Cantaloupe with 6 Weeks to Go

34 weeks is here, little Bradley is ready and waiting to make an appearance! Here are updates:

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling her out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

My doctor is not in today so my checkup for this week is on Wednesday. Starting next time I go every week. We are getting closer!

My coworkers threw a big baby shower for me last Saturday at my favorite place ever--Zios--and I can not believe the wonderful stuff they got us! About 15 people showed up all together and we all had a great time. There was cake and presents and pictures (which are being emailed to me). In addition to blankets, clothes, hangers, feeding utensils and other necessities, they all pitched in and got us a VERY nice high chair and baby swing!!!! I am very grateful to have friends like this who have taken me under their wing as a new mom.