34 Weeks

Sorry this post is a little late. My Mom is in town and I've been spending lots of time with her and my little brother. Time is traveling along...sometimes not fast enough. As my due date nears I find myself more and more anxious to meet this little girl who's been growing inside of me. I just can't wait to hold her in my arms. The Non-Stress Tests continue to be normal- Zoe always passes with flying colors. This week we start cervical exams with the doctor- how fun- and I guess we'll just see what happens. Is it sad that I'm hoping to be induced? Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am a planner. I am not spontaneous...ever. So, this whole labor at any given moment thing kind of freaks me out. I want it to be all planned out so I can make sure my Mom is here, make sure I have everything ready, that my bag is packed, etc. Of course I know this is not how labor works. There is an excellent possibility that I won't get to be induced and I'll just have to roll with the punches. Maybe it will be good for me. I know that my planned out lifestyle is not necessarily the best environment for a child. Babies do not make plans...they are the masters of spontaneity. Maybe this is something I should learn to deal with now?
As of now, Zoe should weigh about 5 lbs and should be about 16 inches long. Reading this really puts in perspective the importance of her growth the next few weeks. In terms of newborn size, she's currently tiny! She gets the hiccups often. I told my Mom that I hope she's not exercising those lungs merely in preparation to be a screamer. She moves around a lot, possibly trying to find one comfortable spot in a very cramped space...while I do contortions to keep her out of my ribs. So big and yet so small...
Grandma (to be) is very excited. In fact she held my niece the other day and got all teary-eyed and said she couldn't wait until Zoe gets here. (Just a side note: Have you ever tried to comfortably hold a newborn when you're pregnant? Let me tell you, it is awkward. I can't wait until I can comfortable hold my nieces...as well as my baby girl.) Love is always rubbing and kissing my belly and telling Zoe to stay strong and healthy. He can't wait for her arrival either. It has also been fun to have my little brother around. He's always trying to feel for where she is or lays his head on my belly. He'll be a young, but great uncle.