How Big is Baby Anthony?

This week's update is late because of all the stuff going on this past week. Hopefully, this will be the last?
How far along? 38 weeks!
Waist measurement: 50.5 inches
Total weight gain/loss: up 24 lbs. 219 lbs. 38lbs to date gained.
How much does Baby weigh?: 8 lbs, maybe? he's such a big boy!
Maternity clothes? but of course!
Stretch marks? they're bad. Dark, half way up the belly, and my former piercing looks like hell. Its all purple and red and super tender. Lovely
Sleep: What is sleep? Any day baby boy!
Best moment this week: seeing my mom. It was so much fun to show her every thing we have up here and seeing her just getting to enjoy a little bit of a vacation.
Movement: still very active. Very brutal at times too
Food cravings: cereal, milk, orange soda, and some salty snacks.
Gender: I was right! Its a BOY!
Labor Signs: LOTS. Not even kidding anymore.
Belly Button in or out?: just about flat. there's the smallest indent, but its hardly worth speaking of.
What I miss: everything. Biggest thing lately though is moving without so much pain. There's tendon pain on my right by my hip, the sudden movements, and contractions that catch me off guard and all. I'm ready for being a mommy
What I am looking forward to: the birth. I don't know how much more of the harder movements, contractions, and harsher comments I can really deal with. My phone is ringing off the hook DAILY with people calling and asking if I had the baby yet. I just want to be a mommy of an outside baby.
From Parents.com
Big baby or little one? The average full-term newborn weighs between 6 and 9 pounds and is 18 to 21 inches long. Your doctor will probably be able to give you an idea of your baby's size at this point, but be aware that sometimes these are only predictions -- no one will know baby's precise size until birth. As you watch for signs that your waters have broken (contrary to what you've seen in the movies, this big event precedes labor only about 10 percent of the time), remember that these "waters" are actually amniotic fluid, the solution protects your baby from infection. At the end of the pregnancy, you're carrying between 1 to 2 pints of this precious, life-sustaining liquid.
About two weeks before birth, the placenta starts to deteriorate just a bit. It becomes less efficient in transferring nutrition, and blood clots and calcified patches start to show. This vital but short-lived organ is reaching the end of its life span.

How Big is Baby Anthony?

How far along? 37 weeks! FULL TERM!
Waist measurement: 50.0 inches
Total weight gain/loss: up 23 lbs. 218 lbs. 37lbs to date gained. In my defense, we had a small birthday party for Adam's little cousin (she's 3 already!) and I've been drinking strawberry milk like its going out of style.
How much does Baby weigh?: 8 lbs, maybe? he's such a big boy!
Maternity clothes? but of course!
Stretch marks? they're bad. Dark, half way up the belly, and my former piercing looks like hell. Its all purple and red and super tender. Lovely
Sleep: What is sleep? I lay down, have to work my way back to sitting up because my blankets got messed up or my reflux is going nuts again. Then flipping over I wake up totally and have to pee about 90% of the time. Any day baby boy!
Best moment this week: Not really related to the baby (directly anyway) but my mom is coming up for a visit over the weekend. I haven't seen her in over 2 years and I'm praying I get to put a little baby in her arms before she leaves.
Movement: still very active. Very brutal at times too
Food cravings: cereal, milk, orange soda, and some salty snacks.
Gender: I was right! Its a BOY!
Labor Signs: contractions, back labor, and lightening all have me coming home from work more often than I would like to, but we are trying all we can to get labor going
Belly Button in or out?: just about flat. there's the smallest indent, but its hardly worth speaking of.
What I miss: seeing my feet, going up the stairs without my legs hitting my new, lowered belly, and wearing non-maternity shirts without my belly hanging out the bottom
What I am looking forward to: either little baby boy coming out or the next appointment, which ever comes first. I'm trying all the natural ways to get him out (sex, walking a lot and fast, hot baths, laying on my left, you name it) before going to things like castor oil and raspberry leaf tea. Those are for later use if it comes down to it. For now, the natural ways are working pretty good.
From Parents.com

A diaper bag!
Babies come to term anywhere between 38 and 42 weeks--your 40-week due date simply marks the midpoint of this period. By the end of this week, your little one will be officially "on time" whenever she makes her entry into the world. In preparation for birth, most babies have moved into the head-down, back-facing position that's ideal for labor. However, she may be also be "sunny-side up," (head down, facing front--can often be delivered vaginally), breech (with feet or buttocks closest to the birth canal), or even lying crosswise in the uterus. If this is the case, and your doctor is unable to shift her position, you may be a candidate for a cesarean section.
From Thebump.com

At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.

How Big is Baby Anthony?

Sorry this is late. I had my computer taken away from me earlier than I had thought. I wasn't happy about it either!
How far along? 36 weeks!
Waist measurement: 49.0 inches, (I'm going to leave this number since I can't find my other tape measure.)
Total weight gain/loss: up 16 lbs. 211 lbs. 30lbs to date gained. This is the point where I could lose some weight, but dr seems unconcerned.
How much does Baby weigh?: 7 lbs, maybe? he's such a big boy!
Maternity clothes? but of course!
Stretch marks? They are there. they are starting to creep up over where my belly ring was. At least they aren't deep purple anymore.
Sleep: What is sleep? I lay down, have to work my way back to sitting up because my blankets got messed up or my reflux is going nuts again. Then flipping over I wake up totally and have to pee about 90% of the time. Any day baby boy!
Best moment this week: dr telling me that I'm 1.5 cm dialated and 50% effaced. She thinks that he will be here in about a week's time. Mostly because every time she has the house to herself, she has to come in and deliver a baby. She fingered us for that this year!
Movement: still very active. Very brutal at times too
Food cravings: cereal, milk, orange soda, and some salty snacks.
Gender: I was right! Its a BOY!
Labor Signs: contractions come and go, lightening like crazy, and we know he's head down and she could feel his head when she checked me. Any day!
Belly Button in or out?: in, but ever so slightly.
What I miss: I can breathe a little deeper, but I would love to be able to walk as fast as everyone else and not have so many people telling me to take it easy or I'll go into labor. Maybe that's the point? lol
What I am looking forward to: either little baby boy coming out or the next appointment, which ever comes first. I still think that he's going to come around when that old wives tale says (147 days after first movement felt) and that would be anytime this week. Dr and old wives tale, AND mother's gut feeling. We'll see. My manager wants me to cross my legs until the 8th so he can win back his $100!
From Parents.com

For a child about to be born, baby fat is a very good thing. Your baby is working hard to accumulate all the fat he can at this point -- his body is growing rounder, and those adorable dimples are forming at elbows and knees. This build-up of fat -- about 15 percent of his total weight--will help him maintain his body temperature and give him a store of energy. Because the fat beneath his skin is white in color, it makes his skin appear lighter and less ruddy.
In a first-time mother, the baby often "drops" two to four weeks before delivery, as the baby's head descends into the mother's pelvic cavity. This is called "engagement," or "lightening," and it means it won't be long now before the big day!

How Big is Baby Anthony?

How far along? 35 weeks!
Waist measurement: 49.0 inches, he dropped a little on Saturday
Total weight gain/loss: up 19 lbs. 214 lbs. 33lbs to date gained
How much does Baby weigh?: 6.5 lbs, maybe? Hard to tell now!
Maternity clothes? but of course!
Stretch marks? They are there. Growing and turning bright red-ish/purple on me.
Sleep: sleep is getting harder and harder now, but that's to be expected when you can't flip over easily. Getting up to pee 2-3 times a night makes long stretches of sleep kinda hard too...
Best moment this week: getting photos online and realizing just how far I've come!
Movement: still very active.
Food cravings: cereal, milk, orange soda, and some salty snacks.
Gender: I was right! Its a BOY!
Labor Signs: Had some more serious BH contractions, but they stopped on their own when I went home. I guess the dr is comfortable with letting me labor and won't stop it if it starts!
Belly Button in or out?: in, but barely. getting flatter every day.
What I miss: breathing deeply and shaving my legs. UGH I hate not being able to daily anymore!
What I am looking forward to: the next appointment. I get to find out if I'm starting to dilate and prep for him to be born. On top of that, I have some testing to do and then after that, its weekly appointments. SO CLOSE! And on November 4th I have my work shower. Then, who knows, we could have a little one on his way!
From Parents.com

Imagine you are holding a five-pound bag of sugar. That's what holding your baby might feel like right about now. In week 35, the average baby weighs in at around five to six pounds and measures about 16 to 19 inches in length. Still not considered "full term" (that'll happen at the end of the thirty-seventh week), his breathing and digestive systems are almost ready to roll, and he's beginning to develop his own immune system.
The tiny details of the fetus are complete at this point, too. Toenails are fully formed and fingernails reach over the ends of miniscule fingertips. Can a fetus feel an itch? We don't know that, but we do know that they often scratch themselves before birth.
And for a recent belly shot!
Quite the difference now!

How Big is Baby Anthony?

How far along? 34 weeks!
Waist measurement: 48.0 inches, he dropped a little on Saturday
Total weight gain/loss: up 18 lbs. 213 lbs.
How much does Baby weigh?: 6 lbs 3 oz as of Friday! We have a BIG boy on the way
Maternity clothes? but of course!
Stretch marks? They are there. Growing and turning bright red-ish/purple on me.
Sleep: sleep is getting harder and harder now, but that's to be expected when you can't flip over easily. Getting up to pee 2-3 times a night makes long stretches of sleep kinda hard too...
Best moment this week: When we went to our drs appt this week, we allowed both ILs to come in and see the baby. This was the first time FIL had seen an u/s in action and Adam tells me he was grinning from ear to ear. That was great. Along with the facts that Anthony has a head that is in the 89th percentile (measuring 38w) and several longer bones measuring 1-2 weeks ahead. Over all, he's measuring in the 67th percentile. God be with me when it comes time to deliver. We also had the family shower today (Sunday) and took lots of photos and got lots of great gifts. Photos to follow later on when I'm feeling a little better. Right now I'm a bit overwhelmed with all that should be going on in the coming weeks, but will do my best to get it all on here.
Movement: still very active.
Food cravings: cereal, milk, cheetos, orange soda, and some salty snacks.
Gender: I was right! Its a BOY!
Labor Signs: still just the BH contractions. Nothing to get excited about.
Belly Button in or out?: in, but barely. its so goofy looking now
What I miss: breathing deeply and shaving my legs. UGH I hate not being able to daily anymore!
What I am looking forward to: the next appointment. I get to find out if I'm starting to dilate and prep for him to be born. On top of that, I have some testing to do and then after that, its weekly appointments. SO CLOSE! And on November 4th I have my work shower. Shall be fun! We are also going to buy some plaster to make a mold of the belly. I can't wait to see how that turns out. I can't believe this journey is so close to be over!

From parents.com

Exactly how would you like your child to enter the world? An increasing number of parents-to-be are creating birth plans. These documents may include everything from medical preferences to environmental concerns (low lighting, soft music, and so on) during labor, delivery, and postpartum. Try to keep the plan to one page or less--busy caregivers may not have time to read it otherwise--and give copies to your doctor or midwife and to hospital or birthing center staff as well. Keep in mind, however, that medical necessity may derail some of your preferences.

How Big is Baby Anthony?

How far along? 33 weeks!
Waist measurement: 48.5 inches
Total weight gain/loss: up 17.5 lbs. 212.5 lbs. just about on track again. Been really watching the bad foods as much as possible
How much does Baby weigh?: 4.5 lbs
Maternity clothes? but of course!
Stretch marks? They are there. Growing and turning bright red-ish/purple on me.
Sleep: sleep is getting harder and harder now, but that's to be expected when you can't flip over easily. Getting up to pee 2-3 times a night makes long stretches of sleep kinda hard too...
Best moment this week: Actually, my best moment this week was unrelated to baby. Our kitty recognized us when we went to visit her, which was such a relief. Plus we've been packing like crazy so that's a huge relief!
Movement: still very active.
Food cravings: cereal, milk, cheetos, orange soda, and some salty snacks.
Gender: I was right! Its a BOY!
Labor Signs: still just the BH contractions. Nothing to get excited about.
Belly Button in or out?: in, but super shallow. Just about 1/8 inch deep now. Lookin kinda funny!
What I miss: breathing deeply and shaving my legs. UGH I hate not being able to daily anymore!
What I am looking forward to: the next appointment. Can't wait for the next ultrasound. I wanna see my baby Anthony again! We get our next ultrasound at the next appointment so that's awesome! Plus I have my family shower coming up this weekend. I'm SO excited!

From parents.com

A medicine ball! Those things are getting big!
Starting at about week 26, your baby has slept and awoken at regular intervals. He closes his eyes when he sleeps, and he'll even dream during the last month before birth. No one knows what babies dream about in the womb, but they show reactions ranging from frowns and smiles to crying and kicking. Asleep or awake, you may feel the kicks in a new place around now--in your rib cage, just below your breasts--as he moves into the head-down position where he'll probably stay until birth.

From TheBump.com

Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.

How Big is Baby Anthony?

How far along? 32 weeks! 8 months!
Waist measurement: 48 inches
Total weight gain/loss: up 15 lbs. 210 lbs. just about on track again. Been really watching the bad foods as much as possible
How much does Baby weigh?: 4 lbs
Maternity clothes? but of course!
Stretch marks? They are there. Growing and turning bright red-ish/purple on me.
Sleep: sleep is getting harder and harder now, but that's to be expected when you can't flip over easily. Getting up to pee 2-3 times a night makes long stretches of sleep kinda hard too...
Best moment this week: going to the dr and finding out that our u/s at 22 weeks was kind of a fluke. He's measuring about a week ahead by my count and right on for the dr's count. The nurse had put in the wrong dates and that's why dr was concerned about it. Also got some torture devices to help my swelling, aching feet, back aches, and fatigue. Not overly happy about them, but oh well, they do help cut down on the pain.
Movement: still very active.
Food cravings: cereal, milk, cheetos, orange soda, and some salty snacks.
Gender: I was right! Its a BOY!
Labor Signs: still just the BH contractions. Nothing to get excited about.
Belly Button in or out?: in, but super shallow. Just under 1/4 an inch deep now. Lookin kinda funny!
What I miss: breathing deeply and shaving my legs. UGH I hate not being able to daily anymore!
What I am looking forward to: the next appointment. Can't wait for the next ultrasound. I wanna see my baby Anthony again! We get our next ultrasound at the next appointment so that's awesome! Dr wants to make sure that he's still growing like he's supposed to and to evaluate his size. The dr at class the last week talked about shoulder dystocia which has to do with baby's size in comparison to mom's hips. Click the link to read more. Other than that, my shower is coming up soon! I'm SO excited! I can't wait to see everyone and play the games!

From parents.com

A 5 Lb sack of potatoes. Holy crap!
This week is a milestone of sorts: Babies born after this time tend to do well even if they are premature. Nearly 10 percent of babies are born before week 37, when they officially come to term. At 32 weeks, all major organs are functioning except the lungs, which may need further time to develop. But your little one doesn't exactly look like a rosy cherub--he weighs about 3 pounds, and his thin, wrinkly skin hasn't filled out with the layers of fat that develop later. Luckily, in many cases, all he'll need is some time in an environmentally controlled isolette to become the chubby angel you imagined.