Baby Newsletter Weeks 35 & 36

Below is a copy of one of the weekly newsletters my friend, Heather, sent to our friends at work during my pregnancy as the BPA (Baby Personal Assistant): Hi Everyone, My sincerest apologies for missing last week's Baby Newsletter! We were preoccupied throwing the shower! :-)  Here is Week 35: Week 36: Baby melon (sounds pretty darn close to Meller!): -He's doing less somersaults b/c it's getting a little cramped in there! But let the kicking begin! -His kidneys are fully developed now and his liver can process some waste products… uh gross. -He's packing on the pounds- the rate is now an ounce a day! -He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during her nine-month amniotic bath… so he's like a shedding little werwolf!  -Major grossness- the baby is also swallowing both of those substances… along with other secretions… uh have I mentioned babies are kinda gross?! Mama Melon: -The uterus is not up and under Erika's rib cage… ouch!  -There is also now more baby than amniotic fluid in there! -She def has to pee every few minutes, get's heartburn often, and there is stress on internal organs! -As the baby drops there will be an increased pressure in the lower abdomen… but the heartburn and normal meals may be easier to handle! -As the baby drops walking will become difficult and uncomfortable!  -Also- no flying at this point or roller coasters! Gotta keep that little guy safe! -Mom and Dad- you better start collecting take-out and delivery menus from local restaurants (I think Applebee's has takeout!) b/c you will NOT have time to cook the first several weeks after the baby is born!  -For first-time moms (erika) labor takes an average of 15 hours… though it is not uncommon to go more than 20! Hope everyone brought a book and an iphone… this is going to take awhile! -Also time for the parentals to make a "grapevine" aka a list of all the people you want to hear about your baby's birth! World Bookers will be excited to part of that grapevine! :-) Happy Monday!!! Heather the official BPA