35 Weeks: Honeydew

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight. (Babycenter.com)

Things feel much the same this week. I am tired. I don't want to eat. My belly is getting heavier every day. All natural during these final weeks. I am feeling more and more ready to be over with it now. I suppose a week of horrid discomfort and a lack of sleep could account for my waning patience.

But as my patience is shrinking, our anticipation to meet this little one is growing. Jared and I have had several discussions about how strange, yet wonderful, it will be to start all over again. I know I will have a hard time remembering what to expect, despite watching Sophia develop through each stage so recently. But it will be fun to learn all over again.

We continue to prepare for the arrival. This week, we picked out a "coming home" outfit for a girl. We already had one for a boy. Now they are both packed and waiting to clothe our wee babe. I also picked up a baby memory book, and filled out as much as I could. We have that packed in the hospital bag too, so we can get those precious little footprints stamped in it!

Like I said, I have been very tired lately. I find that my motivation to do much of anything is dwindling, and as I stare at the pile of dishes, I dream of the bed. And down comforter. And squishy pillows. Mmmmm. I received a really wonderful book from a friend this week, and have spent much of my free time resting in bed with my book. It has been a great way to relax and spend some quiet moments to myself. I know moments to myself will soon become a rare commodity, so I am relishing these quiet times.

Good news! I think we have finally decided on a beautiful name for a girl! You'll have to wait and see if we have a girl. If not, then I guess you'll have to wait til next time around, which isn't going to be for a long time...;)

28 Weeks: Chinese Cabbage

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world. (Babycenter.com)

I feel myself slowing down these days. I can't get around as fast or as efficiently anymore. I've already reached the point that when I drop something, I debate whether or not it is worth picking up. Bending over (especially while holding Sophia) is quite the undertaking, and uses a lot of strength and energy. I have been getting tired faster than ever, and usually sneak in at least one nap a day.

On the up side, my hair has been growing fast! It is thick and soft, and getting longer with each hormone-packed pregnant day. I really have very little to complain about. I have no nausea, no heartburn, no swelling, and no complications of any kind. Other than my belly getting heavier and slightly more uncomfortable, I am doing just fine.

I have been dreaming about the arrival of Baby Nourse #2. During these revelries, I always pan a range of emotions. I start with excitement, travel through fear, then panic, then peace, and then circle back to extreme excitement again. I love this baby so much already and can hardly wait to meet him/her! I am excited see the similarities and differences to Sophia. I'm excited to see what he/she looks like. Heck, I am excited to see if it is a he or she! Sometimes I worry about how I will manage mothering two babies- one that is so mobile and already into everything, and one that is so helpless and needs me for everything. Then I remember that God has never let me down, and has chosen to bless us again with one of the best gifts in all of life. That makes me ecstatic! I am very happy that our children will be so close in age, as well. It will be so wonderful for Sophia and her sibling to have a playmate in each other.

This Friday will be a busy "pregnancy" day for me. I have my ultrasound (SOOOO excited for that!!!), my glucose test, and my 28 week check up.