38 Weeks

From Baby Center:

Your baby has really plumped up. He weighs about 6.8 pounds and he’s over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). He has a firm grasp, which you’ll soon be able to test when you hold his hand for the first time! His organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color your baby’s eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If he’s born with brown eyes, they’ll likely stay brown. If he’s born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time he’s 9 months old. That’s because a child’s irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after he’s born, but they usually won’t get “lighter” or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

For many women, the next couple of weeks are a waiting game. Use this time to prepare your baby’s nursery or to take care of necessary tasks you may not get around to for a while after your baby’s born. Take naps, catch up on your reading, and spend uninterrupted time with your partner while you can.

Some swelling in your feet and ankles is normal during these last weeks, but call your practitioner without delay if you notice excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, any swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, or have a sudden weight gain. Also let her know immediately if have severe or persistent headaches; visual changes (such as double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, light sensitivity, or a temporary loss of vision), intense upper abdominal pain or tenderness, or nausea and vomiting. These are symptoms of a serious condition called preeclampsia.

Note from Jen:

Well, we are two weeks out from seeing our little guy. Our c-section is scheduled for 07-08-09, hopefully at 10:11 🙂 The doctor said that since I am not dilated at all at this point, we should make it to the due date no problem. We are just hoping that Van decides to stay in until then and not give us any surprises.

This week was our 9th anniversary and we celebrated by going to the Del Mar Fair, riding an elephant and getting a prenatal massage! (Yes, I said riding an elephant… I am sure Kenny will write a post about that later this week!) Last night I had my first massage ever and it was very relaxing. I still am having upper back pain and swollen/ painful feet, but at least the massage felt great for a while. I wish I could go every day!

I am enjoying my time off here at home and we pretty much have Van’s room all ready and our bags packed for the hospital. I still feel like there is a ton to do, but am trying to take it easy so I don’t accidentally go into labor!

38 weeks.. only 2 more to go!