31 weeks

And the weeks just keep on tickin' by. We should be ready ready ready by 36 weeks. And though my EDD (estimated due date) is August 10, I've been telling folks that she's coming in late July.

Wishful thinking? My last ditch effort to exert some control on what is about to be a newly out-of-my-control and chaotic life? Who knows. It started as as joke, and now it seems like the right thing to tell people. We'll see. I was six or so weeks early, which would be, for Ginger, coming in 3 weeks -- OK, NO. That would be too early.

Now, let's see what the experts say. From that website:

"How your baby's growing:
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn his head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She'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."

--kicking: check!
--somersaults: prob'ly!
--weight: who knows how much she weighs, but at Ross's doctor's office I tipped the scales at 37 (!!!) pounds. I've never seen anything over 117, so, yeah. No wonder none of my pants or skirts with zippers, including those that I bought in March for preggo me, fit. Right on target, actually.
--kid is def. more substantial. When I bend over a bit and squish the tummy, I can feel, that yes, there are limbs in there.
--turned head: yup, says the midwives/doulas.

And as for me:
--Braxton-Hicks: oh yeah, especially at night or after any handling of the belly
--premilk: yup, it's fun to squeeze out the tip of the nipple... and this sides, where I used to have the barbells piercings. --nursing bra: this sounds like my mom/grandma territory.
--discharge (vaginal): yeah, well, it's all kinda different down there. Nothing scary or icky, just new, and changing aromas and consistencies.

"How your life's changing:
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!"