pretty much kicks on command now when Zach talks to her, and Robyn was even able to see a kick from across the room.  She's getting so strong!  That's our girl!

And how about this bump picture?  Don't tell me that I'm not getting bigger!  Zach and I were http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/ for Halloween, and this is how I went.  Yep - I went with an exposed belly.  Looking back at the pictures, it was only half a bad idea.  I hope I didn't gross out too many party-goers.  And no, I wasn't drinking that beer.  I shouldn't have to keep telling you people that.

We had to finish painting the nursery this weekend, too.  I know, I know, we have 15 weeks left.  My sister is moving in on Saturday to stay through January, so it was sort of crunch time to get the painting finished.  We get the crib on Saturday, and then we just need the changing table.  After that, we just move the cradle to our room, and have that kiddo!  Probably won't get a final picture of the room for all of you until January when Mer moves to Joe's, so the below will have to tide you over.

Yep...I made daisies and busy bees for my little Busy Bess.  Wall clings would have certainly been easier, but I think there is something tangible and inviting in the hand painting.  Enjoy!