Dear Little Peanut,
You are now 34 weeks along and gaining more weight. You’re measuring right on schedule, but the doctor thinks you’re going to be at least 8.5 lbs. when you’re born. You’re supposed to be close to 18 inches long and weigh almost 5 lbs. right now. Even thought you’re getting so big, I still feel you moving around a lot. Sometimes it feels like you’re trying to tickle me or that I can feel your hands and toes wiggling. You’re also trying to stretch out more and usually once or twice a day I can feel your little feet stretching out under my ribs.
I also gained the most weight in the past two weeks compared to any of my other visits, 6 lbs. in two weeks, which brings me to a grand total of 24 lbs. Not bad, but not great either. My goal is to stay under 30 lbs.
This week I also started swelling. My fingers have gotten to large to wear my rings and some of my shoes are pretty tight. I’m not sure if my feet are swelling or if they’re starting to ‘grow’ bigger. We’ll find out after you arrive! The heartburn has also gotten much worse. I need to be very careful that I keep my head above my chest when I bend over to prevent acid from creeping through. Sleep has also gotten much more difficult. I wake up from hip pain several times throughout the night. Usually, one of those times i’ll go to the bathroom too. My back is also starting to become much more sore. Last night after I picked up Grandma and Grandpa Bothwell from the airport, I sat in the hot tub and it felt Am-Azing. Thankfully, the temp is still low enough for me to go in. I’m not sure if I have restless leg syndrome or not, but there is usually one night during the week where I just can’t sleep. I’ve found that keeping lotion on my feet helps prevent this. I also try and remember to stretch everyday as that seems to help my body feel better too. So many fun things my body gets to experience because of you.
Last Thursday we also had our first baby shower with the Sampsons. We went out to dinner at Maple Tavern and everyone was very generous in gifts for you. I have 3 more showers coming and we’ve been very busy getting the house ready for the. Daddy has been busy working in the family room getting the fireplace project all finished. Last weekend we worked really hard. Today he is working on putting up the stone on the wall and then it is just finishing touches, which I’m very excited about! We’re also working on putting some of the finishing touches on your nursery. We have most of it done, but just need to cut, paint and apply the dots to the wall.
In two days, your dad is getting lasik surgery! He is pretty excited about it and I’m so happy that he is going to have it done. I’ve been praying that the procedure will go smoothly and there won’t be any complications, so if you can say an extra prayer for your Daddy! I still am thinking that you’re a boy and Daddy thinks you’re a girl so no maybe news there. I do think that you may arrive a little earlier than your due date. Whenever I read about side affects for this time, I feel like I’m a week ahead of what they are reporting. But now I feel that I’ve said that I think you might arrive a little early, you’ll probably arrive late. Either way will be fine, I just pray you’re healthy!
Love, Mom
Peanut Smiles 