33 weeks

Zander is 33 weeks (8 months & 1 week). This week he will grow at least another inch and his brain continues to grow like crazy. Thank goodness the bones in his head won't fuse together until early adulthood which mean they are able to move and slightly overlap..... all to make his arrival a little less painful. He now spends his waking hours eyes wide open and continues to lose that wrinkled alien appearance.

So for some other updates.... I continue to feel very lucky I decided to be a teacher many years ago and have summers off because I do not see how it would ever be possible to work and feel the way I do. I feel pretty well except for being easily tired and at times short of breath. Other than that I feel pretty good, had a few emotional breakdowns last week with the house being a mess and missing Katie's (my best friend) wedding. Anyways... our home continues to be a work in progress. Painting in Brandon's man cave (Seahawks theme and turning out very cool), remodeling the entire bathroom (not by choice), and Zander's room is currently serving as storage of all bathroom and miscellaneous stuff. I do not do well with clutter or disorganization, but I am remaining calm and feeling lucky for our wonderful family who has been so amazing and supportive.

With 7 weeks until Zander's approximate due date I am getting very excited and anxious. I keep imagining upcoming Holidays, stroller outings, and rocking him in the new glider we got for the nursery. I feel like he's going to come early, seeing how he is on the heavier side of the average weight range and I continue to measure two centimeters big... but what do I know, I'm a first timer.

This week Zander weighs a little more than a pineapple.

8 Months

2 months to go and pregnancy is really starting to kick my butt. I feel very lucky to not have to get up and go to work every day. I am exhausted after simply making the bed. Sleeping has become very difficult between trying to get in a comfortable position, waking up in need for Tums or the bathroom and the frequent side, leg and foot cramps. Although I am constantly very uncomfortable I am trying to savor these last two months of enjoying alone time with Brandon and being so strongly connected to Zander at all times. It's a little bitter sweet, as much as I want him here I will never be able to protect and care for him the way I am now. I also know that life as Brandon and I know it will change drastically once our little man is here, and that is scary and exciting at the same time.

This week Zander begins to gain an average of 1/2 a pound a week. He's hopefully head down or will be making his trek to that position soon. Space is getting increasingly cramped as he continues to grow and gain weight. Other than gaining weight and growing a few inches, he's just about ready for his debut.

              Zander weighs about the same as a large jicama

This picture is not of our handsome boy, however it does
show how increasingly cramped his current home is getting.

We're at single digit count down

Today Zander is 31 weeks and weighing 4lbs! He has gained 2lbs since last month. We had a doctor’s appointment today and found out that he is sitting breached with his bottom down by my bladder, which means it was definitely his cute little foot we felt last night. Zander has all five senses working now, however he will not be smelling until he's outside the womb. I've been experiencing the legendary Braxton hick contractions lately, which is normal and a way of my body preparing for Zander's big arrival. We signed up for a labor and delivery class that begins next month. Everything continues to be going so quickly. I can't believe he may be here in 9 weeks! 

Zander giving the peace sign

                                                                      His cute feet

                                                                     Front of his face

                                      3D shot of the side of his adorable face,
                                      I think he already looks like his Daddy

We felt a body part!

So I was just going to wait and post after tomorrows doctor appointment but I am too excited to wait! So up until today we have been able to feel Zander's movements but today was the first day I can confidently say we felt a body part! At this point (31 weeks) Zander is hopefully head down which would mean that it was his foot poking me in my right rib all day and what Brandon and I were both ecstatic to feel! We both agreed it felt like a heel. Tomorrow we have an ultrasound and will find out what body part it was for sure, but regardless it was a milestone and very exciting. More to come tomorrow!

This week Zander weighs as much as 4 navel oranges! These fruit comparisons are getting very interesting.