40 Weeks

From BabyCenter.com:

It's hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weighs about 7 1/2 pounds (a small pumpkin) and is about 20 inches long. The biggest part of your baby's body is her head, but her still-pliable skull will give it the flexibility necessary to squeeze through the birth canal. Many parents are surprised by how long and sharp their newborn's nails are from the get-go. Clipping them right away (ask a nurse for help) can prevent your baby from scratching her face.

Today’s appointment went well. My blood pressure is still good (130/74), I lost 2 pounds this past week, and Bean’s heartrate is holding steady around 140. And Bean scored a perfect 8 on the biophysical profile, although the tech had to entice him to move around for her. He was apparently sleeping soundly! The tech estimated his weight at 8lbs 1oz but said not to rely on that as absolute. It’s truly a rough guess.

I am also now 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. HUGE progress from last week! It’s still not certain I’ll go into labor at any moment, but at least it’s more of a possibility now. I go back on Friday for another check, and Sunday night is the earliest my doc said she’ll start the induction process. So, we’re just hoping and praying that labor starts on its own anytime between now and then!

And here you go, Lizzie: a photographic belly pic series, including my last 40-week pic. Enjoy! :)