5 more days

Only a few days left! We had an appointment yesterday. Lindsay's cervix is softer an slightly effaced and the Dr. could feel his head. It sounds like everything is progressing nicely. We are scheduled to go to the hospital on Monday morning at 7 to check in and start the process. Our Dr. said it was likely he will not be born until the early hours of the 6th. Here is a link to directions for those family members who plan to be there: Northwest Hospital

Cousin!

My brother and Sister in Law are expecting! Alec's little cousin is due at the end of August. Lindsay and I are really excited for them! The picture is one of Natalie's cards.

Cats

Tikka and Frisky have yet to make Alec's blog so here is their big debut!

Snow!

We had snow again this week. Lindsay took this great photo!

Full Term!

Today is 37 weeks and Lindsay's pregnancy is considered full term! I think we are as ready as we can be. The nursery is ready, the bags are packed and the infant seat is in the car.

We had a Dr. appointment yesterday and everything looks great. There is no indication that Lindsay will go into labor soon. Our next appointment is next Wednesday.

Alec is developmentally ready to handle life outside the womb. (Babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 weeks are post-term.) He probably weighs a little over 7 pounds at this point and measures between 19 and 20 inches, head to heel.

36 Week Ultrasound

We had an ultrasound on Tuesday. Everything looks great! He is a bit on the big side... he is already 7 pounds!!!


Alec is still putting on the pounds — about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 7 pounds and is a little less than 19 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the creamy substance that covered and protected his skin during its submersion in amniotic fluid. He swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, which will stay in his bowels until birth. This blackish mixture, called meconium, will become his first bowel movement.

At the end of this week, he will be considered full-term. (Babies between 37 and 42 weeks are considered full-term; a baby born before 37 weeks is pre-term and after 42 is post-term.) He is in a head-down position by now, which is optimal for a smooth delivery.

35 Weeks

Happy New Year! Only five more weeks until his due date! It seems like such a short amount of time but I think Lindsay might disagree. She is doing great but I know this is the most uncomfortable she's been during her pregnancy. We have his room almost ready. I spent much of my holiday break getting it prepared. It looks great and it's really fun to see all this baby stuff we've been collecting find a home. Lindsay packed her hospital bag this evening. There seems like so much we still need to do!! The photo was taken this evening.

Here is the update on Alec:
Alec is getting big. He weighs a tad over 5 pounds and is just over 18 inches long. Because it's so snug he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.