Weeks 37-Delivery (Month 9)

Weeks 37-Delivery (Month 9): Watermelon

Average size: 18.9 to 20.9 in, 6.2 to 9.2 lb

At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. As you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.

Nursery Pics

It's a bit brighter than we expected, but it will work! We will pick out all the wall art once the baby arrives... I'm betting I get to add a lot of pink at that point :)

Our diaper holder

Online Baby Pool

Thought it would be fun for friends/family to go on and guess the baby's gender, weight, length and birthday. Winner gets a prize!!

To participate, go to: http://www.expectnet.com/games/BabyZanetti or go to ExpectNet.com and enter BabyZanetti as the game name in the space indicated on the home page.

December 7th Appointment

We are at the point where we meet with our doctor on a weekly basis. Yesterday we met with Dr. Garg for the first time (if I go into labor when Dr. VDH is unavailable, he's our guy). I was skeptical - I really like Dr. VDH and didn't feel comfortable that a male doctor would be replacing her if she's eating Christmas dinner with her family or out of town. I figured he'd be nice, but had no idea he would be so nice and have the ability to put me at ease right away. I could tell Tom was relieved too! No matter which doctor is available to assist us on delivery day, we're in great hands.

Dr. Garg said the baby's head is down and feet are near my ribs (I could've told him that). I gained my 1lb since our appointment on the 30th and the baby is probably 5.5lbs now. I need to find a pharmacy with the regular flu shot (I got the H1N1 in November... and many are now focusing on getting more of that and not so much the regular one), but otherwise we are good to go. Forms are filled out, hospital bag is packed, nursery is ready and car seat is in the Vibe!

The past couple of months have gone so quickly... Can't believe we are less than 4 weeks away! Well, hopefully! I'm anxious/excited to see if Ziggy is a boy or girl... but apprehensive about the delivery process. Had my first contractions this weekend and WOW. An epidural was on the birth plan before, but it's the first thing on it now!

Holy Belly, Batman!

12/2 - Tom and I went to Fashion Valley mall so we could finish up our Christmas shopping... I was asked THREE times if I was having twins.

12/4 - Walking downtown towards work I heard, "WHOA! She is about to pop!"

Four more weeks, people... It's only going to get bigger.



12/5 - Parsons Holiday Party

Weeks 33-36 (Month 8)

Weeks 33-36 (Month 8): Honeydew
Average size: 17.2 to 18.7 in, 4.2 to 5.8 lb

Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.

Happy Birthday, Sarah!

November 26th wasn't Thanksgiving this year... No turkey, cranberries or pumpkin pie on our menu! Who wants to eat that crap anyway?! It was Sarah's 30th birthday so we feasted on burgers, tater tots and cupcakes!



The guest of honor




Our grillmaster - I know... Scary!

Sarah was sent to Europe the next day for work - We can't wait to hear all about her trip when she gets back!

Baby Shower

Mom came in town Wednesday the 11th to visit us for a few days - I kept her REAL entertained with visits to the dentist, doctor and DMV (I'm officially a Zanetti now!)... And since I can't do much with cleaning supplies/bending over, she cleaned our kitchen from top to bottom one morning when I was at work . I know, not a very exciting visit! We did hit the outlet mall for some baby clothes, but otherwise it appeared it was going to be a slow weekend. Until Saturday hit...

SURPRISE!



Apparently Sarah and Traci had been planning a baby shower for quite some time! Had noooo idea, so it was a bit difficult getting me in Traci's house :) I might have used the words, "I'm going to rip your head off" to my dear husband but I apologized the minute the door opened and all the girls were standing there. I merely wanted to go eat and not deal with our friend's surfboard needing repaired (all the way in PB.. when there weren't even waves.. when pizza was in Point Loma.. when I only had 10 pretzels in my system.. and mom had to be starving due to the time difference.. and why can't I just sit and wait in the car?!). I'm so lucky he's a patient one!

It was a lovely shower and I couldn't be happier. With not being able to fly past September, I really didn't think I'd have a traditional one! I'm so grateful for all the planning/prepping Sarah and Traci put into the day... and thankful for all my fabulous friends and their love and support for us and our little one.

Dad-to-be with much needed beer

Cutest diaper cake EVER

All the ladies

The fabulous party planners

The Big 2-9

Saturday evening Tom planned a little gathering at Wine Steals so we could celebrate with friends. I was so happy everyone was able to make it out and enjoy the $10 tasting event- I had pizza and cupcakes, so I was golden with my water!



The next morning Tom returned from surfing with my favorite breakfast, a California Burrito. Didn't think it could get any better and then I opened my presents... A Wii Fit and a SNUGGIE!!!



Now I'll never worry about getting cold when I go to grab the remote :)

We then got ready to head downtown to see The Lion King - It was the last day it was in San Diego and I loved it! Tom only fell asleep twice, but the songs WERE slow so all was forgiven. We finished the fabulous birthday weekend off with dinner at an Italian restaurant downtown.

Thank you Tom, friends and family for making it a special weekend!

Dearest Ziggy

Why, oh why, are you no longer behaving? You’ve been amazing. I’ve felt kind of bad that I haven’t had morning sickness, heartburn or dealt with things like varicose veins or raging hormones. But now? You’re kicking my butt and making up for lost time, kid. Acid reflux is the devil. I get it. You’re here. It’s the third trimester; you’re growing and really not carrying what organ you push around to get comfy. If you could please consider that my current acid reflux symptoms have nothing to do with what I’m eating or when I’m eating, that would be much appreciated. After all, if I am merely sitting at my desk and I’m doing everything books/doctors say to keep it at bay… You could kindly arrange yourself for the remaining weeks (at this very moment) to ensure my esophagus doesn’t need to be removed prior to January 4th.

With warm regards,
Your loving mother

Halloween!

Wasn't sure what else to do... It worked! I had a mask I probably would've worn more if I could drink wine!



Max from Where the Wild Things Are



Earlier in the day...



These are the first pictures we took with our new camera - Can't wait to take more and see the difference in clarity from our old one!

Poor Kid... Another Lunk-Head!

Tom and I walked out of Tuesday's appointment feeling much better about things - Dr. Blake was amazing and gave us detailed explanations on his measurements/findings. Essentially, the head/legs are measuring at 31 weeks and the abdomen area at 28 weeks... This size difference triggered the worry with Dr. VDH a few weeks ago, but Ziggy's current residence looks great (nutrition/fluids are fine) and there's no reason to do more testing. Ziggy is just the spitting image of me! Huge Lundquist head, short torso and long legs. Since the last ultrasound, Ziggy has upped his status from the 5-10 percentile to the 30 percentile range, and is now 3lbs 4oz.

Two Images Side-by-Side



***

I work in the basement of a law firm and don't make it above ground most days... It's not my company's building and I don't know anyone but the 3 people down there with me. With Tuesday's appointment, I made sure I took a quick lunch to make up time. I was up in the lobby-kitchen when a lady approached me at the microwave. "Oh!" and she put her hands on my belly. "Your belly isn't low enough to be having a boy... and it isn't high enough to be having a girl! Why, it's right in the middle!" She then proceeded to walk out of the kitchen. Ummmm... so I'm having a mutant?! Nice to meet you!

***

In other news, Tom and I had a full weekend. We went and saw Where the Wild Things Are on Friday (so not a kid's movie... but amazing special effects!), participated in the Alzheimer 5K Walk in Balboa Park on Saturday morning (the Alpha Phi SD Alumnae Group had a small team), and hit East County for the Lady Antebellum $5 concert Saturday evening. Tom isn't exactly a fan of country, so I enticed him with a stop at the new Sonic and put him in a food coma. We have seen commercials for years and finally got a chance to enjoy some tater tots! We only stayed for the one act, so that helped too :)

Before Movie



Alzheimer Memory Walk





***

Weekend before...

The Drake football team was in town on the 17th - Sarah, Mike, Tom and I nearly died in the 190 degree heat but it is a good thing we stuck around. Drake beat USD 21-14.

My new Bears shirt didn't bring any luck on Sunday... The four of us went to watch the game in Point Loma and I had to zip up my sweatshirt in the 4th Quarter.

29-32 Weeks (Month 7)

Weeks 29-32 (Month 7): Squash
Average size: 15.2-16.7 in, 2.5-3.8 lb

Baby's energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though they don't necessarily coincide with your own. This month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

Let's Make a Deal

Class went well last night – Most of the information was a recap of what I’ve read in books, but it was very beneficial for Tom. At one point, everyone in the class was given a doll and we went over how to support the neck/head, swaddle, burp, bathe, and change clothes/diapers. All the future dads were adorable trying to get the clothes off/on and get everything else just right. When the two hours were up, we walked out to the car - Tom paused when we got in and said, “So, let's make a deal… How about you do everything that deals with feeding, burping, bathing and basically holding the baby… I just stand by and support... AND you still love me.” I laughed and reassured him he’d do fine and he won’t break the baby. Don’t think he’s convinced!

The instructor for next Tuesday’s class is a pediatrician. I’m sure we’ll receive a lot of valuable information. The following day we start our Breathing/Delivery class. It’s three 2 ½ hour classes, and a hospital tour. I’ve heard they show a video the first evening, so let’s hope Tom doesn’t pass out!

Stranger-Danger

People are weird. What is the fascination with a pregnant belly and why do people assume they can say whatever the heck they want? Sure, friends and family can offer advice/suggestions but strangers are so bold in their phrasing - "You MUST do this" or "You HAVE to do that." Seriously, folks? And my favorite question - "So, was it planned?" Yes, I look 12. Yes, sometimes babies are a surprise. But either way, is it your business?! I've been asked this several times and each time I want to say something that will ensure they never ask a stranger such a rude/personal question but I can't bring myself to do it. Next time I'll be ready :) Otherwise, strangers have been really sweet. The car wash attendant is convinced I'm having a boy... and so is the guy that makes my mongolian bbq at lunch. The ONLY person that has said they think I'm having a girl was the receptionist at the spa - Otherwise, it's always a boy!

In other news, apparently Dr. Blake is a busy man. My ultrasound is scheduled for the 27th and we will hopefully find out more about the baby's size then- I have scheduled a follow-up with my doctor on the 30th to ensure we get all our questions answered.

Tonight is our 1st Baby Class - Wish us luck! It's 2 hours of safe products for the registry, picking a pediatrician, what to do if your baby is sick, etc. This class continues next week and we have another one lined up that's four weeks long... Let's hope Tom doesn't fall asleep!

October 9th Appointment

Appointment was okay... No sign of gestational diabetes, weight gain good, blood pressure good... We went over the results of the last ultrasound (Sept 26th) and I will have to go for another one. They like to see babies between the 10-90 percentile and our baby doesn't appear to be as close to 10 as they'd like. Could be the ultrasound... Could be I'm just having a smaller baby... She likes the place we went to, but if we go to a specialist it will ensure that the best person possible is looking at everything. I can't eat more to help or do anything like that... She's figuring the baby is just going to be smaller at delivery, which is a plus in her eyes :) I am hoping to schedule it for this Friday, so we can get some answers!

Other events from this weekend:

Tom put the dresser together!

Nursery is slowly but surely coming together.

Today we walked to Little Italy for a festival - We go each year and are always impressed with the sidewalk "painting" contest. We got there around 2pm and the artists began their work around 6am. We both thought "Mother Theresa" was one of the best ones-

Two years and counting...

We had a fabulous time celebrating our anniversary this past weekend - It was my Friday off, so I started the weekend with a visit to one of my favorite places in San Diego - Spa Velia. Had my first pregnancy massage and I can't say enough about it. Why didn't I make an appointment months ago?! I'll definitely be heading back each month until the baby arrives! By the time I made it home, Tom was just finishing up at work. We finished packing the car and started heading north to Malibu. What a beautiful area... We had a great time exploring, gawking at the amazing homes, hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, and reading/surfing at the beach. It was a wonderful weekend away, but definitely went by too quickly... Much like these last two years.

Since today is our actual anniversary, we bought some cupcakes and ate them on the steps of El Cortez.

They didn't last long! A stop at OB Noodle House and MNF were the perfect end to a great anniversary-