Comparisons and Predictions

I am 36 weeks exactly.  My bump is big.  My shirts generally don't fit.  Because my shirts don't fit, I wear a lot more dresses which require me to shave more often.  Which, in turn, requires its own sort of creative physical contortions.

On the bright side, per yesterday's OB and MFM visits, all restrictions are lifted.  I show normal signs of labor for this stage:  baby is head down but not engaged (and no dilation).  I can do what I want comfortably.  Saturday's family mud run?  Bring it on!  Actually, I'll just be there on the sidelines - I'm not throwing all caution to the wind.  :-)

Yes, Violet, you were born after Momma jumped in a mud pit and couldn't get out.  After Herculean strength on Daddy's part, he hauled Momma out only to find her succumbing to intense contractions.  And a small crowd gathered as you were born in a muddy park one spring day, a far cry different from your siblings' 36 hour sterile hospital delivery.

Umm, no thanks.

Based on the picture below, I think I should henceforth be renamed "She Who Swallowed a Basketball":

 

 

For contrast, here's a picture of me pregnant with the twins at almost exactly the same point (36w6D).  My belly might protrude just as far, but I am carrying more of a watermelon shape, from hips all the way to chest.

 

 

 

Since I'm in the home stretch, I figure it's time to take gender and dating predictions.  And for the most accurate guess, I suppose I could come up with some sort of prize?  Maybe a gift card to be mailed?  I'll accept a vote either here on the blog or on facebook (I know I'll link to this on good ole FB).

 

To recap, Violet is now an estimated 6 lbs 10 oz and has consistently been well above the 50th percentile for size.  My official due date is May 27.  And so far my OB and I do not have an induction date in mind.

 

 

Old Wife's Tales

 

1.  I'm carrying low - this means BOY

 

2.  Heartbeat is often below 140 - this means BOY

 

3. Craving sweet or salty? - No cravings.  However, if we get technical, I like an occasional root beer float and love my dark chocolate (something that preceded this pregnancy) - this might mean GIRL

 

4.  Face breaking out? - Not really.  This means BOY (girls supposedly "steal your beauty" - weird!)

 

5. Queasiness levels - more queasy this pregnancy than with twins - this means GIRL.

 

6.  Belly is basketball or watermelon shaped? - basketball means BOY

 

 

End tally:  BOY - 4 votes               GIRL - 2 votes

 

 

So, tell me.  What do you think?  Boy or girl?  Birth date??