Dear Pooh Bear,

Happy 31 Weeks! I can’t believe how big you are getting! I guess I should also say I can’t believe how big I’M getting! I sometimes wonder how big I am actually going to get. Where will it all go? I am pretty positive that it will find somewhere…but little boy, you certainly are getting big in your mommies belly.

You really have started to give your mommy some jabs. They hurt little man! Your favorite spot to give me a good ol’ punch is in my left side. I didn’t even know that you were that far back. Right above my hip bone…that’s your where you like to play the most. Ouch! I know I say this almost every week but you are REALLY moving around in there. My stomach moves like there is a little alien taking over in there. You like to roll alot. When you aren’t punching my side you are rolling. Your Grandma tells me just to wait till you start kicking my ribs…looks like I have a lot to look forward to in the kicks department!

Last weekend you traveled with your mom and dad to Vermont. The whole trip we kept reminding ourselves that if we go back next year that you will be with us. How weird is that? This trip to Vermont was the last vacation that we will take with out you physically in our lives. We are just so excited to share it all with you. There is so much of this world for you to see, and we can’t wait to show you.

Lots going on this week little Pooh Bear. Thursday, your daddy and I are going to meet with a pediatrician. We have to make sure we choose the BEST person/people to take care of you. We are kind of lost in the baby department so whoever we choose has to be patient with all of your mommies questions. Then this weekend is my first baby shower! A bunch of people will come to celebrate you little guy. You will get tons of presents. I’m sorry you won’t get to open them yourself, but I promise to do it justice. Then guess what happens next Monday? We get to have another sonogram! It’s our last chance to see you before you actually arrive. How crazy is that?

Pooh Bear 31 Weeks

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He’s probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby’s kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

Have you noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then? Many women feel these random contractions — called Braxton Hicks contractions — in the second half of pregnancy. Often lasting about 30 seconds, they’re irregular, and at this point, they should be infrequent and painless. Frequent contractions, on the other hand — even those that don’t hurt — may be a sign of preterm labor. Call your practitioner immediately if you have more than four contractions in an hour or any other signs of preterm labor: an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge (if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody — even if it’s pink or just tinged with blood); abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping; an increase in pressure in the pelvic area; or low back pain, especially if you didn’t have it before.

You may have noticed some leaking of colostrum, or “premilk,” from your breasts lately. If so, try tucking some nursing pads into your bra to protect your clothes. (And if not, it’s certainly nothing to worry about; your breasts are making colostrum all the same, even if you don’t see any.) If your current bra is too snug, you might also want to pick up a nursing bra. Choose a nursing bra at least one cup size bigger than you need now. When your milk comes in you’ll be grateful for that extra room!

If you’re having a boy, you and your partner will want to take some time to think about whether or not to have your baby circumcised. Find out the pros and cons from your doctor, and what the procedure involves.

I love how the picture shows your little eyes open and alert! What are you looking at in there? So they say you are going to have a growth spurt huh? Yikes! Time for your mommy to get ready for a bigger belly!