38 Weeks

Today I am 38 weeks. I have had lots of pressure this past week and am hoping that it is my body preparing to give birth. At my doctor's appointment this Monday, I was still 70% effaced and not dilated at all. This was somewhat disappointing but I know my baby boy will come on his own when he is ready. I am still a little worried he is going to come when my doctor is on vacation (19-25th). It will all work out fine and he will be here in 2 weeks or less.

At 38 weeks, Hudson has really plumped up now. He is approximately 6.8 pounds and over 19.5 inches long. We know from our ultrasound that we are dealing with a baby that is quite a bit bigger than the average. His organs have matured and are ready for the outside world. He has a strong grasp now that he will be able to test out on us when he holds onto our hands for the first time. If Hudson's eyes are brown when he is born it is likely they will stay brown. If they are gray or blue when he is born, there is a chance they will stay that color or change to green, hazel, or brown by 9 months of age.

If Hudson has not arrived before midnight on the 28th, I will be induced and have a baby in my arms by the 29th. I absolutely cannot wait to hold him in my arms and show him off to the world!!

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 38 weeks 0 days
Total Weight Gain/Loss: +22
Maternity Clothes: Yes almost exclusively
Best Moment this week: Having our 4th and last ultrasound and seeing our baby again. He yawned, swallowed, and stuck out his tongue during the appointment.
Gender: Boy- Hudson Ray Elliott
Movement: Feel like he has less room to move around but he is still moving and kicking often
Food Craving: ice cream, fruit, sweets, cheez-its, sushi (but not eating sushi, Panera, cheese
What I miss: Not having heartburn/indigestion, being able to paint toes on own or bend down without being uncomfortable, not get up a million times in the night to use the restroom, pain when I get out of bed
Sleep: Not as good as it had been but still not horrible. I am having to get up to use the restroom or change positions alot more frequently
What I am looking forward to: the birth of our son
Belly Button: Starting to poke out but hasn't popped yet
Symptoms: Braxton Hicks, Pubic pain, growing belly, using the bathroom constantly, stretch marks, belly button starting to poke out, heartburn/indigestion, swelling in feet and ankles.
Note: Still not completely packed for hospital but have a list of things to make sure we take with us.

Two weeks or less

The countdown is on!! I had an ultrasound on Wednesday and our baby boy is measuring big. If he does not come on his own, I will be induced at midnight on the 28th and have a baby boy in my arms on the 29th which is exactly two weeks from today. It's hard to believe. I know our lives are going to change so much when he gets here but all for the better. I look forward to seeing him for the first time but I will definitely miss our moments together where I can feel his every move and kick. I love you Hudson Ray and I can't wait to meet you. Feel free to come any day. Mommy and daddy are more than ready to kiss your sweet face!

Lake Weekend with Friends

We went down to the lake for the last time before Hudson arrives with Jessica, Brandon, and 4 of our other friends. We got lots of time in the sun and water which was exactly what I needed. AND yes I could still get out of the water back into the boat......it's hard to believe when you see how big my belly has gotten the last few weeks.



On Saturday night, all of us girls headed to the Landing to eat dinner. We went to Garfields and then to Marble Slab Creamery. I loved Garfields as usual and my food was very good. I was not impressed with Marble Slab Creamery at all. We had to wait 45 minutes to get our ice cream and they didn't have brownie as a mix-in unless you paid another $1.50 for it, and it seemed more pricey to me than Cold Stone which we have here in Springfield.



While we were at the Landing, the four guys played poker out on the deck. The guys set out at the table with lights, candles, and tiki torches along with music provided by a boombox/ipod player. Brandon and Jeremy were the first two out, and Jason won the money around 2:00 am. It was a fun but tiring weekend!!

Jeremy and I are hoping that after Hudson arrives we can introduce him to the lake later this summer or early fall, even if that entails us keeping him in the playpen on the dock or in the cabin. He will definitely love growing up around the lake just like I have these past 26 years. I sure do love our lake place!!

Week 37 Photo

37 Weeks............our Watermelon

Hudson is now close to the size of a watermelon. It is hard to believe that my belly is as big as this green and pink fruit. I am now considered full term since I am at 37 weeks. This means Hudson would most likely thrive if he was born at this time because his lungs are more maturely developed now.

I have been pretty uncomfortable lately. It is definitely getting harder to sleep at night and I am walking/moving much slower. It really depends on the day and how he is positioned on if I have much pain or not. I continue to have some heartburn at night and swelling in my feet and ankles.

At 37 weeks, Hudson weighs around 6 and 1/3 pounds (or we think more) and is a little longer than 19 inches from head to heel. There is a good chance that he has a full head of hair at this point but then again some babies are born with only peach fuzz.....we shall wait and see. These last few weeks Hudson is preparing for the world outside of the womb. He is perfecting his blink, suck, inhale, and exhale. Meconium is starting to accumulate in his intestines and that will be seen in his first bowel movement.

Jeremy put together Hudson's dresser and changing table this past Sunday since we have come to the realization that we will not be moved out of this house by the time he arrives. We figured we at least needed to be more prepared than what we were for when he decides to make his appearance into this world. We are headed to the lake with friends for one more weekend of fun and sun before he arrives. I am hoping to take him down there towards the end of the summer!!

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 37 weeks 0 days
Total Weight Gain/Loss: +22
Maternity Clothes: Yes almost exclusively
Best Moment this week: Putting together his room and setting up his dresser and changing table
Gender: Boy- Hudson Ray Elliott
Movement: Feel like he has less room to move around but he is still moving and kicking often
Food Craving: ice cream, fruit, sweets, cheez-its, sushi (but not eating sushi, Panera, cheese
What I miss: Not having heartburn/indigestion, being able to paint toes on own or bend down without being uncomfortable, not get up a million times in the night to use the restroom, pain when I get out of bed
Sleep: Not as good as it had been but still not horrible. I am having to get up to use the restroom or change positions alot more frequently
What I am looking forward to: my doctor's appointment on Monday
Belly Button: Starting to poke out but hasn't popped yet
Symptoms: Braxton Hicks, Pubic pain, growing belly, using the bathroom constantly, stretch marks, belly button starting to poke out, heartburn/indigestion, swelling in feet and ankles.
Note: Going to get my hospital bag ready when we return from the lake on Sunday so that I am prepared for when this little guy is ready to come into this world!!

Week 36 Photo

36 Weeks

One more week and Hudson will be the size of a watermelon. I am 36 weeks today and also had my first weekly doctor's appointment today. My doctor said everything looks good. Hudson was very active, and his heartbeat was 170 beats per minute. I had gained four more pounds from my previous appointment and my blood pressure was great. My doctor checked my cervix for the first time. I am 70% effaced (soft) and not dilated at all. I guess that is a good thing so I can go to the lake the next two weekends since we already made plans to go. ha! Hudson has not dropped yet but is still face down and putting lots of pressure on his mommy. He continues to be very active, and I love feeling him move.

Yesterday was a special day. Mom and I washed and sorted most of Hudson's clothes that we were handed down from friends and family members. It was an exciting time but stressful to think about where it is all going to go in our small house since it still hasn't sold. Thanks mom for all of your help yesterday. Hudson and I both love you so much!

At 36 weeks, Hudson is gaining about an ounce a day. He weighs approximately 6 pounds and is 18.5 inches long (our doc guessed he is 7 lbs right now and will be around 8-8.5 at delivery). He is getting rid of the little hairs that covered his body as well as the waxy substance that protected his skin the past 9 months in the amniotic fluid. Next week Hudson will be considered full-term.

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 36 weeks 0 days
Total Weight Gain/Loss: +20
Maternity Clothes: Yes almost exclusively
Best Moment this week: Washing and sorting all of his baby clothes with my mom
Gender: Boy- Hudson Ray Elliott
Movement: Feel like he has less room to move around but he is still moving and kicking often
Food Craving: ice cream, fruit, sweets, cheez-its, sushi (but not eating sushi, Panera, cheese
What I miss: Not having heartburn/indigestion, being able to paint toes on own or bend down without being uncomfortable, not get up a million times in the night to use the restroom
Sleep: Still pretty good but having to get up to use the restroom or change positions alot more frequently
What I am looking forward to: setting up our dresser and changing table
Belly Button: Starting to poke out but hasn't popped yet
Symptoms: Braxton Hicks, Pubic pain, growing belly, using the bathroom constantly, stretch marks, belly button starting to poke out, heartburn/indigestion, swelling in feet and ankles.
Note: Excited for the holiday weekend with my family at the lake!