The Weekly Run-Down: 34

How Far Along: 34 weeks pregnant - still want to guess baby's birth details? http://bebepool.com/alyandjason

Size of baby: This week, baby girl is measuring the size of a butternut pumpkin - a pretty large one, I'd say!

Random & Interesting Developmental Stuff:  Here's this week's run-down:

Your baby's preparing for her arrival in just a few short weeks! This week, the protective vernix caseosa (that cheese-like, white, waxy coating that's keeping her skin safe) begins to thicken, ensuring that her birthday suit stays smooth and well-moisturised during D-day. Your baby will likely arrive covered in the stuff, especially in the folds under her arms, behind her ears, and in the groin area. But it'll all be washed off very shortly after birth -- during her first-ever bath.

Total Weight Gain: I've gained about 1kg this week - and I'm feeling it!

Sleep: Pretty average, actually. My bladder starts to physically hurt if I don't pee immediately - so lots of late night toilet runs. My back has been feeling better lately, but the recent hospital stay didn't help there. :(

Symptoms: I'm pretty sure I'm feeling the same as most third-trimester almost-mamas right now: huge. Puffy, swollen, achy & tired all the time. I seem to be crying a lot too, extra hormones?

Cravings: Apple and blackcurrant juice.

Gender: Girl, Girl, Girl! 

Movement: She slowed down a LOT this week {which worried me & had doctor concerned} but as soon as we got the trace monitoring on, she decided to go back to normal. Since we've been home from the hospital, she's been very jabby up in the rib area. I'm loving the more regular movements again.

Maternity Clothes: More dresses, and stretchy, daggy yoga pants. Very comfy!

Milestones: Well, I suppose I got a sneak peek into the maternity ward at our hospital, so that was an eye opener. {I'm glad we chose the hospital we did - it seems lovely.} We're at 34 weeks now, so just under six weeks to go - I'm counting down every week now, because I simply cannot wait to meet our little one.

What I'm looking forward to: I have a growth ultrasound on Thursday to check on baby girl, and a midwife check on Friday morning to make sure my blood pressure has calmed down. :)

The belly: If you believe in fundal measurements, I'm huge. At 33+4, I measured at 38 weeks. In other words - it's getting pretty darned big. I have the stretch marks {that just keep stretching!} to prove it.

You can catch up on my weekly pregnancy updates {in reverse order} by clicking here. For bump shots - go here!