Week 31

Your Baby's Development
This week marks some major changes for your baby's eyes. Most notably, the iris in your baby's eyes will become pigmented. However, no matter what color eyes your baby is born with (most are born with dark blue-brown or blue-gray eyes) the color almost always changes after birth. In fact, your baby's true eye color won't appear for six to nine months after delivery, because the final eye pigmentation occurs in response to the strong light of the outside world.
By the end of this week, Baby will weigh about 3.5 pounds and will be about 14.5 inches long. From now on, your baby's weight gain will exceed her growth in length.
Each day brings new developments inside the womb:

• Baby's eyes are now usually open during waking, and are closed at naptimes.
• Baby's lungs and digestive tract are continuing to develop.
• As you near the end of the second trimester, your baby will begin to settle head-down into your pelvis. However, some babies don't make this journey until late in the last trimester, and about four percent of babies don’t make the switch, remaining in a breech position at delivery.

Daddy is the best daddy!

He found you daycare! YAY Daddy.

Week 30 (68 Days Left)

Weeks 29-32 (Month 7): Squash

Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

The Ultimate Hospital Packing Guide: Must-Haves for Every Mom-to-Be

	Skip the cute PJs in favor of something practical. For boob access, pick something that's easy to pull up or down.
	Nursing bras and pads and a few pairs of underwear. Bring on the granny panties (it can be messy down there the first few days after delivery).
	A comfy robe to layer over breezy hospital gowns. (C-section mamas will be doing a lot of hospital hallway-walking).
	Socks: Don't overlook these feet-warmers. Studies show that wearing them to bed can actually help you nod off faster.
	Slippers: You don't want to pad around the hospital hallways in just your slippery socks -- or in uncomfortable shoes, either.
	Going-home outfit for you: You'll definitely still be in maternity clothes at this point -- as though you're five or six months along.
	Sanitary pads: Most hospitals have, but it's good to bring your own just-in-case supply for postpartum bleeding.
	Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, makeup.
	Concealer: It'll help cover up redness, blotchiness, and post-delivery blemishes for all the zillions of photos that'll be taken after baby arrives.
	iPod and headphones/speakers (or a portable CD player and tunes).
	Books and magazines: You have no clue how long labor will be. When doesn't celeb gossip help the time fly by?
	Pillow from home: It's decidedly cozier than those hospital-issued ones.
	Lanolin cream: This nursing essential soothes sore nipples as you adjust to your baby's feeding techniques.
	Basic toiletries for your partner: Let's be honest -- he probably doesn't need much more than a toothbrush and deodorant..
	At least $20 in cash: Bring lots of singles for the vending machine and snacks.
	Cell phone and, just as important, charger. Using your own helps avoid those pricey hospital phone bills.
	Digital watch or one with a second hand (for timing contractions).
	Digital camera and video camera (if you've agreed to go there).
	Blanket and pillow for your partner: If he'll be staying over, he has to crash on a chair somewhere.
	Car seat, already installed, natch!
	Layette stuff: Newborn hat, two receiving blankets, several burp cloths, two "onesies," and two pairs of socks.
	Baby going-home outfit: Try a kimono onesie (so you don't have to pull anything over your newborn's head -- they're not big fans).
	Diapers and wipes: Don't forget that awesome diaper bag you've been dying to break out.
	Nursing pillow: It'll make those first (potentially tough) feedings a bit easier.
	Completed hospital registration forms. Bring a copy of your pre-reg documents in case they can't dig yours up.
	Birth plan: Remember to keep it short and sweet!
	Insurance cards.
	Address book: For the random relatives who aren't in your cell phone but still demand to hear the good news ASAP.
	Your driver's license: You'll need it for admission to the hospital. Make sure your partner has his, too.

An interesting weather fact for you.....

It it 7/22/08 and 10:04 am. Its currently 85 out and hailing. YES its hot and ice is falling.
NFT (No Further Text)

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS TO AFFECT THE WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA AS WELL AS LOWER SOUTHERN MARYLAND LATE THIS MORNING...
AT 952 AM EDT...DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A LINE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS THAT EXTENDED FROM NEAR VIENNA VIRGINIA SOUTHWEST TO RUBY VIRGINIA...MOVING EAST-SOUTHEAST AT 35 MPH.
THESE STORMS WILL PRODUCE LOCALLY HEAVY DOWNPOURS ALONG WITH CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING. SOME STORMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING WIND GUSTS AROUND 40 MPH ALONG WITH SMALL HAIL.

Our To Do List This Week: (Week 29)

1. Start interviewing pediatricians (Daddy & Mommy)
   
2. Preregister with your hospital or birthing center (Mommy)
3. Prepare a friends and family plan (Mommy)
   
4. Prepare a birth plan (Mommy)
   
5. Interview babysitters or research daycares (Daddy)

Presents from Grandma & Grandpa:

Good Day Sunshine!
We went to Grandmas and Grandpas for daddies 38th birthday. Then you had your first Maryland Blue Crabs. YUMMO!! Here are the things they got you. They can't wait for you to come out and play either, you are such a loved little man already.

Shoes:

Bib:

Booties:

Cover All Bib:

Bib:

Bib:

Bib:

Bib:

Washcloths:

Washcloths:

Your so cute housecoat and booties:

Dinosaur Onsie:

Outfit, Bib & Hat:

Bib:

My Secret Shopping

Good Day Little One!
Daddy says I am not allowed to buy you stuff until after we are moved. But I got you three outfits. Shhh don't tell. Daddy doesn't know how to blog so he will never see this. These are the outfits.

Week 28: 81 Days Left

I wish you would let mommy sleep at night. I would be so much nicer to people. I love you so much. You move and move and move except when Daddy touches my belly. Then you stop right away. Your a tricky little bugger, but we love you so much. Its amazing to think that you will be here in less then 3 months. YAY! You are close to 15.75 inches long and weigh about 2.4 pounds. We can't wait to meet you.

Your New House Little One

1st Floor Floor Plan

2nd Floor Floor Plan

3rd Floor Floor Plan

7/4/08

7/12/08