Week 33 and a half

We're rolling along, now in the middle of the 33rd and 34th week. I'm doing great but the baby is taking up more space than ever making thsi momma feel more uncomfortable than in past weeks. Here's the official word: "Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her 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." -BabyCenter.com

That is a relief to know, considering that I am CONVINCED this baby is making her debut earlier than my August 23rd due date. Just ask anyone who see's me, according to them, I look like I could go at any time. Now, is it just me, or should I be taking offense to that? Let's consider this. I guess when people look at me and feel it's necessary to comment on my appearance, for example, "You look like you could go at anytime", or, "Are you sure your due date is August 23rd?" Wow. Shall I continue, or do you see where I'm going here? As if in the last few weeks I'm not already building a complex as a result of the baby weight I'm gaining, which for those of you who aren't aware (and to those who have no filter, for the future, it's best to try to avoid such comments and compliment a pregnant woman on her manicured toe nails if nothing else!):

Breakdown of weight gain during pregnancy-
Baby = 7-8 pounds
Placenta = 1-2 pounds
Amniotic fluid = 2 pounds
Uterus = 2 pounds
Maternal breast tissue = 3 pounds
Maternal blood = 4 pounds
Fluids in maternal tissue = 4 pounds
Maternal fat and nutrient stores = 7 pounds

My husband has learned through trial and error over several months what he should say and should avoid saying. There are books and manuals on this subject and an endless supply of literature on the internet to educate him on the hormones and emotions that we women endure during pregnancy, and in particular, this phase. Bless his heart for putting up with me.

All in all, I'm a happy little momma-to-be. Swollen ankles, puffy cheeks, tingling fingers and back aches aside, I can't wait to go into labor. I think it'll be so much more fun than all this other crap!