Hello, 39 Weeks!

So, this is what 39 weeks pregnant feels like! 

During my previous pregnancy, I only made it to 38 weeks and then I popped, so making it to 39 weeks this is definitely a new milestone.

Good news is that today's scan showed that baby's head is already engaged and estimated weight is 3.6kg. Hopefully this means that he is getting ready to come out very. very soon! :)

38 Weeks Pregnant

Well, here I am at 38 weeks, 1 day gestation and still heavily pregnant! 

The little pre labor incident from last week turned out to be just Braxton Hicks/false contractions after all (as much as they hurt), and over the last couple of days, I've not had any consistently strong contractions - only what feels like abdomen tightening and increasing back aches. Still anxiously awaiting the official signs of super strong, consistent and close contractions, the show and water bag break before the actual panic starts...

Anyhoo, since I'm still pregnant, this means that we can still continue with our weekly ultrasound appointment and we went this morning like always.

As of today, (Week 38 - Day 1), the little munchkin's fetal stats are:
- Heartbeat: 128bpm
- CRL: 34cm+ (with her head fully engaged, it's hard to get even an estimated measure)
- Head Circumference: 34.7cm
- Weight: 3.4kg

Although the placenta is covering most of her face, you can still see that she's just slept so peacefully...

No rush, no stress. Just enjoying the moments before she enters the world.
At this angle, her nose does look like daddy's more than mommy's. Daddy must be thrilled! :)

I have seriously been keeping to my Ob/Gyn's orders for plenty of bed rest the past week and remained as stationary and rested as I can. Maybe that's one of the reasons why the little one may also be taking her own sweet time. She's much more relaxed these days and enjoying it! :)

As much as the prediction from my Ob/Gyn that it can be anyday, anytime now that the little munchkin's head is strongly engaged, I asked to be discharged from hospital on our anniversary so that Kevin and I can enjoy my last moments of pre-parenthood and pregnancy in the comfort of our home. She allowed this of course, since we like 5 minutes away from the hospital and as long as I remain fully rested with minimal stress. 

Yay! This also gives me the opportunity to do some last minute preparations for baby and top-ups to my hospital bag, as well as some further reading on breastfeeding and childcare from home.

37 Weeks Pregnant

Well, WE MADE IT! I never thought this day would come... 37 weeks - we're FULL TERM, baby!!!!!

 

If I were go to into labor anytime today, or even after today, my Ob/Gyn wouldn't try to stop it or anything... and I'll get to meet my little girl! :) Although I don't see that happening (at least not today itself although there has been alot of kicking and elbowing happening in there) cos she seems quite content in her temporary "hotel" inside my womb. I'll just continue to incubate the little munchkin a little longer, while she decides to remain in there, and fatten her up even more... I can totally handle a couple more weeks of pregnancy - if she really decides to make her debut at 40 weeks.

Kevin and I went for our usual weekly checkup and ultrasound this morning and we were the first today! Woohoo :)

My bump has definitely dropped now that the little munchkin's head is in 2/3 engaged mode. Yes, she's engaged and in "get set" mode now... but so far, no "go" signs yet even though she has discovered her "escape route". She is probably just taking time to do a proper analysis of the whole situation and her options before making any moves. Plus, she probably wants to just keep us all in suspense as to her arrival date and time. If she's anything like mommy and daddy, then when we least expect it, that's when she'll make her move... Cheeky girl! 

As of today, (Week 37 - Day 1), the little munchkin's fetal stats are:
- Heartbeat: 129bpm
- CRL: ~34cm
- Weight: 3.2kg

Hohoho... Looks like she's got mommy's "Shih" nose, doesn't she? Aaauuwww, sowie daddy! She may take on the Lee name, but she's definitely a Shih baby in every other way possible! :)

What's most important is that my bump measures right at 37 weeks, baby's head is already engaged and everything looks good so far, even though I have not dilated at all. 

I know it is out of my control and I leave it to Allah as He knows best when the little munchkin will and should come out. She too knows his plan and is abiding to it and keeping both mummy and daddy in suspense... Will it be today? tomorrow? the day after? in a week? in two weeks? on the actual EDD? Oh, the suspense!!!

So, all mommy and daddy have to do right now is to trust that it's all in His hands, stay calm, be prepared and await the labor signs of mucus plug, contractions, water breaking... the whole enchilada!!! It could be any day now...

I know she'll come when she's ready, but when exactly will that be honeybun? Give mommy some hints please... Pwetty please? *bats eyelashes while looking down at bulging belly*

36 Weeks Pregnant

We hit Day 1 of 36 weeks today!!! By the way, is the start of 36 weeks considered full term? 

Well, my pregnancy update email says that 37 weeks (the end of 36 weeks) is actually full term - so, I guess we'll be full term at the end of this week?... Yay! Which ever is fine with me as I don't think the little munchkin will be coming out this week anyways although I do feel like I'm carrying a watermelon in my belly now as she continues to grow :)

As of today (Week 36 - Day 1), the little munchkin's fetal stats are: 

- Heartbeat: 130bpm

- CRL: ~34cm

- Weight: ~3.0-3.2kg

She's so much bigger and her positioning today made it difficult to see her full face profile during the 4D ultrasound. We were only able to see her left eye as her left hand was blocking parts of her face. She's still cute regardless and when mommy called out her name, she reacted by trying to open her eyes. I'm a little concerned about the limited space she has at this point though as she's used to having space to roam about freely in there.

My Ob/Gyn also pressed down on my pelvis and alerted me that baby has dropped slightly. Although our little honeybun is remaining in head down position, it seems as though she is not settled in "engaged" mode yet... Slightly relieved to hear that as I don't mind being pregnant a little while longer :) 

Oh sure, my lower back hurts like hell most times these days (mostly night time) and fatigue has certainly kicked in during the day time... But I love every moment of it!

Moreover, I'm amazed at how I am able to still work through and endure my long work hours (late night and early morning conference calls) and stay on my feet at the office even at this stage of my pregnancy. The last couple of weeks, workload at the office has been crazy but it's amazing how my baby gives me the extra energy boost to keep at it while tiring me out at the same time. 

At some point, and real soon, I would have to come to terms with reality (and hopefully, when the time comes, my boss will understand it too) and will need to slow down and stop my work routine and concentrate fully on welcoming our baby safely into the world.  

Since the little one's not "engaged" yet, I'm only planning to start my maternity leave on June 3, the week that I'm due. Hopefully from now until then, I can pace myself and slow down when it comes to work as per my Ob/Gyn's advice, but how is that possible when there's just so much to do at work and so many new projects coming in??!!??

I still can't help but wonder if we'll end up with a May or June baby at this point... Secretly, I'm wishing for her to make it out in time for Kevin and my 4th Year Wedding Anniversary - our Akad Nikah / Solemnization of Marriage - on the May 23, 2013 (two weeks before her EDD - June 7, 2013).

But, I won't force it especially since she seems to be enjoying her stay in there and has not given any signs of coming out anytime in the next week or two. She can come out whenever she's ready... It's just that May 23 would make it a little extra special and memorable - don't you think? 

I guess we'll find out soon... :)

35 Weeks Pregnant

At exactly 35 weeks today, with just 5 more weeks to go, IT FINALLY HAPPENED!!!

I finally feel EXHAUSTED, HUGE and just TOO DAMN PREGNANT to do anything. 

It's also the first time I ever felt like I had to drag myself out of bed (belly and all) on a Saturday morning for our weekly date with our little munchkin at the hospital for the usual 4D ultrasound and checkup. Same goes for Kevin too! We both just felt so drained for some reason this morning, but we still made it to the hospital in the morning... which was of course super crowded!

As of today (Week 35 - Day 1), the little munchkin's fetal stats are: 

- Heartbeat: 140bpm 

- CRL: ~34cm

- Weight: ~2.7kg

She's gonna be like mommy and daddy - with thick hair :)

Looks like she's trying hard to open her eyes...

At the visit, I expressed my concern to my Ob/Gyn about having a big baby, especially since my little munchkin is growing much faster these days and I can feel the pull in my stomach weighing me down... and, not forgetting, the pressure/strain on my back! 

Nevertheless, my Ob/Gyn says it's nothing to worry about as baby is pretty average in size and flashed me her growth chart (and her stats are aligned with the standard growth scale). Phew!!! That is good to hear and see :) In fact, my Ob/Gyn estimates her weight to be about 3.5kg at 40 weeks.

Good news is that she remains in head-down position again today... Yippee!!! (She's been head-down since the past couple of weeks.) I guess she is currently in "Ready, Get Set" mode, but mommy keeps reminding her "No go, no go yet"... it's not time yet. At least let us hit 36 weeks before she starts prepping for the "Go". So far, she seems to be listening to mommy and has not stepped further into "engaged" mode yet... Good girl! :)

34 Weeks Pregnant

We're back at the hospital again today, and this time, the little one brewing in my belly went with a full stomach. So, there was no "drama queen" attitude and she faced the camera during the 4D ultrasound.

Before we get to her fetal updates... Every few weeks once, we will meet this Arab couple (the wife is pregnant with their 4th; and they will bring along their three boys.) at the hospital. They go to the same Ob/Gyn as us, so we'll be waiting at the front of the clinic about the same time. 

This works well for our little fetus as she, as we believe it, somehow likes the youngest of the three boys (he's probably 3 years old and the "naughtiest" of the lot ~ yes, of course she would be attracted to "bad boys"). Anyways, like previous occasions, the youngest of the three boys will always come close and sit next to me, even though there are plenty of empty seats elsewhere, including next to my husband. But he always conveniently chooses the one that's next to me, unless that's not available, the it would be the seat directly opposite of me and mumble some "small talk" (to which my little one will kick and respond to - I know, I feel the kicks in response to his small talk). After that, he will just look at my belly, look at me and then smile the biggest, happiest smile. It's so heart-melting and he's so cute! This usually follows with a shy and manja kinda look, as if he is communication (or perhaps "courting") the little one in my belly. Oh, believe me, my hubby notices this too and sometimes gives the innocent little boy hard stares, but he ignores and continues to keep making eyes at me and my belly :) Way to go baby, already fishing from inside the womb and eying a "Persian prince"? :)

As of today (Week 34 - Day 1), the little munchkin's fetal stats are:
- Heartbeat: 129bpm

- CRL: ~32cm 

- Weight: ~2.4kg

 

 

Wakey wakey, sleepy head! Why do you like to keep falling asleep before your usual afternoon nap?

We want to see more action darlin'... The active action that we feel during the nights...

 

At this angle, daddy noticed her nose coming into shape like mommy's *hidung kembang*. Hahaha.

My Ob/Gyn also passed me my letter of admittance to the hospital for labor/delivery today to keep in the event baby decides to come before Week 40 (or as early as Week 36). Kinda early, but better to have the letter in my hand in advance. Another thing to add to my hospital bag... Oh, which reminds me I have to finish packing my hospital bag soon...

33 Weeks Pregnant

We had to be at the hospital early today as I was scheduled for a blood test (to check my glucose level) at the lab on the 3rd floor at 8.45am.

This also meant that I had to fast last night from 9.00pm onwards and no breakfast for the little munchkin this morning either. Believe me, she tapped mommy many, many times to ask for food, but all she got in return was belly rub and a pep talk from mommy and I can tell the little one was not happy...

The blood test was a three-phased test which took 3 hours in total. To checked the glucose level, they needed to check my urine and blood three times in total, every hour - and I can't eat anything until it was complete. Which only meant my baby will not be having any breakfast, and it will be lunch time by the time I could take in food.

After the 1st urine-blood test, I was given a glass of glucose to drink up in time for the next test.

Since we had an hour until my next test, we headed down to see my Ob/Gyn for our weekly follow-up and ultrasound.

As of today (Week 33 - Day 1), the little munchkin's fetal stats are:
- Heartbeat: 133bpm

- CRL: ~30cm 

- Weight: ~2.1kg

Spine check! All's good :)

 

Reminding us yet again that she's a girl!

She's already sprouting hair at the start of 33 weeks!

Sure enough, during the ultrasound, the little "diva" inside me made it clear to us that she was unhappy. She turned the other way just as we started the scan so to have her back at us throughout the ultrasound - as if to let us know she merajuk (malay for sulk). 

She refused to turn back even when mommy and daddy called out to her and tried to sweet talk her. She was not happy and she wasn't afraid to let us know. We can tell she was wide awake as she was moving about alot. But she never turned. Hence, we were not able to see her face today. My Ob/Gyn took this opportunity to check her spine and other organs and all seem intact. Syukur alhamdullilah!

We headed to the pharmacy to pick up my medication immediately after the ultrasound and went back to the 3rd floor to continue with the test.

For some reason, I could not really "pee in the cup" for the 2nd test, but whatever drops I could provide seems sufficient and enough. After the 2nd urine-blood test, I was told to drink water and I gulped down at least 3 cups full. For the 3rd test, we were back in business and the cup was filled! Being "poked" three times every hour was also no fun, but I got through it :) Let's hope the results are worth the wait... I should get the results by next week.

It was just past noon by the time we were done at the hospital. We immediately hunted for food for the little munchkin. After food, all's back to normal again! Drama! Drama! Drama! even from inside the womb :)

32 Weeks Pregnant

Yeah, baby! We just hit our 8 month mark today!!! :) Can't believe her debut into the world is getting closer and closer... And I seriously think she's just as excited about it as we are... Just don't come out yet ok darling... It's not time yet. Enjoy mommy's belly-tel stay a little while longer before you check out.
 
Like every other Saturdays over the past half year plus, we made our way to Pantai Hospital for our ultrasound date with the little one again today...

 

Can you spot her here? Daddy says she looks like daddy; even the placenta looks like daddy.

Well, we'll find out soon enough in person, won't we?

As of today (Week 32 - Day 1), the little munchkin's fetal stats are: 
- Heartbeat: 150bpm 
- CRL: ~29cm
- Weight: ~2.0kg

Check out her teeny-weeny legs and toes!

 

Our little sleeping beauty! 

Not only has the little munchkin grown drastically over the past week... Mommy also put on the pounds by shooting up 1.5kg on the weighing scale in just one week. Oh no! What happened to our plan of sticking to 0.5kg weight gain for mommy every two weeks, honeybun?!? Mommy thought we had an agreement... Didn't we?  

I'm pretty sure the weight gain for both mommy and baby was the result of the extensive eating during my Marcom Asia team off-site meeting. Since I'm very close to my due date and am not able to travel, the team flew in to Penang from KL, Singapore and India for our 2013/2014 planning "pow-wow". That only meant one thing - food, food and more food at the hotel and in the evenings, in between work of course. After all, what else is there to do when you're in Penang - right?!?  

Oh well, you know what this means... coming week, baby and mommy need to go on a DIET!!!

31 Weeks Pregnant

Today is the 3rd week we went for our weekly follow-up around noon-ish as we had our final antenatal class at 2.00pm. Both mommy and daddy of course gave her a pep talk on the way, to persuade her to show us some action before she naps.

As of today (Week 31 - Day 1), the little munchkin's fetal stats are:
- Heartbeat: 140bpm  
- CRL: ~28cm
- Weight: ~1.7kg

*punch, punch, kick, kick, punch, kick*

Ask and you shall receive... As requested, she gave us just enough on-screen action (kung-fu/karate/self-defense stunts she had been practicing the past few days) so that mommy and daddy will leave her in peace to nap.

After that, she was knocked-out and sound asleep... Nap time, as scheduled!
Soooo cute, and she utilizes the placenta as her pillow :)

At 2.00pm, our last antenatal class commenced. This one's different from the previous classes as it's the practical session and we had the physiologists (two very young "cikus") teaching us stretching more than breathing exercises.

What about the cool lamaze classes you usually see on TV, huh? Breathing, preparing for labor etc... I so wanted to experience those. This class brought back memories of P.E. warm-ups than anything else. I'm not going for a marathon or game, I'm going to go into labor in a couple of weeks. I need to be prepared. Teach me something that would help. Dang!

30 Weeks Pregnant

Similar to last week, Kevin and I went for our weekly follow-up and ultrasound slightly later today, since we had another antenatal class at the hospital at 2.00pm.

Again, our 12.30pm appointment clashed with baby's afternoon nap time. Hence, she was peacefully fast asleep during the ultrasound.

As of today (Week 30 - Day 1), the little munchkin's fetal stats are:
- Heartbeat: 135bpm
- CRL: ~27cm
 - Weight: ~1.6kg

 

 Even when napping, she's not shy to remind us yet again that she's a baby girl,

and on the first scan of the day too! :)

She looks so peaceful, doesn't she?

By the time our afternoon antenatal class commenced in the afternoon, she was awake to listen attentively to "Successful Breastfeeding" - the topic for this week. 

Reading materials on Breastfeeding will definitely come in handy.

Yeah, baby - when the time comes, latch on, suckle, drink up and make mommy slim! :)

29 Weeks Pregnant

Unlike other weeks, Kevin and I went for our weekly follow-up and ultrasound slightly later today since we had to attend an antenatal class at the hospital at 2.00pm.

Our little munchkin's usually very much awake and in "full performance mode" when we go for our weekly ultrasound ritual (every Saturdays at 10.00am). But since we went at 1.00pm today (which coincides with her afternoon nap time), she was fast asleep during our ultrasound appointment (a very rare thing for her). Yet she still managed to sneak a smile for us during the ultrasond while she napped :)

As of today (Week 29 - Day 1), the little munchkin's fetal stats are:  
- Heartbeat: 133bpm  
- CRL: ~26cm
- Weight: ~1.5kg

By the time the antenatal class started, she was wide awake and kicking ~ her afternoon naptime was over :) The topic discussed today was Caring for Newborns, followed by a baby bath demo. If only the demo was on a real baby and not a doll. 

Oh, the little munchkin was definitely wide awake to listen in on the baby bath demo by the nurse ~ as it is, she loves bath time with mommy and daddy even from inside the womb. I guess she wanted to make sure mommy picked up some tips for when the time comes to bathe her in a couple of months.

 

Hmmmmm, looks easy enough, right?!? But I'm still not so sure I would be comfortable bathing my newborn freehand in a round basin though ~ especially one with no support... 

*Note to self: Buy baby bath tub with sling/stopper support to prevent any slippery slip-ups.