33 Weeks (7 1/2 months)

Today I had a monthly checkup with my midwife.  For the most part, everything went very well.  With about 7 weeks to go, we are now in preparation mode where  I will start to see my midwife more than just once a month, monitoring the baby's movements and position.  The baby itself is about 4-5 lbs now and about the size of a pineapple.  She is moving as she should be and has a healthy heartbeat, so it seems that she is keeping right on track.  My midwife was also able to tell me the position of the baby.  Her head is facing downward (no breech baby for me :)  ), her back is over to my left side, and the feet and hands are over to my right.  This all makes sense to me because I feel all of her movement on my right side.  And speaking of movement, since the baby is so much bigger now, I am able to watch my belly move as she does inside my belly.  It is always such a great feeling!

As for me, I am doing well.  I feel good most of the time, so not much for complaining here.  I am starting to get really bad heartburn, though, which my mom says is because I have a baby with alot of hair.  I have been eating Tums on a regular basis and even waking up in the middle of the night to eat them, just so I can get back to sleep.  Because of the heartburn, I have to watch everything that I eat and make sure that I eat much smaller portions when I do eat.  So, it was no surprise that I have only gained 3 lbs since the last doctor visit.  Not a concern from the doctor since I gained so much in the last couple months, and it is typical to taper weight gain in the end.

My doctor did tell me I need to start taking it a little easier since I had a couple days where I was feeling minor cramping for brief moments.  I'm sure after having a week of visitors and wedding celebrating and everything in between, I took on a little too much.  So, now I have to try and take it easy for the next 7 weeks.  It is hard for me to slow down, especially since I have been feeling so good, but when you hear that your baby needs you to rest, you do what you are told.  And, Rocky is always up for a nap or resting on the couch with me whenever I need it, so how could I refuse some good quality cuddling time with my little boy?