First Annual Addie Look-A-Like Contest

While we were in San Francisco this summer, Ame bought some stuff to make Addie's baby book and got a pretty good head start while we were there. This baby book then sat on an end table in our living room until last night, when Ame pulled it out to work on it some more. For inspiration she retrieved her own baby book, and upon finding a baby picture of herself decided to get out Addie's 3D ultrasound pictures and 'compare notes', as it were, coming to the conclusion that the baby looks like her. Honestly, not a bad deal if you ask me.

We read Addie a story called Gertrude McFuzz last night (found in Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories, which is essentially Dr. Seuss' take on Aesop's Fables), which she seemed to enjoy, as was evidenced by the small bit of dancing that she did. Then, as I was lying in bed last night playing with (read: poking) her, she moved more than I'd ever felt her move. It felt like she was seriously just throwing her entire body against one side of Ame's belly, almost as if she were telling us that she was ready to come out. Only a few more weeks, Addie, only a few more weeks.

After my post last night, Ame reminded me that Monday is the end of 36 weeks, and the 37th week begins on Tuesday. So, with that in mind, the following is what will be happening with Addie next week, whereas the previous post was about what she did this week. Again, from Pregnancy.org:

• This week, the average size is about 6.3 pounds (2859gm) now and 19.1 inches (48.6cm) length.
• She is official full term now but can still benefit from extra days in the womb.
• Your baby continues to practice breathing movements. Isn't it amazing how she can breathe "under water?"
• Grasp is firm now. It won't be long until you'll feel that strong little fist confidently grasping your finger (or tightly clenching your hair)!
• A few weeks ago, your baby would move her eyes toward light. Now she turns towards light outside the uterus.
• As the uterine wall stretches and thins allowing more light to permeate, she develops definite daily activity cycles. You will want to be sure to establish good patterns yourself at this time, thus encouraging them in your child. Ever heard of a baby getting her days/nights mixed up? Now's the time to try to avoid that!

I wonder if it may be too late for that last point. Her waking and sleeping cycle now is essentially the same that it will be when she is a newborn, which seemingly indicates some rather sleepless nights for Mommy and Daddy in the near future. I guess we better sleep now while we still can. And with that in mind, it may be time for that Sunday afternoon nap.