Billy's growth continues as we enter Week 36. He's approximately a pinch under 21 inches in length and probably close to 6 lbs. now. Antoinette's continually expanding uterus has now pushed up under her rib cage. A typical pregnancy would have a Mom at about 30+ lbs. of overall weight gain, and that figure will tend to hold fairly steady from here on out. Antoinette is well short of that figure. Reductions in amniotic fluid and other tissue tend to counteract the increased body weight of the baby, who will only gain about a pound and a half or so from here on out.
Uterine expansion is also slowing down after this week. Antoinette has basically maxed out on the overall size and so her breathing will become labored and she will often find herself short of breath. Temps are starting to pick up in Florida (mid 80's the last couple days), which won't help much, but it beats being 9 months pregnant during June/July down here. Gradually, little Billy will continue working his way deeper into the birth canal, and this little trip for him will ease up on Antoinette's lungs, allowing them to expand a bit more than right now.
Prepping for the baby's arrival continues at the Lionhood house. Today I spent too much time trying to get a car seat properly strapped into Antoinette's car for the first time. Slightly more complicated than I thought since there is some kind of base that attaches to metal loops that fits under a seat belt that pulls tight to lock into place that...never mind. I'll finish that job tomorrow. Antoinette also did some shopping and picked up a baby monitor and some other odds and ends that filled a few needs.
Billy's face should have filled out a bit and should look smooth and plump like a typical baby's face should look. His chubby cheeks actually consist of powerful muscles built up from practicing nursing using his thumb and from extra layers of insulating fat. His skull has firmed up a bit, but remains fairly soft for flexibility during birth.
The picture is of a cross section of the female body at 36 weeks pregnant. Some of you have emailed me to ask questions about what is pressing on what. You can notice the baby's head laying directly on its Mother's bladder. And you can see how those kicking legs can get lodged up under that rib cage pretty easily. Also, notice the compression of the Mother's lungs and stomach, resulting in several other typical pregnancy symptoms, such as shortness of breath and heart burn, etc.
Overall, plans for the delivery are still unfolding at our house. We'll get you a final Baby Shower update from the nurses/doctors on Thursday or Friday.
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