w 38 - Maternity leave

"So, how does it feel to be on leave?" The question started coming on Friday even before I went home for the day. Yes well... I haven't been really off yet, have I? Today it still feels like I'm off sick or on vacation. I can't really say. But it's kind of nice just being home, minding my own business, taking it easy. Of course it feels weird not to get up in the morning, getting ready for work as usual. But my schedule is kind of full this week anyway. Yesterday I had dinner with the girls. Lots of baby talk of course, today I'm making sheets for the cradle out of old sheets from grandma's, tomorrow I'm going to take my picture for my new drivers licence and visiting a friend at work, and on Friday I'm off to the antenatal clinic again and checking out the Christmas market at Skansen. So it's not like I'm getting bored just yet. And next week, well it's Christmas!

My mother's bought a coverall for Peanut. One of those fuzzy things with ears and a little tail. Very cute. S/he won't be cold when we drive home from the delivery room anyways. :-) We have also finally ordered the car seat from our insurance company, we decided to rent throughout the first years. Much cheaper really and the last chair we get to keep. Very good indeed!

Your pregnancy 38 weeks:
Peanut: Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

Me: For many women, the next couple of weeks are a waiting game. Use this time to prepare your baby's nursery or to take care of necessary tasks you may not get around to for a while after your baby's born. Take naps, catch up on your reading, and spend uninterrupted time with your partner while you can.

Some swelling in your feet and ankles is normal during these last weeks, but call your practitioner without delay if you notice excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, any swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, or have a sudden weight gain. Also let her know immediately if have severe or persistent headaches; visual changes (such as double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, light sensitivity, or a temporary loss of vision), intense upper abdominal pain or tenderness, or nausea and vomiting. These are symptoms of a serious condition called preeclampsia.