32 week update - TODAY

Hello Bleeps!  Not late today!  As of today, I am officially 8 months pregnant.  Now figure this out...I have 8 weeks left, but I'm 8 months pregnant.  Whoever said pregnancy lasted 9 months?!  The only thing I can figure is because most women don't technically know for the first month that they are with child, that month isn't counted because it passes without the mother even knowing?  Odd.  Anyway, I have 8 weeks left before Baby Reese is due to make her debut.  And I'm starting to feel it.

Before I post the 32 week update, let me tell you about my weekend.  I returned a whole bunch of stuff from my baby shower that we had duplicates of to Babies R Us and Target and thus got gift cards or cash back.  That money practically went right back to the store when I purchased other things.  Plus, when the mother buys off her registry to essentially "close it out" at Babies R Us, she gets a 10% discount on everything from the registry.  Plus I had a bunch of coupons for 15% and 20% off, so I was able to utilize those too.  Then I had gift cards.  So I walked out pretty happy with myself and how many discounts I got and how little we actually spent out of pocket!

Then I came home on Saturday after getting my hair cut and lunch with some girlfriends, to work on putting nursery stuff away.  I'd also ordered some vinyl decals for the walls and one of them came in, so I put that up.  Now just to wait for the rest of them.  Hopefully soon!  Then, I tried out a new church and I really liked it.  So plan to go back and see it again to see if that's where we should continue to go.

Today, J's parents brought down the long awaited cradle that J's dad had been refinishing for Baby Reese.  J slept in this thing when he was born.  It is gorgeous!  Currently, it's in our bedroom but we haven't figured out where it will be exactly for a while.  Will post a picture once it is in it's final place!

That about wraps up our weekend, so here's the 32 week update.  Again, my comments are in red.
Week 32 of Pregnancy
Your baby is practicing survival skills like sucking and breathing, while your uterus is practicing some Braxton Hicks contractions.

Your Baby in Week 32 of Pregnancy
What's up with your baby? She's starting to get ready for her big debut, tipping the scales at almost four pounds and topping out at just about 19 inches. In these past few weeks, it's all about practice, practice, practice as she hones the skills she'll need to thrive outside the womb — from swallowing and breathing to kicking and sucking. And speaking of sucking, your little one has been able to suck her thumb for a while now. Something else to note: As more and more fat accumulates under your baby's skin, she's becoming less transparent and more opaque.

Your Body in Week 32 of Pregnancy
This week, your body may start prepping for delivery day by flexing its muscles — literally. If you feel your uterus bunching or hardening periodically, those are practice contractions, otherwise known as Braxton Hicks. These rehearsals (typically experienced earlier and with more intensity in women who've been pregnant before) feel like a tightening sensation that begins at the top of your uterus and then spreads downward, lasting from 15 to 30 seconds (though they can sometimes last two minutes or more). How do you know these contractions aren’t the real thing? They’ll stop if you change position (try getting up if you’re lying down or walking if you’ve been sitting).  I haven't had these that I know of, just some cramping that didn't last very long and only happened a couple times over a period of days.

Week 32 Pregnancy Tip: Ultrasound Photos
Ultrasound is a tried-and-true prenatal tool (and a window into the wonderful world of your womb), but lately this procedure has taken a giant leap from the confines of a doctor's office to a storefront at the mall. Is it safe to take a peek inside your tummy on the way to Sears? While the FDA has yet to establish rules on these prenatal photography studios, they do warn against having ultrasounds for fun (as opposed to for medical reasons), since such three-dimensional imaging machines use much higher power than the typical ultrasound machines at your doctor's office. And many medical professionals fear that nervous moms-to-be will come away mistakenly convinced there's something wrong with their babies, or, worse, that the untrained wand wavers will miss real problems that would be detected by a pro. If you do choose elective sonograms, do so wisely (and after you check with your practitioner for the go-ahead). While there's nothing more precious than seeing your baby in three dimensions (except, of course, seeing your baby for real once it's born), limit your visits to one or two, each no more than 15 minutes in length. And bring your wallet! Some studios charge up to $300 for a photo, CD-ROM, and a video of the fetus. Due to our previously crappy insurance and our increased amount of sonograms necessary, we've spent more than our fair share on ultrasounds, so we won't be doing the 3D version or anything that isn't mandated by Dr. OB.

Week 32 Pregnancy Symptoms
Flatulence: To minimize that gassy feeling, aim for eating six small meals a day (versus three large ones) so that you don’t strain your digestive system (which is being taxed enough by your growing belly bearing down on it). I'm very burpy!
Bloating: Your slower metabolism (which has slowed down to give the food you eat more time to enter the bloodstream and nourish your baby) can cause bloating. Stick to your pregnancy diet and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation (see below), which aggravates bloating. Probably a little bit, but hard to tell. 
Constipation: Your growing uterus is cramping your bowels, making them sluggish and irregular. Get some regular exercise (anything helps, from brisk walks to prenatal yoga), and drink up! I always drink a lot of water, so I'm good here.  And I'm in the bathroom constantly, so I think we're ok.
Occasional faintness or dizziness: Feeling faint or light-headed can be a result of any number of things, including low blood sugar. Don’t forget to carry a protein-and-carb-rich snack in your bag to munch on when you feel dizzy. Granola bars, trail mix, or soy chips are a great choice, and may keep light-headedness at bay. Thankfully, none yet.

Leg cramps: Just as you’re ready to drift off to dreamland you may feel a painful spasm in your calves — though no one is quite sure what causes the pain (or why it’s worse at night). One theory: a lack of calcium and magnesium in your diet. Ask your practitioner if taking an extra calcium supplement is a good idea, and be certain you’re devouring your dose of daily dairy (bring on the cheese and yogurt!). Not very many of these, and thankfully none that are intense.  I drink a lot of milk!
Itchy abdomen: That swelling belly is getting itchier and itchier, as the skin stretches and dries out. If slathering on creams and moisturizers doesn’t help, try calamine or some other type of anti-itch lotion that soothe more-stubborn cases. Or add oatmeal to your bath and have a soak in warm (not hot) water. Yes and yes.  I do lotion at least twice a day and that seems to help.
Enlarged breasts and colostrum: As your breasts get bigger in the third trimester, they may also leak a yellowish fluid called colostrum, which is the precursor to breast milk. This liquid, packed with protein and antibodies, is the first milk your baby will get. If the leaks are getting uncomfortable, try wearing nursing pads. Again, none yet.  

Ok folks, have a wonderful week and talk to you soon!